P.O. V. Roof Terrace and Lounge

This rooftop bar is located on the 11th floor of the trendy W Washington, D.C. Hotel, holds only 104 people, and is accessed solely by an elevator. The hotel reserves some seats in the lounge for hotel guests and accepts reservations for all others, so if you're not staying here and want to make the P.O.V. scene, you really should call ahead for a spot. Otherwise, when the place is full, as it often is, you have to wait your turn down in the lobby, where another bar and party are on hand, by the way. It can be quite chaotic. The procedure and the wait are a turnoff for some, but many find it all worth it, once the elevator delivers them to the terrace and lounge. The big draw here is the unique view of the Washington Monument, the White House, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the Lincoln Memorial -- no other place in town serves it up in this kind of setting. Plunk yourself down on a couch, order up a Dark and Stormy (Gosling's rum and house-made ginger soda), and take it all in.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.