Hilton Washington

Description:

• This sprawling hotel, built in 1965, occupies 7 acres and calls itself a "resort" -- mostly on the basis of having landscaped gardens, tennis courts, and an Olympic-style pool on its premises (unusual amenities for a D.C. hotel). Embassies, great restaurants, and museums are just a stroll away.

  The Hilton caters to corporate groups, some with families in tow (during the summer, the reception desk gives families a complimentary gift and lends them board games -- ask for the "Vacation Station" perk), and is accustomed to coordinating meetings for thousands of attendees. Its vast conference facilities include one of the largest hotel ballrooms on the East Coast (it accommodates nearly 4,000). By contrast, guest rooms are on the small side. From the fifth floor up, poolside, you'll have panoramic views of Washington. A multimillion-dollar, top-to-bottom renovation should be complete by the end of 2009. (The hotel will stay open throughout.)

  Facilities: 2 restaurants (both American); deli; 2 bars (a pub and lobby bar); Olympic-style heated outdoor pool; extensive health-club facilities; concierge; transportation/sightseeing desk; comprehensive business center; lobby shops; room service (until 12:45am); same-day laundry service; dry cleaning; concierge-level rooms; 28 rooms for those w/limited mobility, some w/roll-in showers.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2009