Deep-green marble walls and green glass chandeliers highlight the lobby of this National Historic Landmark, which incorporates the distinctive architectural styles of Robert Mills and Thomas Walter into a place combining history and style. The hotel's modern brasserie, Poste, is located in a mail sorting room from the late 1800s and features original cast iron ceilings, granite walls and masonry floors. Poste tempts tastebuds with sandwiches, including smoked turkey with Brie or crab cake, and dinners of salmon, fried green tomatoes, whitefish salad or grilled steak. Guests at this downtown Washington hotel also can enjoy 24-hour room service, a fitness facility and complimentary evening wine receptions.

The Monaco's 184 modest guestrooms feature original 15-foot vaulted ceilings, neoclassic furnishings, and blacks and whites surrounded by creamy yellows, periwinkle blues, vivid reds and vibrant oranges. The rooms include fancy Aveda toiletries, complimentary high-speed Internet access, cordless phones and CD players.

What's more, Fido will love this place. Upon check-in, dogs receive bowls, Evian water and maps of dog-walking routes. They also will enjoy room service. Dogless guests can receive fish for companionship.

A member of the Kimpton Group of boutique hotels, the Hotel Monaco sits in a neighborhood preferred by guests who want to avoid touristy places. Besides, Penn Quarter is considered the place for dining in D.C., and Fido gives the Monaco two paws up.