Staying Overnight in Washington D.C. (Where?)

[cpl100]

I will be stopping for two nights en route to Disney in July (to sightsee). Of the myriad of hotels and locations, does anyone have a suggestion for where to stay keeping in mind the need to see the sights (and particularly the Spy Museum) as well as the need to book out of the hotel early on Thursday morning for the long drive? Stay within D.C. proper? In Alexandria or Arlington? Also, what time would you suggest leaving the city in the morning?

[TLinden16]

If you're only going to be there a couple of days, and money isn't too big of an issue, you may want to stay right in DC. The train system in DC is excellent, but if you are only there a short time, you may want to be right in the middle of everything.

I've been staying at the Hilton Garden in on 14th Street when I go to DC. It's a nice hotel. There is a fridge and microwave in the room. There is even a small indoor pool in the hotel. It's just a few blocks from the White House, and a short walk to the Mall. It's also right across the street from a train station.

There is also a J.W. Marriott on 14th Street that looks pretty nice. I've never stayed there, but we ate breakfast in the restaurant, and it was quite good.

If you are looking to stay in Arlington, I stayed at the Doubletree Hotel near the airport in Crystal City. It was about a 10 minute walk to the train station, and about a 20 minute ride on the train to the Mall. There is a great shopping mall at the train station with lots of great places to eat in the mall, and in the strip mall across the street. There are other hotels nearby the Doubletree, I just can't remember what ones.

Karen

[cpl100]

Thanks for responding. I see that they indicate ****limited valet parking $24**** first come, first served. And if there are no spaces left what does one do with their automobile?

Thanks so much!

[TLinden16]

I usually fly to DC and take a cab from the airport, so I've never had to deal with the parking issue. Parking is usually a problem in DC in general, but you can usually find someplace to call. You could call the hotel directly and see if they run out of parking spaces very often. Once you park your car, you probably won't need it again. The public transportation in DC is very good in the area where most of the attractions are.

Oh, just a little tip. If you plan on going to the monuments, consider getting tickets on one of the tour buses. It will save you a lot of walking.

Karen

[cpl100]

Originally posted by TLinden16
I usually fly to DC and take a cab from the airport, so I've never had to deal with the parking issue. Parking is usually a problem in DC in general, but you can usually find someplace to call. You could call the hotel directly and see if they run out of parking spaces very often. Once you park your car, you probably won't need it again. The public transportation in DC is very good in the area where most of the attractions are.

Oh, just a little tip. If you plan on going to the monuments, consider getting tickets on one of the tour buses. It will save you a lot of walking.

Karen The tour bus is a great idea. Thanks!

[Kimickey]

DH works at a private hotel called Club Quarters. It's two blocks from the White House which is in the heart of DC. You are 10 minutes away from National Airport. When I or DH and I fly out of National we normally stay at his job overnight so that we don't have to trek the 30-45 minute drive from our house to the airport. Also, the metro system is right next to his job so if you wanted to sightsee, taking the metro train would be your best possible option. Driving around the city to sightsee trying to find parking on the street is a nightmare. All of the monuments are in walking distance as well. If you want more info on Club Quarters just PM me and I will give you all of the details you need.

[mcnuss]

I travel quite a lot to DC and lived there for 10 years before moving to NH, and concur with the other posters and would like to add:

1. TourMobile is super. DD and I did it last April and we're going to do it again in June.

2. Parking in DC is costly during the week, they love to get the business travelers. Also, some hotels have specials on weekends that include parking. Before you pick your hotel, you could also ask if there is a nearby self-park garage which would be much less $$. You will not want to take your car out until you are leaving for good!

3. JW Marriott is lovely, but generally pricey, and will likely be very high during the week. The HGI is nice, but I am not in love with neighborhood. There is a Sheraton 4 Points near there, too. Same kind of hotel. Not sure how many of you there are, but I would recommend one of the Embassy Suites hotels, all of which are super. You get a free, cooked to order breakfast, cocktails, and a nice suite with a bedroom and an LR with a sofabed. There is an Embassy Suites downtown, very nice location but a bit business-y. Then there are 2 in the burbs, right next to metro. We are actually staying at the one in Alexandria next week (weekend rate of $139 for 4 of us); if you want me to let you know how it is, let me know. There is another one in Chevy Chase, MD. I have heard that it's the best of the 3, but the prices do reflect that. The advantage to staying in Alexandria would be that on the morning you are leaving, you are minutes away from 95 South, and it is much easier to navigate into and out of than DC (not that DC is that hard...).

