You need to read this forum. There are probably 50 threads on this forum in the last 10 days about choosing hotels.

Bazzaman, that price for central DC is next to impossible. The least expensive hotels are in the suburbs and do better with rates. You can use the metro (subway) to get in, around and out of central cheaply. There are many experts here who I'm sure will reply. You can also look up my info. here and see previous posts on this subject.

Actually, I just stayed at the Renaissance on 9th Street NW for $75 a night. It was just a few blocks from the Metro, Chinatown, and several museums.

Go to biddingfortravel.com and check out the hotel forum for Washington, DC. People post their winning bids from Priceline and other services. Once you get an idea of the prices that get accepted for the area and level of service you desire, click on the Amazing-Bargains link to Priceline and make your bid.

Results aren't guaranteed, of course, and you don't get to choose your hotel, but I would be surprised if you could not find something centrally located in the price range you indicated.

As long as you DON'T come here around the inauguration 1/20 (which covers 1/15 - 1/22) you should be able to find a hotel around $150 for January. Both of Kimpton's properties (Hotel Monaco near Verizon Center and Hotel Rouge near Dupont Circle) offer rate around $150/nt. They are smaller boutique hotels very nicely appointed. Visit Orbitz and put in your dates. If you want to visit the museums on the mall you might be better staying on Pennsylvania Ave, L'Enfant Plaza, or Penn Quarter area. For shopping and nightlife, try Georgetown or Dupon Circle.