Hotel Monaco Washington DC

Neo-classical post office transformed into post-modern hotel with cartoonish good looks. Crazy colors are Kimpton-brand signature, from absinthe chandeliers to lemon yellow walls, orange silk bed pillows.  Play-on vintage structure bears a distinguished air, keeps skin-deep hipsters away. Bellboys in tails squeak shoes on marble, say "Welcome to Chinatown", carry Tumi bags for the nation's political consultants. Lovely little details like (good) free wine every night, special "tall" rooms and luscious conference rooms. Incomparable.