Can anyone recommend a hotel in Washington, DC?

[madelyn]

If you are up to a longish walk (about 3 long blocks from the McPherson Square Metro station) we loved our stay at the Homewood Suites in the fall of 2008. We accompanied my husband there on a business trip and loved the 2 room suite w/ full kitchen and pay laundry facilities on the 1st floor. The reviews on Tripadvisor led me to this hotel. The breakfast buffet is the best I've ever had and most evenings offered a free meal as well (things like meatloaf and veggies). Not top notch quality but still a way to feed your family inexpensively. Hubby returned here in the fall 2009 but we didn't go with him and I think his stay then was great too.

 

[Swimalie]

The changing of the guard at Arlington is a must see at least once in life. I've almost never felt prouder of my country than while standing to witness this awe-insiring ceremony. It really gives you an appreciation of our country and the people whose shoulders we stand upon...

I agree. I am 39 and saw it on a family trip when I was 8. I still remember it to this day. My husband hasn't seen it yet and I can't wait to show it to him.

For those traveling here, make sure you go on a non-holiday to Arlington. Some of the holidays can be packed there. And it's a hike once you get in there. There is a shuttle but not to all the spots. For the Mall spots, if you can walk Disney, you can walk the mall if the weather is nice. I've walked from one end (Potomac) to the Capital and back before - stopping along the way at some of the spots. So for those staying close don't worry too much about Metro. DC is a very walkable city.

I'm surprised at how many of you come here for trips. I hate living here I had to leave the beauty of Oregon to move here for my husband's job) but one thing I do enjoy is that we can go downtown any time we want. I compete in swimming and one of my meets is outside and at the starting blocks you can see the Capital dome. How cool is that?!

 

[minnierocks]

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/PentagonCity/Default.htm

Subway stop right in front of hotel and attached to a mall if you have teenage girls!

We stayed at this hotel in July, and while I would not consider it a "real" Ritz-Carlton...it was a great price and location! It is located in Pentagon City about a half mile from the Pentagon and it was very easy to get find and park. We paid $119/night and it included free valet parking and breakfast for two. It is older but clean and you can't beat the location! It was a very safe, clean area and the subway was right outside the door. The mall was fantastic and adjacent to the hotel.
We had never used a subway before and we were surprised at how clean and easy to use the DC metro was! We bought day passes and took the metro everywhere! If you want a great burger at a "hole-in the wall" place, check out Ray's Hellburger in Rosslyn.
Have a great trip! We loved visiting DC!

 

[C-CMom]

I have stayed at several DC spots over the years. For a family trip (with cost in mind), I like Hampton Inn Crystal City - close to a Metro stop, parking only $12, breakfast included, rooms with microwave/fridge, pool/fitness center. It is just over the river from the National Mall area, and so is a short Metro ride away from many tourist hot-spots, including the Air & Space Museum at the Mall (a drive to the Dulles secondary location). I agree with the recs to check reviews on Tripadvisor.

Hampton Inn Crystal City AKA H Inn & Suites at Reagan National Airport (Arlington , VA)

 

[momof1princess]

ok, those of you who have stayed in or around DC super-cheap, how did you do it? priceline? hotwire? if so, how did you know which area of DC to pick to bid on? i'd like to get a hotel near a metro stop, so we could walk there and not have to pay to park.

 

[pixieprincessmom]

The problem I'm running into right now is finding a room that sleeps 5 (same as at Disney-few options). Any ideas?

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

We "won" the Marriott Residence Inn on Vermont Ave (5 blocks from the White House, 1 block from McPherson Square Metro station) for $50 a night. It was an older property and didn't have a pool, but for that price I was more than satisfied. We were in a studio, but it still had a full-sized kitchen, which was wonderful -- and the CVS on the ground floor sold basic groceries. It also serves a full-fledged buffet breakfast; food is expensive in DC, so we were very pleased to have breakfast taken care of, especially since our per-night room was so low. DC can be loud, so I was pleased that we were placed on a high floor -- well above the traffic noise. Service at this Residence Inn was also wonderful. I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.