4. Finally, you may want to try Priceline. Start with biddingfortravel.com to get educated if you have not used it before. There is a very good list of DC hotels. I have not P-lined in DC but have in NYC and got a $250 hotel for $98 mid-week.

Let me know if I can be of any additional help.

[dsanner106]

I agree with the earlier posts, but find that in DC , as long as you are near the train, it doesn't matter what hotel. If you want in-expensive, near the train, free parking, the Quality Inn Iwo Jima in Arlington is a few blocks from the Iwo jima mem, and Arlington Cemetary and about 10 minutes from the train. 5 or so stops from the Mall. If you choose that area, I know a few restaurants, etc.

Drew

[cpl100]

Thanks for everyone's help here about this. I knew there would be helpful people with information. I had received a brochure last Fall from The Carlyle Suites/Savoy Suites. They are in DuPont Circle and Georgetown respectively. I made a reservation at the Carlyle prior to thinking of asking here ($89 special rate). It has 'limited free parking'. When I asked at reservation time I was told there is a small lot there. When it fills up you go down the street to a pay lot/garage. Does anyone know of this hotel or have experience with it? Looks great in the pictures, but first hand is always better.

I considered Priceline actually and did go over there to read all the information about the local hotels and such. At least one hotel would not have been suitable for myself and two sons as it's a boutique hotel with only one bed. I did read about people taking issue with one of the major hotels location but don't recall just which one at this point. I know I could get a great 4* hotel for less than $90 but some of them charge $26/day for parking.

Priceline's hotels in Alexandria are:
3 Star
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Sheraton Suites Alexandria
Radisson Old Town Alexandria

2.5 Star
Residence Inn

I couldn't tell from the reviews or my map how close to DC or how convenient public transportation would be from these? Does anyone know?

If the Carlyle is a decent hotel and reasonably convenient, I think my choice may be to either stay there or change to Alexandria if public transportation is good from there. How does that sound?

Thanks everyone!

[jimmybop]

If you wanna stay just out of DC, I just stayed at the comfort inn in Alexandera. Very nice, it has a free shuttle van to and from the Van Dorn Metro stop (about a 2 min drive, 5-10min walk).

[Threehearts]

I live in Chevy Chase, Maryland and I'm not sure that we have an Embassy Suites here. Threehearts

[bom_noite]

If you have kids I am very much a fan of the Holiday Inn chain. They cater to family's with the "kids eat free" deal. 2 Years ago we stayed at the Holiday Inn on Capital Hill. We got the room on a National Zoo promo - 2 nights for $150 (including admission to the national zoo for 4).

The hotel is 2 blocks from the Capital and we walked down there every evening to see the Military Band that plays. It is also a convenient walk to the Mall tour buses and subway. Couple that with a way cool Roof Top swimming pool and the kids Knighted me father of the year!

If you are interested I would suggest this: Book a good hotel with a cancellation policy. Then, go to the Holiday Inn website 3 or 4 days in advance and look for "web-deals".

I am not a big DC guy, but, I would imagine if you stay in the city you would be going opposite traffic when you leave in the AM.

You have alot going for you wherever you stay:

1) Travel is down and 2) Summer is slow in DC. You should be able to get alot of deals wherever you wind up!

[cpl100]

Quote: If you have kids I am very much a fan of the Holiday Inn chain. They cater to family's with the "kids eat free" deal. 2 Years ago we stayed at the Holiday Inn on Capital Hill. We got the room on a National Zoo promo - 2 nights for $150 (including admission to the national zoo for 4).

I would love a kids eat free deal; however, at nearly 14 and 16, they eat twice as much as me and three times as often!

Thanks for your ideas. I will look into that Holiday Inn.

[mcnuss]

Originally posted by Threehearts
I live in Chevy Chase, Maryland and I'm not sure that we have an Embassy Suites here. Threehearts

Well, to be precise, it's in the District, but it is called the Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase Pavillion. I think it's right across the street from Mazza Gallerie, and near the Cheesecake Factory & Maggianos.


Summer is slow in DC

I'll buy that travel is down but unless things have changed alot since I moved away, summer is not slow in DC, it's when all the tourists with kids arrive! (kinda like WDW!)

[bom_noite]

Loved your post dude - a few more comments and a question:

Comments:
1) If you like staying in WDW you like being apart of the action - then - I think your choice is clear - find a hotel in the City. While you can always stay outside - it is a more meaningful experience to be among the action. It is very much like deciding at The Polynesian vs. Hotel 8 Main Gate.

