W Hotel Washington, DC

Ye Olde Hotel Washington rises from the ashes with a glaring, tell-all "W" on its brow. Thoughtful redesign plays on former grandiosity with sly, tongue-in-cheek touch. Peppermint-striped awnings are fake eyelashes to 300+ sprawling rooms. A dozen different shades of off-white compete with grandma's dusty violet and bits of candy-colored velvet. Pampering begins with pillow menu, pillowtop beds, and blissful Bliss products. Erudite top-floor restaurant still promises best bird's eye view of Obama's backyard.