On our next trip we were with a group and had a group price of $99/night at the Park Pheonix, which is a block from Union Station. Since we arrived on the train, this location was perfect. We were just blocks from the Capitol Building and the new Capitol Visitors' Center. We particularly liked being able to walk just a block over to Union Station, which has a good selection of shops and restaurants (ranging from inexpensive to moderate). Union Station also has a Metro station in the basement -- no matter where you stay in DC, you need to be near the Metro. The Park Phoenix is an historic hotel, which is code for "small rooms". We found the size perfectly adequate, if not spacious. The decor was nice, and I'd stay there again -- in fact, I'm already planning to do so! Their bar is quite popular with the locals, and it was hopping every night. If this doesn't appeal to you, ask for a high floor and you'll avoid the noise. We didn't eat in their restaurant, but it looked good. Service here was outstanding.

We stayed at that Marriott on Vermont St. and also was very satisfied. Like you said, a little older, no pool, but very clean, spacious and the breakfast was great. We are planning to go back again and if we get a good rate like last time, will stay there again. We walked everywhere and was good an tired when we got back to the room each night. The CVS came in very handy when we couldn't find a place to eat...got pasta/sauce/garlic bread and had a nice dinner in the room.

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

We stayed in Silver Springs last fall for 4 nights at the Hampton Inn, loved it!

It is a straight in shot to the Mall on 16th St, took about 20 minutes each way.

We paid about $120. a night free breakfast everyday and $6 to park if you valet. We came and went as we wanted most of the time so we parked the car, if you do that you just pay the meter in the multistory car park.
The Metro is about a block walk from the hotel so you could take it to the Mall if you choose we preferred to drive.

Newly refurbished as a Hampton Inn and rooms were beautiful.

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=WASSSHX

There is a whole food around the corner and a shopping plaza with loads of places to eat.

We ate breakfast at the hotel every morning, lunches at the museums (do not miss the National Museum of the American Indian - we loved the food there so we went back a second time just for lunch. We did dinners out one night to China Town, Indian etc.

They also accept dogs which was a must for us.

 

[MommaluvsDis]

Planning on doing this next summer....or I guess it's this summer now! Could someone please post a list of the "must see/do" sites for me?

 

[Swimalie]

Planning on doing this next summer....or I guess it's this summer now! Could someone please post a list of the "must see/do" sites for me?

HOw far do you want to go? By car or stay on Metro?

 

[ntink]

Planning on doing this next summer....or I guess it's this summer now! Could someone please post a list of the "must see/do" sites for me?

What are the ages of your children? That would help to narrow down a list. A couple of our favorite tours were the Capitol and Bureau of Engraving and Printing. My DDs were 7 & 11 at the time, I could not see doing them with a toddler.

 

[princessesrule]

I guess all us Disers have the same idea. We are planning a trip this summer to DC as well!
Love the thread!

 

[elgerber]

I guess all us Disers have the same idea. We are planning a trip this summer to DC as well!
Love the thread!

Yep, we are going Memorial Day weekend!

 

[MommaluvsDis]

We'll be 4 adults going and since we've never been we have no idea as to where we will/should stay. Info is appreciated!

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

The problem I'm running into right now is finding a room that sleeps 5 (same as at Disney-few options). Any ideas?

The hotel I posted is a joint hotel it is also a Homewood Suites which would sleep 5.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...tes_Silver_Spring-Silver_Spring_Maryland.html

 

[lovemygoofy]

The problem I'm running into right now is finding a room that sleeps 5 (same as at Disney-few options). Any ideas?

There are several residence inn in Old Town and Arlington that come with at least 1 bedroom/studio and a sofa bed and usually some other sort of couch. These also have full refrigerators and microwaves and some offer free breakfast.


For those that are planning to travel here especially in the summer I cannot stress enough that you need to bring sunscreen. It gets quite warm and sunny here in the spring and summer and sometimes sunscreen can be far and few between. I'd make big piles of money selling sunscreen in the middle of the mall during the summer.

Bring your most comfortable walking shoes also. It's quite a walk from the mall area down to the mounments and the metro doesn't run down to those on the basin area. I really think that investing in the two day trolley/bus pass is the way to go if you are pressed for time or have little children and planning to travel here in the summer.

It gets very crowded here in the spring/late spring as it seems every middle school in America comes at that time. Be prepared to stand in some long lines to get into some of the museums. Don't forget also that in addition to the entrances to the museums from the mall there are entrances inside from the back of the buildings. It seems like these are less crowded usually. You can pack lunches and bring them into the museums and carry around a little bag but cannot have open drinks/snacks when touring inside.

