With the economy in the tank and the Inauguration past, I'm starting to see some relative bargains in DC hotel prices, which normally average well over $200/night, even for 2 and 3 star places. Yesterday, I found rooms at the Washington Hilton (a four star hotel about 4 blocks up from DuPont Circle) for $159 + 14% tax (about half of its normal rate). I also found rooms at the Courtyard on Connecticut Avenue (across from the Hilton) for $129 + tax if you prepay. From there, it's a 5-10 minute walk to DuPont Circle Metro and a 10 minute ride to the Convention Center.

I think that we will see more hotels drop their prices as the date approaches and their rooms remain available. I suggest that you pick a few places to watch and begin calling the hotel's reservation agent directly to ask for their "best" rate.
If you find some other bargains, post them on this site so that others can take advantage of them. See you all next month.