St. Regis

What to expect: A meeting of the old and new: luxe gilt lobby with endless Italian marble floors vs. leather-and-chrome restaurant bar helmed by celebrity chef Alain Ducasse.
Where to spend your dollars: Settle into the purple Bar at St. Regis. Populated by admiring foodies, the bar pours the coolest drinks. “Our Trial by Berry (Champagne, house-infused vanilla and nutmeg vodka, muddled blackberries) is the favorite,” says Marianna Alfa, restaurant director. “The chef’s slider duo―two burgers, one beef, the other boudin―is our rock and roll item.”
The inside story: Mixologist Mia Baila creates D.C.’s most unusual drink: Champagne adorned with pearls of Cointreau and gold flecks.

923 16th and K Streets NW.; www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis or (202) 638-2626