2) If you plan to stay in the city - then parking is an issue. I think the parking was included in our deal. If not - it was $10 or $15 - but that is the price of the city.

3) I would be nervous about parking my WDW loaded car a block away unless someone on this board gives you the all clear. Even then, I would be nervous!

4) I would also worry about the commute if you stay in Georgetown. I just do not think you would have an issue if you stayed anywhere in Va or the City. Many of the folks in Georgetown commute every AM in to the city - so you must fight them.

5) Before we went I looked at Fodders.com and that helped me narrow the choices down.

6) Please take comments 1 - 5 with a grain of salt. We were very happy with the Holiday Inn (and feel good about recommending to others) - but - I am in no ways an expert on DC and others can probably give you better advice. I do feel solid on comments (1, 2 and 5) from our experience. Also, I think I am solid on comment 3 - dude - not sure I trust anyone on a board to give me a recommendation on where to park my car!

Questions:
1) Do me a favor - after you get back please let me know the final choice. We plan to go back and I am always in to other opinions.

2) Are your kids still "in" to WDW at that age? We have 2 (9 and 12) and I am worried that there enthusiasm may wain.

Good Luck

[cpl100]

Originally posted by bom_noite
Loved your post dude - a few more comments and a question:

Comments:
1) If you like staying in WDW you like being apart of the action - then - I think your choice is clear - find a hotel in the City. While you can always stay outside - it is a more meaningful experience to be among the action. It is very much like deciding at The Polynesian vs. Hotel 8 Main Gate.

2) If you plan to stay in the city - then parking is an issue. I think the parking was included in our deal. If not - it was $10 or $15 - but that is the price of the city.

3) I would be nervous about parking my WDW loaded car a block away unless someone on this board gives you the all clear. Even then, I would be nervous!

4) I would also worry about the commute if you stay in Georgetown. I just do not think you would have an issue if you stayed anywhere in Va or the City. Many of the folks in Georgetown commute every AM in to the city - so you must fight them.

5) Before we went I looked at Fodders.com and that helped me narrow the choices down.

6) Please take comments 1 - 5 with a grain of salt. We were very happy with the Holiday Inn (and feel good about recommending to others) - but - I am in no ways an expert on DC and others can probably give you better advice. I do feel solid on comments (1, 2 and 5) from our experience. Also, I think I am solid on comment 3 - dude - not sure I trust anyone on a board to give me a recommendation on where to park my car!

Questions:
1) Do me a favor - after you get back please let me know the final choice. We plan to go back and I am always in to other opinions.

2) Are your kids still "in" to WDW at that age? We have 2 (9 and 12) and I am worried that there enthusiasm may wain.

Good Luck Oh yes, they are excited to go back. Of course, some things (like Cinderella) have lost their appeal. On the flip side of that, they have great stamina now and can fully enjoy Universal which we will also do. As for the loaded car, I intend to use their strong bodies to haul it all up into the hotel for the two days we are in DC. The place we already have booked for our back up in D.C. is in DuPont Circle. How's that area? Fodors.com is a good lead and I will check it out. Thanks.

Cindy

[bom_noite]

I called you dude - sorry Cindy - from here on out you are dudette. Again - I am not a DC guy - my first impression on Dupont is this:

1) Traffic: From a traffic standpoint getting out it may delay you 15 minutes. You have to go through the heart - to the outerbelt and out. A room in-town or in the VA burbs would probably save you time.

2) From an action stand-point I think you are trading the night-life action of DC to the heart and soul of the democratic process (of course the democratic process will be closed in the evening).

3) Walking: Not sure you can walk from Dupont to the city. Keep in mind that while DC is a town for walkers, from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial it is over 2 miles - we walked from Cap to Abe, then, got a cab halfway back as we were spent! DC from our experience is a much more gruelling walk then WDW - you have 2 choices: Concrete or Marble - neither are forgiving!

4) Safety: The grizzled vet may say - awww no problem. Well, it is easy 2 say this aint WDW. We had 2 experiences with vagrants that were a bit scary! And that was within a block of the mall! Also - we live in ATL which has it share of downtown vagrants. In the mall you are safe - the government (especially now) is watching that like a hawk. I would not want to walk from the Mall to Dupont after dark.

AGAIN - I am no DC Expert. Please - DC Folks Chime in!

AGAIN one more time: I remembered a family hotel accross from ESPN Zone and 1/2 block from Fords Theatre. Good cheap rooms - never stayed there - but it came up in my research and we passed it walking.

