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Primely-located at the corner of 14th and K streets, the Crowne Plaza is near the White House, Fortune 500 companies, and great restaurants. A recent, much needed overhaul has turned the hotel upscale, so you can expect plump duvets on seven- layer mattresses, beige marble and black granite in the bathrooms, royal blue spa robes, and CD player/clock radios. The lobby always looked rather grand; now the rooms match. K Street-facing rooms overlook Franklin Park. The Franklin Exchange is the restaurant, and it hops at lunchtime, thanks to its inexpensive buffet. A club level and seven well-equipped meeting rooms (maximum 300 capacity) add to its appeal for business travellers.
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A 1960s psychedelic colour scheme – lime green, shocking orange, electric blue – combines with 21st century comforts such as a 5-disc CD player and 22” flat screen TV in every room. It may not feel like home, but it doesn’t feel like a hotel, either. Standard rooms make maximum use of space with a design that tucks the platform bed in an alcove behind a drape, and the triangular desk perfectly nestled in a corner. 'Speciality’ suites embrace intriguing themes (like 'Eats’). Young locals congregate at the Helix Lounge for half- price burgers and beer, weeknights, 5- 7pm. Helix’s two meeting rooms can accommodate up to 180.
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Sister to the Helix, Rouge, and Topaz, boutique hotels all and included here, the Madera aims for whimsical sophistication, from the leather-covered reception desk in the lobby to the animal-print pillow covers in the guest rooms. Many rooms have balconies overlooking the city; others offer partial views of Rock Creek Park and Georgetown. Rooms are spacious, each accommodating a sofa and bed bench. Specialty rooms here include 'Flash’ rooms, equipped with a PC and printer. Firefly is the tiny restaurant, always filled with diners hungering for the French fries (served in a cone), or dishes like the potato gnocchi. The hotel has two meeting rooms with a total maximum capacity of 50.
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Don’t stay here if you’re the quiet type – unless you’re ready for a change. Rock music plays in the lobby and shades of red make your eyes pop in the guest rooms. Imagine floor-to-ceiling red headboards, crimson drapes, and Red Bull in the (orange-red) minibar. The hotel clearly hopes you’ll let your hair down, serving complimentary Bloody Marys in the lobby on weekend mornings, complimentary wine weeknights. Fun and sexy, but comfortable, comfortable. Specialty rooms here include Chill rooms, with DVD player and Sony Playstation. Bar Rouge seduces patrons with 'Brigitte Bardot’ martinis. Meeting space holds 25 for a conference, up to 100 for a reception.\nf
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The elegant, intimate Jefferson was a boutique hotel before boutique hotels were fashionable. Just a tad off on its own, it feels like a hideaway. Impeccable service, antique furnishings, and oversized marble baths emphasise tasteful luxury. Take a closer look at those framed documents you see hanging on walls throughout the hotel: some of them really are original and signed by Thomas Jefferson. Be sure to enjoy a drink or afternoon tea in the panelled pub, or a meal in the Jefferson Restaurant, which continues to receive praise for its new American cuisine. Meeting space capacity ranges from 70 to 150, using up to six rooms.
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