There are websites you can get your tickets ahead of time for somethings like the holocaust museum, the top of the washington monument and I believe Ford Theater tour. If you are on a tight schedule, this is the way to go and the charge is minimal to reserve your tickets for these attractions.

The trolley charge at Arlington is worth it. It is a long walk up and down the hills at the cemetary and the trolley stops at all the real things you want to see and you can walk some and then catch the trolley at another stop. Don't miss the Changing of the Guard. It happens rain, snow or sunshine and is a very touching ceremony.

During the spring and summer there are several free concerts from the military bands in the area. Do a little research for the days you plan to attend.

One book that is really helpful is Washington, D.C. for Dummies. I'm not calling anyone a dummy as I bought the book myself when I relocated to here.

 

[ntink]

We'll be 4 adults going and since we've never been we have no idea as to where we will/should stay. Info is appreciated!

Here is my list of must do's (keep in mind I have 2 kids but have been both with and without). We have been a few times in the past 2 years - DH has work down there.

Tour of Capitol Building - you may be able to book on-line through your Congressman (here is my congressman's website http://www.house.gov/pitts/tour_request.shtml) I am not sure if all congressmen handle this the same way. You should at least be able to get the contact information at www.house.gov/last name of your congressman. This is also where you can book a tour of the White House. Our family has not yet been successful with this, even booking 6 months out - hopefully this year.

Bureau of Engraving & Printing - tickets are free but required as the tours are timed www.moneyfactory.gov/

Washington Monument - again free but tickets required. You can book them in advance but there is a service charge http://www.recreation.gov/tourParkDetail.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=77811

Another great view is the Old Post Office Tower http://www.nps.gov/opot/index.htm. It is free and the 3rd highest point in DC. It has an interesting history too. The rest of the Old Post Office is basically a food court which we did not care for.

Smithsonians - our favorites are American Indian (great cafeteria too), Natural History, American History, Air & Space & Zoo. We really want to get to Udvar-Hazy which is part of Air & Space but it is in VA and requires a few different modes of public transportation to get there. We recently wandered into the Portrait Gallery/American Art and want to spend more time there.

National Archives - the Declaration of Independence & Constitution are fading fast - I feel they are a "must see". There is a park across the street with really neat sculptures but the name is escaping me right now.

Holocaust Museum - tickets are free but required for the main exhibit.

We were there for a couple of days last week and went to the Botanical Gardens - nice but would not say a must see and Madame Tussauds. My kids had really wanted to go and really enjoyed it but even with discount tickets, I thought it was over priced.

We also really enjoyed the Old Town Trolley Tours. We did both the inner (dowtown) and outer (National Cathedral, Georgetown, Embassy Row). We also did the Monuments by Moonlight Tour and thoroughly enjoyed that. We did not like the DC Ducks - not sure if it was just our tour operator or the tour itself. We loved the Ducks in Baltimore & Philly.

I am interested to hear from others for other to see, we always visit our favorites but like to try something new also.

 

[tinkmom2]

I've been looking at hotels on Expedia and the Holiday Inn looks good. I might book our air there too. I was looking at 6 days 7 nights in June but it says there are no good food places around the hotel. I also found cheap air on Southwests site.

 

[mbedwell]

A previous poster mentioned the Holocaust museum. I would strongly discourage taking children under 12 to it. We were there in June '09 and it was difficult for our then 12 yr old to view some of the exhibits. It is a must see if your children are older however. On Wednesdays, they have a survivor speak. It was amazing to listen to the story of the survivor. Anyway, just a heads up on ages for this particular museum.

 

[C-CMom]

ok, those of you who have stayed in or around DC super-cheap, how did you do it? priceline? hotwire? if so, how did you know which area of DC to pick to bid on? i'd like to get a hotel near a metro stop, so we could walk there and not have to pay to park.

One neat feature of the Metro website (http://www.wmata.com/rail/) is that you can go to a specific station, and check the "Station Masters' button to see a map of the immediate vicinity. I think this is helpful in deciding which hotels really are "close" to Metro stops, as the hotel description may be more broad than reality!