A CIA/spy theme defines Donovan House, an 198-room hotel that opens March 28. Among the hotel's gimmicks: staff will be equipped with wristwatch communication devices. We're eager to take a peek at the promised perks in its guest rooms, such as a "cocoon spiral shower"— whatever that might be.

The hotel is named after the World War II general William "Wild Bill" Donovan, who headed up covert operations by the Office of Strategic Services, a precursor to the CIA. (Fun fact: A fictionalized version of Donovan was played by Robert DeNiro in The Good Shepard.)

The hotel is at 1155 14th St. NW, on Thomas Circle, on the site of a former Holiday Inn, and is several blocks from D.C.'s sidewalk cafes and nightlife attractions. But it's only a fifteen minute walk to the White House and the National Mall. While aiming for an upscale crowd, introductory rates start at $153 a night at Quikbook.com. The hotel is part of the Thompson boutique chain, which has been rigorously covered by HotelChatter.

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