1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
202/393-2000 or 800/228-9290
www.marriott.com/wasjw [1]
COST: More than $250 per night
This property languished in the 1990s, with a central atrium pretty enough to serve as a set for the 1987 movie Broadcast News but not keeping up with newcomers like the W Washington [2] a few doors down.
But a $40 million renovation in 2009 altered the interior significantly: It has the same bones as before but has definitely become more 21st-century, with lobby and public areas featuring leather-covered columns, wood paneling, and platinum ceiling inlays.
Guest rooms are updated as well, decorated in muted shades of red and gold and featuring high-backed desk chairs and technology that allows guests to check their email on their TV sets.
Links:
[1] http://www.marriott.com/wasjw
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/washington-dc/hotels/w-washington-dc