hmmm....an unexpectedly AWESOME answer. nicely done.
this is a tough question. i think for sheer genius and staying power, the acoustic (Hell Freezes Over) version of "Hotel California" is perhaps my favorite. i can listen to that over and over. amazing. i'd also have to throw in some more modern songs - "Play Crack the Sky" by Brand New for its raw, simple poeticism and "Brothers on a Hotel Bed" by Death Cab for its haunting beauty.