Lastly: Call your Senator/Congressman or both - that is why they are in business - to help their constituants! They have pages and interns that would be glad to help you! They also may score you a preferential ticket to the Capitol / White House / Etc! I have called twice before - they fall over backwards to help a registered voter! Tell them it is not urgent - when they have time - they will call you back!

Hope this helps Dudette!

[cpl100]

No problem with the dude/dudette thing at all.

The brochure tells me that the hotel is 2 1/2 blocks from the Metro which should be walkable I would think. I wouldn't consider walking alone at night, but I do feel considerably safer with my two teen boys who are hubby's height and taller! (I know they are kids, but they look good!)

I don't know what action we'd be seeing at night anyway, so that doesn't bother me. And I have no qualms about hopping in a taxi to go back at night if need be.

Never considered calling Ted Kennedy about it! It's a good idea about the ticket, though. Gee, I wonder where those phone numbers are handily listed?

Thanks for your suggestions.

[dcfromva]

Another Hotel choice is Loews L'Enfant Plaza. (http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/washington_lenfant/default.asp) ( They may even have an entertainment rate for this hotel. ) Loews L'Enfant Plaza is co-located with a metro stop and a little shopping area.
Link to Loews site--special offer L'Enfant Plaza $119/night--limited availability (http://www.loewshotels.com/specialoffers.asp)


Metro offers a One Day Pass for $5
Valid for one day of unlimited Metrorail travel on weekdays after 9:30 a.m. or all day on Saturdays, Sundays or federal holidays. Pass expires at the end of the operating day—2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, midnight on other nights.
lnk to Metro (http://www.wmata.com/)

I noticed those Entertainment books are being advertised at $10.00 each and I believe there is a coupon for Tourmobile, One for Old Town Trolleys and one for Duck tours, too... These tours do a pretty good job of taking you to all the tourist locations. Metro is good, but you still have a hike to some of the monuments/memorials if you rely on it exclusively.

Link to Tourmobile (http://www.tourmobile.com/)

Link to Old Town Trolleys (http://www.trolleytours.com/Washington.htm)

Link to Duck Tours (http://www.historictours.com/washington/dcducks.htm)

-DC :)

[cpl100]

Thanks for all that information. I checked online and that hotel seems to be sold out on one of my nights. :(

That tour information was very helpful also. The one thing we MUST do is the Spy Museum because that's their major interest. I would also like to take in at least some of the historical things too. One son visited D.C. with his 8th grade class (I went too) but then 9/11 happened and all the school trips to D.C. since then have been cancelled. The younger son missed out and I'd like to at least show him some of the highlights if possible.

By the way, this is a stop over en route to WDW. I noticed that you are also visiting in July.

[Joyce DC]

I live in Dupont Circle and know the hotel you mentioned. The location is great, and I'd be glad to give you the cook's tour if you'd like just send me an email. The Metro can take you anywhere you'd want to go and is clean and as safe as a subway system can be. I'd advocate taking the Metro as opposed to walking downtown both for safety and comfort. The spy museum is lots of fun.

Joyce

[alvernon90]

Lots of good advice here, let me add some:

1. Because of the (rather unfair) taxi zone system, Dupont Circle is a great taxi bargain. Familiarize yourself with the taxi zones, because stopping in the right place can save you a lot of money. I used to live in Dupont in a building that sat on the zone boundary, so I could save a few dollars depending on which side of the street I stood on to hail a cab.

2. For nighttime fun, consider catching a show at the Kennedy Center. Their web site has performance schedules.

3. If live shows are out of your price range, consider a movie at the Uptown theater. It's just a few stops up on the Red Line, and it is a spectacular restored movie palace with a giant screen and a balcony. Since there is only one screen, they usually are showing the hot action movie of the moment.

[cpl100]

That's very helpful advice, alvernon90. Where will I find the taxi zone information?

I'm sure my sons would enjoy a movie at that theater, particularly and action film!

[alvernon90]

DC taxi zone info:

http://dcpages.ari.net/Travel/Reviews/taxi.shtml

[cpl100]

Thanks for that. But good Lord that's confusing... and all those surcharges! I've never heard of a place where an occupied taxi will stop to pick up another person!

