Courtyard by Marriott DC Convention Center

The Courtyard by Marriott DC Convention Center stands close to Historic Union Station and the U.S. Capitol. The stately downtown Washington hotel is across the street from the International Spy Museum, which is a treat for kids of all ages, and close to the Washington Convention Center and MCI Center. Guests perks include indoor pool, fully equipped business and fitness centers, gift shop, and a crack team of concierges adept at adroitly arranging teacher tickets and bagging dinner reservations. The hotel is four miles from Reagan National Airport and 28 miles from Dulles International Airport.

The ornate granite façade of this imposing building, which was built in 1891, suggests that this is not an ordinary value-priced hotel. Instead, the lobby, with its vaulted ceilings, hints at Jazz-Age opulence with colorful murals of men in wide- shouldered suits holding money bags. Guestrooms are more subdued, offering a clean and comfortable stay without a offering a clean and comfortable stay without a lot of frills. The Courtyard Café not only includes continental fare but the original massive steel door that led to the bank's vault. In addition, Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant serves American-style cuisine and its own authentic German-style beers on tap.

Hotel accommodations include 188 guestrooms and suites featuring oversized marble bathrooms, coffeemakers, 25-inch televisions with cable channels, and express video check-out.

Name a sight in Washington and chances are good it's close to this hotel, which is why business travelers, families, couples, groups and other leisure guests patronize the Courtyard by Marriott DC Convention Center in downtown Washington.