For whomever next finds this thread:
I have had good luck with AC Hotel Washington DC downtown @ 1112 19th St. NW. I chose the hotel for convenience to my office. The hotel does not generally cater to tourists, which I prefer.
I like to take morning walks from that hotel to the FDR Memorial, passing by the MLK memorial, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, the White House, and the Washington Monument. Farragut North is the convenient station. It's a good spot.
In a different direction, you're at a slightly shorter distance from the museum of American history.
In yet another direction, the Kennedy Center is even shorter.
Again, I like it, because it is a 'business traveler's hotel' that is in a good 'tourist' spot.
There is a solid Belgian beer bar on the same block. Solid list.