Whenever I pay, I stay in Joie de Vivre or Kimpton's near downtown or Dupont - I never stay as far as Georgetown let alone outside the District. I usually book through Hotels.com based on best available price for those hotels.
When work pays, I stay where the conference is being held, usually the Westin or Marriott/Omni. So in two weeks I'm staying at the Westin and The Palomar.
I also like the Liaison, George, Rogue, Topaz, and Donovan. I have not stayed at the Madera, Monaco or Carlyle yet.