For over 25 years the Tabard Inn, near Dupont Circle, has attracted Washingtonians and visitors alike for its garden courtyard, quirky interior and amazing food fare. The menu changes with the season with a majority of the food coming from the Tabard Inn’s nearby farm. Always interested in staying ahead of trends, Irene Mayer, the Inn’s in-house designer, started looking into putting vegetation on their numerous roofs in 2007.

Traveler Magazine's Stay List Criteria

The hotels on our Stay List 2009 don't just reflect their surroundings—they help define them. What they all have in common is a transcendent vision that goes beyond traditional hotel-keeping. This mindset is what gives these hotels their special sense of place. Make no mistake: You'll sense the vibe at once. Maybe it's the regional architecture that speaks to you. Or a guest room resonating with history. Or local food that not only tastes great but tells a story to boot. After your stay, you'll leave with the kind of insight only soulful places can provide.