Hotel at a Glance: Hyatt Regency Dulles

This modern hotel is conveniently located minutes from the Dulles International airport and Washington, DC which makes it a perfect destination both for business and pleasure. Guests can go on a shopping spree to Reston Town Center or explore the Shenandoah National Park. And when they need a break, they can go for a swim at the hotel's indoor pool, relax in the hot tub, or chill out in their room, watching TV or surfing the web.

• Transportation: travel to the airport with a free shuttle

• Stay active at the 24-hour fully-equipped exercise facility

• Relax in a hot tub or an indoor swimming pool

• In-room amenities: a flat-screen 37" TV and complimentary WI-FI

Capitol Hill, Washington, DC: Monuments and Museums

The National Mall is a must-see for first-time visitors to Washington, DC. The mall stretches 2.5 miles east from the Lincoln Memorial, past the soaring Washington Monument, to the Capitol Building on the other end. Across the Tidal Basin, stop in to see the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, which features a series of waterfalls, sculptures, and inspiring quotes from the 32nd president. To avoid crowds, tour the monuments after dusk when they’re lit up.

Another pillar of DC is the Smithsonian Institution, which encompasses 19 museums in total. The Smithsonian’s best-known museums are located along the National Mall, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. The latter is home to missiles, rockets, and the Spirit of St. Louis, the plane Charles Lindbergh famously flew across the Atlantic to defeat the Soviets at Gettysburg.

When you’ve had your fill of iconic monuments and museums, check out the city’s trendy neighborhoods northwest of the mall, such as Dupont Circle. Here, some of DC’s best restaurants and clubs butt up next to foreign embassies housed in historical mansions. On the weekend, you’ll find nightlife along Connecticut Avenue and in the Adams Morgan neighborhood as crowds flood in and out of Latin lounges, karaoke dives, and high-end clubs.