The Bar/Lounge at Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

"The hotel's ICI Urban Bistro restaurant and Le Bar lounge are popular gathering spots, especially in pleasant weather, when urbanistas jam ICI's terrace tables"

"At night, Le Bar fills up with local revelers from nearby offices that come to imbibe a wide variety of martinis, listen to contemporary lounge music and eat appetizers or deserts like the über-rich chocolate cake for two"

"No absinthe in the minibar, but you'd think it"

""Incredible" service soars "above all expectations" at this "outstanding", "luxurious" and historic property also boasting "modern, elegant" accommodations (with marble bathrooms featuring separate tubs and showers) plus a "primo" location just "a quick walk" from the White House; amenities include a complimentary fitness center and an "enjoyable" restaurant and bar, so though some say "the price is a premium", couples on "romantic getaways" and business travelers agree it's a "top-drawer choice"

"Both the sophisticated Le Bar and the bistro have outside space, which is at a premium in this area"

"Francophone staff click-clack over shiny black-and-white marble floors as jazz floats overhead; chic young things lounge artfully in the dramatic wine-and-gray halls of Le Bar, sipping champagne"

"With its spacious rooms, stylish bistro and bar, and a decidedly European feel in the center of old downtown near Lafayette Park and the White House, it's popular with both international and domestic business travelers and families"

"Each guest room is equipped with two or three dual-line phones with voice mail and a dedicated data line, minibars, coffeemakers, safes, irons and ironing boards"