D.C. Hotel with kids......

[lukenick1]

Thinking about driving to DC this July with our kids to see the sights. Can anyone recommend where we should stay?? I would really like an outdoor pool for them. Would like to visit Smithsonians and Spy Museum. Also see Lincoln Mem and other popular sights. Should we leave our car at the hotel and use public transportation??? I have no clue, as we have never been.
Thanks

 

[flafan]

Hi

We went last summer and it was great, we stayed at The Sheraton National Hotel. This hotel was located right next to the Arlington Cemetary. We loved but got it with my Dad's Starwood points. We upgraded to Club Level for an extra $50 per night and it was the best I have had in a long time.

They have a shuttle to the Metro and it was so easy to get around. The service was great. We went to The Smithsonian, The Zoo and The Air and Space and enjoyed all of it.

The only downer for me was the pool. My husband and kids loved it but I did not, There was no hottub and it was a rooftop pool. I believe a little sprucing up would be nice, it seemed dated. So if the pool is a priority I would skip this but again the kids loved it. I am real picky though.

Happy Planning.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Should we leave our car at the hotel and use public transportation???
Thanks

Most definitely ~ parking can be difficult to find in DC. They have great public transportation that is very easy to use. We love taking the metro, but they also have buses if you prefer.

 

[lukenick1]

ok soooo.....need a hotel with free or cheap parking, outdoor pool and close to metro station.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

We like staying in Crystal City (Arlington, VA). It's just across the Potomac River from DC. Most (if not all) of the hotels there are within walking distance of the metro & it's about a 15-20 minute metro ride into the heart of DC.

We like the Crystal City Marriott (has an indoor/outdoor pool) & the Crystal Gateway Marriott (has an indoor pool) ~ you can walk indoors to the metro station from both of those.

If you bike, there's a great bike path very close to both of these hotels that will take you right into the heart of DC ~ easy, flat, wide paths. We did this on our last trip & plan to do it again in the future.

 

[swilshire]

I can't remember if they had a pool, but I liked the Residence Inn Alexandria on my last visit. Just a couple of blocks from the Metro. Alexandria has lots of restaurants.

Sheila

 

[Green Tea]

We've stayed at the Omni Shoreham and there is a nice outdoor pool. It is also just down a block from the Wardley Park Metro stop. Walk to the zoo. Metro to museums. A great safe area to walk around.

 

[mjkacmom]

ok soooo.....need a hotel with free or cheap parking, outdoor pool and close to metro station.

Good luck with the free or cheap parking! LOL! I know people who stay here http://www.embassysuitesdcmetro.com/ It's a little further out, but on top of a metro station, so you'll get downtown just as fast than if you stayed closer, and had to walk a few blocks. It's only $150 on the weekend (much more expensive than during the week), free hot breakfast and managers reception. We stayed at a closer ES, and it cost us $100 more, and we got downtown later than friends who stayed at the CC one.

 

[HeatherC]

We are staying for a couple nights in July at the Embassy Suites in Old Town Alexandria. It is across the street from a metro station and also includes the cooked to order breakfast and happy hour. Paying $140 a night with AAA rate.

Last year we stayed at the Residence Inn Capitol Hill which was great. Within walking distance of the mall, indoor pool, suite accomodations with full kitchen and free breakfast. Parking we had to pay for though. Not staying this time because it was much higher. But you could always check for your dates. I highly recommend it.

 

[minie_meese]

I stay in the DC area quite a but for work. There are a number of suite hotels which are great with kids. I am often surprised at how high the rates are and how much they fluctuate. I've had times when I couldn't even get a room. I usually stay in Rosslyn near my office. There are a number of hotels and many are very close to the Rosslyn Metro stop. The Marriott Courtyard has a pool and indoor pay parking. It is close to the metro, lots of good restaurants and a grocery store. The Residence Inn is nearby but does not have a pool. The Best Western Iwo Jima is not as nice as the Marriott but they do have free parking and is much less expensive. It is very near the Iwo Jima Memorial but a hike to restaurants and the metro.

I also like Old Town but every place I've stayed there is pretty pricey. The Embassy Suites and Residence Inn are very nice and I think they both have pools. Access to the Metro is great.

 

[lukenick1]

what about Hilton Garden Inn.....any feedback???

 

[lukenick1]

bump

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

AVOID the Doubletree Suites in Washington DC - not kid friendly at all and horrible customer service.

 

[dougsmom98]

Here is a link to a review I posted about the Hampton Inn in College Park. It is further out, but we saved a ton on money. It cost $89/night, had an indoor pool, and offered free deluxe continental breakfast. It's the chemteacheramayo review.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...k-College_Park_Maryland.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT


I know it is not the exact specifications that you have, but I thought I would throw it out there as an option.

 

[lukenick1]

Thank you Dougsmom....nice review!

 

[Swimalie]

Be careful in College Park. Some parts are not where you want to be at night.

 

[crjack]

We are heading to DC for the first time next week and we are staying at the Embassy Suites Conv. Center. We got a decent rate and it includes breakfast so for us (family of 4) that is a great savings.

Our second choice was the Omni Shoreham and their outdoor pool looks great. Relatives stayed there last year and enjoyed it. Our children are a little older so with teens we went with the larger suite and indoor pool at Embassy

 

[budbeerlady]

If you bike, there's a great bike path very close to both of these hotels that will take you right into the heart of DC ~ easy, flat, wide paths. We did this on our last trip & plan to do it again in the future.

Where do you rent bikes? We would love to rent bikes and take them around but its hard to make work all the time.

 

[mom2threecuties]

I can't remember if they had a pool, but I liked the Residence Inn Alexandria on my last visit. Just a couple of blocks from the Metro. Alexandria has lots of restaurants.

Sheila

They do have a small indoor pool. I love that hotel - great location!

 

[elgerber]

We are staying for a couple nights in July at the Embassy Suites in Old Town Alexandria. It is across the street from a metro station and also includes the cooked to order breakfast and happy hour. Paying $140 a night with AAA rate.

We just stayed here 2 weeks ago. It is so convenient for the train, loved it!! The full breakfast and extra space in the room was great also. The pool is pitiful though, if you need that. Our kids are older, so we didn't have any interest in the pool.
We had a great dinner at Joe Theismans, which is right next door. And some great cupcakes, from the Lavendar Cupcakery, in Olde Town, yummy!!!