Courtyard Washington Convention Center $$

900 F St. NW
202/638-4600 or 800/393-3063
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wascn-courtyard-washington-convention-cen... [1]

COST: $150–250 per night

Located in the former Riggs Bank building, constructed in 1891, this hotel is in many ways a typical Courtyard by Marriott: basic furnishings, an indoor pool and hot tub, and a bistro to grab breakfast before heading out for the day.

But in other ways this Courtyard is not so run-of-the-mill. The Gordon Biersch Brewery on the first floor provides room service, a concierge is on hand to help guests find their way, and the manager hosts a wine-and-noshes happy hour during the week.

The convenient location—in the heart of downtown just two blocks from the Verizon Center, close to the Metro, and near the International Spy Museum [2], the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, and the National Portrait and American Art Galleries [3]—is this property’s biggest asset. But it can also be something of a drawback regarding noise: Patrons party at nearby bars late into the night.

Guest rooms are city-small, and if you don’t like noise, ask for an inner room; you’ll sacrifice a neighborhood view, but it will be quieter.