Bought some airline tickets to DC (for vacation) for the beginning of August.  I have never been to DC so I thought it would be fun to see the sights.  I have been spending the morning searching on TripAdvisor for a hotel (there are just too many).  I was thinking it would be best to stay downtown or maybe in Dupont Circle.  Any suggestions for areas to stay in, hotel recommendations,  and/or restaurant recommendations and things to do while there?  Also, any hotels/areas to avoid?