Imagine staying at a place where Bob Hope came to breakfast in his bathrobe. But that's exactly what guests get when they book rooms at the Madison, where many of the world's most famous and powerful people kept favorite suites. With a stately style inspired by James and Dolly Madison's Federalist era, the Madison hotel sits only four blocks north of the White House and close to the Smithsonian Museums, monuments, government buildings and other sights synonymous with the nation's capital.

Since opening in 1963, the Madison has hosted U.S. presidents, entertainers, foreign diplomats, corporate tycoons and other visitors from throughout the world. Famous and not so famous guests can dine on contemporary American fare at the hotel's Federal Restaurant or at the Palette, which showcases both the art and cuisine of the Americas. At the hotel's Postcript Bar, guests can kick back in leather club chairs, sip Scotches and bourbons, and read many of President Madison's letters exhibited on the walls. The Madison the hotel, not the President also features a fully equipped fitness center.

This Washington hotel's 353 guestrooms feature antique reproductions in the Georgian, Federal and American Empire styles. Guests can fall fast asleep on beds piled with down pillows and dressed with 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets. Amenities also include heated towel racks, premium bath products, complimentary high speed Internet access and CD players.

Reagan National Airport is only five miles away, while Dulles and Baltimore Washington international airports require pretty good jogs: 27 miles and 35 miles respectively.

The Madison is a good choice for families, couples on romantic weekend getaways, groups and business travelers who delight in staying close to all the sights and coming back to enjoy comfortable accommodations.