hotel helix is nice, but hotel george is better; the rouge is the worst of the lot. look into the melrose hotel. also, the wyndham, not the wyndham city center. then there's my personal choice, the sofitel, overlooking lafayette park. yum. and, of cource, the grand hyatt is wonderful. plus, both westins are ok. the mandarin o. is o.k., but so not worth paying that much. but god, cityzen is the best restaurant ever!!!!! you are treated like a king from start to finish in there. also, the river inn isn't bad.
stay away from any and every hilton; they ALL suck. if the room is under $100, run. the willard is the most overrated.
the hay adams is the best dc can over, but plan on hooking to pay for it.