Don't just tour the historical sites when you're in Washington, stay in one. There are several hotels that have a unique place in the history of the nation's capital (and the nation).

Hay-Adams Hotel
If you can't get an invitation to stay at the White House, the Hay-Adams Hotel across the street is your next best bet. It provides unmatched location, architecture by H.H. Richardson and an elegance and charm that typify turn-of-the century Washington.

The Willard Inter-Continental
Since Henry Willard bought this Pennsylvania Avenue property in 1850, this hotel has hosted every president, as a sleeping guest or at a social function, as well as such luminaries as Mark Twain and the Duke of Windsor. It also hosted Civil War peace negotiations.

Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Billing itself as "Washington's second best address," this hotel hosted Calvin Coolidge's inaugural ball and Charles Lindbergh's celebration of his historic flight. Extensive renovations in the 1980s restored the hotel to its original grandeur, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hotel Washington
The city's oldest continually operated lodging establishment, Hotel Washington sits directly across the street from the Treasury Department. and the White House. Its outdoor bar (in season) is renowned for its stunning view of the city.

The Westin Fairfax
For many years a Ritz-Carlton, this elegant hotel on the Massachusetts Avenue Embassy Row evokes a more genteel era. A favorite haunt of Jacqueline Kennedy,it was also the place that Vice President Al Gore spent much of his childhood while his father served in the U.S. Senate.

The Morrison-Clark
Also on the National Register of Historic Places, the Morrison-Clark dates back to 1864, when two separate town homes were built along the corner of 11th and L streets, NW. In the 1920s, it became a military club offering low-cost lodging to servicemen; every first lady from Grace Coolidge to Nancy Reagan served as honorary chairwoman. It is now a boutique-style hotel with 54 guest rooms with unique period furnishings.

Washington Hilton
Sometimes adverse events define history as well. The Washington Hilton makes this list because it was the scene of the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. This hotel is also frequently a host to presidential inauguration balls and festivities.

-- Ben Abramson