[macs4us]

We flew into Dulles, rented a car for the day from Budget. Went to Mt. Vernon, Target (for water) and checked into our hotel. We stayed on Hilton Hhonors points at the Capital Hilton, and we returned our car to the Budget location around the corner - no drop fee, no parking worries. Our hotel was close enough to walk the major sites (two blocks from White House), and the Old Town Trolley stopped in front of the hotel. We contacted our congresspersons and got tours (no White House tour was available as we are not Vets), and seats in the House/Senate galleries - the best part of our trip. When we were leaving, we went back to Budget, picked up a new car, and drove that back to Dulles (again, no drop fees). The car dropoffs and pickups took less than 15 minutes each.

Make sure to check http://www.quikbook.com/ as they often have good rates. Sometimes you can stay at really nice hotels (St. Regis, Loews Jefferson, Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons) as cheaply as moderate hotels if you check their websites for specials. I know we were considering going near the 4th of July, and the St. Regis was cheaper than Embassy Suites downtown - bizarre.

Have a great trip!!!

[cpl100]

Originally posted by macs4us
We flew into Dulles, rented a car for the day from Budget. Went to Mt. Vernon, Target (for water) and checked into our hotel. We stayed on Hilton Hhonors points at the Capital Hilton, and we returned our car to the Budget location around the corner - no drop fee, no parking worries. Our hotel was close enough to walk the major sites (two blocks from White House), and the Old Town Trolley stopped in front of the hotel. We contacted our congresspersons and got tours (no White House tour was available as we are not Vets), and seats in the House/Senate galleries - the best part of our trip. When we were leaving, we went back to Budget, picked up a new car, and drove that back to Dulles (again, no drop fees). The car dropoffs and pickups took less than 15 minutes each.

Make sure to check http://www.quikbook.com/ as they often have good rates. Sometimes you can stay at really nice hotels (St. Regis, Loews Jefferson, Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons) as cheaply as moderate hotels if you check their websites for specials. I know we were considering going near the 4th of July, and the St. Regis was cheaper than Embassy Suites downtown - bizarre.

Have a great trip!!!

Thanks for those tips. I am driving so no car drop off option for me! I, too, contacted my congresspersons a few days ago. How did they contact you and how far in advance? Thanks again.

[macs4us]

We actually emailed them, and they emailed back. We called the local office and confirmed times. They are very flexible - but that might be because we are in California, and it is easier to get gallery seats (not as many people visit from CA due to distance). It was funny, because our rep is a republican, and we are democrats (I have a little donkey keychain from the Smithsonian) - most of the interns weren't from CA either, so they had no idea what we were talking about a lot of the time. Our senator actually gave us the gallery tix, as our reps office was out. We just called Senator Feinstein's office, and walked in to pick them up ten minutes later.

Have fun - I wish we could go this year!!!

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

We have a pop-up and have stayed out in College Park, Maryland at a very nice campground. They have cabins to rent as well. It was only one mile from the nearest Metro Station and you could either drive or take a city bus to get there. I believe it was only $1 to park for the day. We absolutely LOVED the Metro to get around to all the sites and then we were able to get away from all the craziness in DC proper by returning to our campround.

As long as you are near a Metro Station, you should be fine.

[mcnuss]

I am kinda confused by bom-noites posts, specifically:

I would also worry about the commute if you stay in Georgetown. I just do not think you would have an issue if you stayed anywhere in Va or the City. Many of the folks in Georgetown commute every AM in to the city - so you must fight them. and

Not sure you can walk from Dupont to the city

Both Dupont and Georgetown are neighborhoods of DC, they are part of the "city". Someone who lives in Georgetown and who works downtown is highly unlikely to use a car to do so, they'll use the bus system or metro. If you stay anywhere in the District, when you go to leave early in the am, you'll be going against traffic (basically, although lots of people work in the burbs now).

I lived in Dupont for 3 years. It's a wonderful neighborhood, extremely safe. Very residential. (I lived at 30th & Q, right across from the Phillips Collection museum). If you are right near metro, you are going to be fine. And while it is a long walk to downtown from there, it is do-able, and there's lots to see along the way. You do not need to worry about walking those 2 1/2 blocks at night, unless you plan to be out at 2 am. This is not going to be the urban street scene you are imagining. These are lovely streets lined with trees and brownstones and little shops. It is very pretty.

Don't stress about the cabs in DC. I still haven't figured out the system, but there's nothing you can do about it so it's not worth th effort of thinking about it.

[cpl100]

Originally posted by TRAPPED-PARENT
We have a pop-up and have stayed out in College Park, Maryland at a very nice campground. They have cabins to rent as well. It was only one mile from the nearest Metro Station and you could either drive or take a city bus to get there. I believe it was only $1 to park for the day. We absolutely LOVED the Metro to get around to all the sites and then we were able to get away from all the craziness in DC proper by returning to our campround.

