If it's not too late to chime in, I second the suggestion to avoid downtown DC (i.e., the business district), as it's soulless at the best of times and is pretty much dead after working hours, with the empty streets lending themselves to crime. DC is not a safe city, so crime is definitely a concern.

I'd recommend choosing a general area for your stay first and then deciding on your hotel. Dupont Circle is a busy area with lots of restaurants, bars, and shopping to keep you occupied. It's very walkable, has some beautiful architecture, and is right on the Red Line. I've stayed a few times at the Churchill on Connecticut Ave. and had a good stay, as did my mother when she stayed there for my grad school graduation. There are also a bunch of upscale chain hotels in the area, if you're looking to use/earn points or want to make use of status perks.

Georgetown is also a great location, although likely to be a bit pricier than Dupont. I know there's a Four Seasons there (so obviously $$$$) but not sure what the cheaper options are. There's also Foggy Bottom, but that's more of a college vibe because it's right next to George Washington University. The Watergate could be an option if you want a bit of political history with your stay.

I agree with the recommendation to avoid Gallery Place. You might find yourself facing roaming mobs of young miscreants. That area has really gone downhill since covid, if not before.

I'd advise against staying anywhere other than NW (Northwest) DC. Capitol Hill is very pretty (and parts of it are so gorgeous they make San Francisco look meh), but the neighborhood can be a bit rough around the edges and it's not necessarily immediately obvious to visitors.

Have you ever been to DC before? What's the main purpose of the trip? That could also influence the suggestions people give you.