Washington Plaza Hotel

While other Dupont/Downtown hotels give off a hip, out-on-the-town vibe with their rooftop lounges, the Washington Plaza Hotel is more of a resort-in-a-city scene. It’s more laid-back and family-oriented. Adding to the resort feel is a large outdoor pool, right off the lobby, where guests can relax in the middle of the cityscape of Thomas Circle. It is raised above street level, so that passersby can’t see in. The bar/restaurant doesn’t get as big of a local following as some of the other hotel bar scenes, with the focus more on guests. The bar/lounge in the back of the lobby is dim and cozy, with fireplaces.

An interesting contrast occurs between the lobby and the guests rooms. The plaza-like lobby was originally designed in the 1960s, with many circles and bubbly accents. When guests reach the rooms, the decor feels more boutique, with a bold color palette and sleek, modern decor. With sliding doors between spaces and inset flat-screen televisions, the rooms feel fresh, and still accommodating for families.

Floor-by-floor renovations of the rooms are ongoing and should be completed by the end of 2010.

Amenities include in-room dining, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, free Washington Post delivered Monday through Saturday, 12,000 feet of meeting space, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, concierge service, wi-fi throughout hotel, and on-site dining includes No. Ten Thomas Restaurant and bar/lounge, the International.

Check out nearby Logan Circle. Other area attractions include Studio Theatre, National Jewish Museum, National Geographic Museum, and the DC Convention Center.