As long as you are near a Metro Station, you should be fine.

What a great idea. Unfortunately for me, though, I really feel that I have to get at least to DC or a little to the southern side of it in order to make enough headway the next day (towards WDW). Thanks, though.

[cpl100]

Quote: I lived in Dupont for 3 years. It's a wonderful neighborhood, extremely safe. Very residential. (I lived at 30th & Q, right across from the Phillips Collection museum). If you are right near metro, you are going to be fine. And while it is a long walk to downtown from there, it is do-able, and there's lots to see along the way. You do not need to worry about walking those 2 1/2 blocks at night, unless you plan to be out at 2 am. This is not going to be the urban street scene you are imagining. These are lovely streets lined with trees and brownstones and little shops. It is very pretty

The hotel (Carlyle) is at 1731 NH Ave NW near 16th and U Streets. Perhaps you recall that specific area? Thanks mcnuss.

[mcnuss]

16th & U has changed a lot since I lived there; everyone was buying up there as I was leaving. I understand now that the neighborhood is very "hot". They call it the "New U". But you'll be between 17th & 18th, I think, more oriented to the Circle. But here is my hotel philosophy: if you are worried at all, it is going to spoil your good time. In the same neighborhood, but a little closer to the Circle, are the Hilton Emabssy Row and the Westin Embassy Row. I have stayed at the latter and it is nice, but a lot more $$ than the one you've booked. My honest advice to you is to change hotels. Not because of the neighborhood, which is really FINE, but bc you don't know anyone who has stayed there, and I sense that is making you nervous. I am going to be in DC on the 19th-21st, if you'd like, I could go check the hotel and let you know my opinion. In the meantime, here is every hotel in DC I would recommend (and I am PICKY ICKY) .

* Embassy Suites Downtown or Alexandria (the free breakfast with 2 teenaged boys will save you $25-$30 per day!)
* Westin Embassy Row or Grand (Embassy Row is very close to Metro, Grand is further)
* Cap. Hilton
* Sheraton 4 Points Downtown
* Hyatt Regency Downtown
* Hilton Embassy Row
* Omni Shoreham (up near the zoo, literally next to Metro, GORGEOUS neighborhood - my favorite non-business location)
* Marriott Wardman (one block up from the Omni)

[cpl100]

Originally posted by TLinden16
If you're only going to be there a couple of days, and money isn't too big of an issue, you may want to stay right in DC. The train system in DC is excellent, but if you are only there a short time, you may want to be right in the middle of everything.

I've been staying at the Hilton Garden in on 14th Street when I go to DC. It's a nice hotel. There is a fridge and microwave in the room. There is even a small indoor pool in the hotel. It's just a few blocks from the White House, and a short walk to the Mall. It's also right across the street from a train station.

There is also a J.W. Marriott on 14th Street that looks pretty nice. I've never stayed there, but we ate breakfast in the restaurant, and it was quite good.

If you are looking to stay in Arlington, I stayed at the Doubletree Hotel near the airport in Crystal City. It was about a 10 minute walk to the train station, and about a 20 minute ride on the train to the Mall. There is a great shopping mall at the train station with lots of great places to eat in the mall, and in the strip mall across the street. There are other hotels nearby the Doubletree, I just can't remember what ones.

Karen Wow! I just checked the Hilton Garden has parking for $24.00 day. That's steep, but I guess expected. Were there any other alternatives for your car? That Double tree is considerably cheaper. How would you compare the two hotels?

[madge]

I am soooo glad to see this thread about DC :) While we have a WDW trip planned later this year, our family is going to be in the DC area in July. His business is in the Landover, MD area....while on the Metro, it doesn't appear to be in the best spot as far as sight seeing goes. If I am wrong, please let me know....

my question is this--we really only have 3 full days and one partial day to do any touring. One day (a Sunday, before DH class starts) we have devoted to the tourmobile/monuments. Would we be better of changing hotels after the class is over to be closer to the city? I checked out that Loews link and most reviews are favorable, but I read that area isn't a place to be after dark.

any advice would be great--we have 3 kids, 12, 8, and 1 :)

edited to add: I also priced the Four Points DC and found very nice rates....how is that area for families?

I am finding this thread very helpful. As helpful as planning my Disney:earsboy: trips....

[cpl100]

I'm glad that this thread is good for someone besides me because it's taking up a lot of space--worthwhile and helpful for me, but I hope not annoying anyone else!