Fodor's Expert Review Lorien Hotel and Spa

Set off bustling King Street by a brick courtyard, this boutique Kimpton hotel is an oasis of contemporary chic in a city of colonial charm. The minimalist design and laid-back atmosphere make it feel like you’ve been transported from the Potomac to the West Coast. Guest rooms feature modern touches like frosted glass sliding bathroom doors and a cool blue-gray color scheme. The hotel puts a lot of emphasis on health and wellness; you can select pillow styles and aromatherapy scents from a pillow menu, and the spa offers facials, massages, and more—they’ll even cater to business travelers with quick treatments or personal yoga classes in between meetings. Every evening the hotel hosts a complimentary wine hour (in the courtyard, when the weather’s nice). For finer dining, the on-site Brabo restaurant has won accolades for its use of local ingredients in its modern Belgian-inspired menu.