What to expect: Light filters through translucent panels in the soaring glass atrium, illuminating the slate floor and dark-wood reception desk. The Westin's staff offers professional and efficient service, appreciated by the mostly business clientele. Guests at the Westin Tysons Corner have a variety of dining options, including BlueFire Grille, BlueFire Lounge, Starbuck's, and in-room dining service.

Amenity highlights: Most rooms in this 11-story Falls Church hotel offer excellent views of the surrounding countryside—views that are particularly beautiful during spring and fall foliage seasons. A fitness center, business center, complimentary local shuttle service, and indoor pool are also provided by the Westin Tysons Corner.

Insider tip: Haycock-Longfellow Park, 4 miles from the hotel, has four tennis courts and a walking trail leading to the Haycock School and the Dunn Loring Metro station.

What to expect: A two-tiered chandelier dominates the hotel's lofty lobby, which is furnished with French antique reproductions and an Aubusson-style carpet. Located in a wooded business park in a suburb of Washington, D.C., the Marriott Fairview Park primarily attracts business travelers, though its event space makes it popular for weddings as well.

Amenity highlights: The hotel's indoor lap pool and seasonal outdoor lap pool are separated by a glass wall. A spa tub is a few steps away from the indoor pool, and poolside dining from the room-service menu is available. A fitness center has cardiovascular equipment, free weights, and two saunas. The hotel offers 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including a ballroom for 1,000 guests.

Insider tip: One mile away, Tysons Corner Center has 250 department and specialty stores, from Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdale's to Abercrombie & Fitch and L.L. Bean. Across the street, Tysons Galleria provides an additional 150 department stores, designer boutiques, and restaurants, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Versace, Chanel, and the Cheesecake Factory. On weekends, the hotel provides complimentary scheduled shuttle service to both malls.