The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

In the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.'s West End — minutes from the National Mall, the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. Close to George Washington University Hospital, Dupont Circle and Embassy Row, this luxury, family-friendly and pet-friendly hotel is a smart base for D.C. adventures.

Housed in a Beaux-Arts building with refined city energy, the hotel has 300 warm, air-conditioned rooms and suites. Rooms feature down comforters, Egyptian cotton sheets, minibars and Smart/LED TVs, plus iPod docking in some rooms; private baths have separate tubs and showers, with designer toiletries, bathrobes and slippers. Multilingual staff and concierge service keep stays smooth.

Recharge at the full-service spa with massages, facials and body treatments, or unwind in the sauna, steam bath and spa tub. Keep up with workouts in the fitness center and yoga area, book tours at the desk, and use on-site services like laundry, dry cleaning, an ATM and parking. Accessible rooms and elevator access are available — and yes, pets are welcome.

Featured business perks include high-speed wired internet (wireless available), a 24-hour business center, meeting and conference facilities, limo/town car service and onsite self-parking (charges may apply).

Dine at the hotel's restaurant or grab a drink in one of the bars/lounges. 24-hour room service is available, and cooked-to-order breakfasts are served daily (weekday and weekend hours noted).