D.C. questions ADDED A COUPLE

[Nik's Mom]

I did check out that site - the Westin is over $200 for our stay - guess we have too many people for the $79 deal

That stinks! Traveling with 5 sure is tough. Keep checking back. The deals change daily sometimes.

 

[golfgal]

My dd's teacher went Spring break & took food in - no problems - of course she didn't consume it inside. And since y'all said no food I called the Smithsonian. The guy that answered said you can bring in food as long as its not eaten - even told me to make sure I eat at the courtyard in the Art museum.

I would NOT plan on being able to do this. We saw plenty of people have to toss food and water bottles going into the museums. They DO check all bags so don't plan on being able to carry your lunch around with you. They do not have storage areas if you plan to have a cooler or anything like that.

 

[justhat]

Good luck actually bringing the food in. I have lived in DC for 8 years now and we go to the museums a lot. I have had packaged snacks and drinks in my diaper bag for the kids and had to throw them out. We learned the lesson after the 2nd time and have stopped bringing the food in and with the kids being older now it is not a problem. They won't let you out of the food courts with food either, which I know as I was sent back into the food court at Natural History with the bottle of water that I purchased there.

Of course, it is possible that they will miss a drink or snack from time to time, but I would definitely plan on that not being the case and being prepared.

The Air and Space McDonald's is pricier than most, as are the Starbucks in prime locations in the city. Or anywhere in the city compared to other places for that matter. They can set their prices to be whatever they want. Of course, being a McDonald's, it is still cheaper than other places, but more than you are likely used to. The food in the immediate vicinity of the museums and monuments is also pricey, so not really like you can leave the museums and get some cheap food nearby. We don't have a ton of fast food eateries in the downtown area (like Wendy's or whatever), so mostly sit down places.

Regarding the airport, are you flying Southwest? If so, their terminal has a food court, diner, and Phillips crab restaurant. If you are on any other airline the food choices are minimal, unfortunately. The only thing is, you'd have to leave your bags spinning on the carousel cause I think there is just 1 restaurant outside security (and it really isn't that good).

But the going against traffic thing, unfortunately there is no for or against traffic when it comes to the DC area. My friend is currently driving to NJ from DC and just called me to say that it has been over an hour and she isn't even halfway to Baltimore and it's noon on a Wednesday! We fly out of BWI frequently (though each time we say it's the last cause we hate the drive!) and it can be a big drive if there is any traffic.


Anyway, like I said, I live inside the city, just a couple of blocks from the zoo. I completely agree with what all the other locals are saying and, honestly, it just seems like you think we are all crazy, making up random stories, or trying to dissuade you for our own benefit. We have friends who live in Vienna, near the Dunn Loring stop you'd be taking, and it is far. I am not saying I wouldn't stay there no matter what, but it is a big commute. Our friend takes the Metro to work and he is on it a long time (and he works at at the Foggy Bottom stop, so the first stop inside the city on the orange line), plus in the mornings the trains are always standing room only when he is riding them. While that is a pain when it comes to commuting, on a vacation with 3 kids, well, I have 3 kids and it is not something I would want to do.

BUT, it is not my vacation, so if you don't mind riding packed trains, never going back to your hotel for a break (and July here is HOT and so humid!), and getting up really early to eat before getting on the train (cause you can't bring any food or drink on the Metro, they will fine you, which I know cause my husband is the recipient of one such fine, and he was not consuming his drink, just holding it on the train), then I am sure you will be fine.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

Good luck actually bringing the food in. I have lived in DC for 8 years now and we go to the museums a lot. I have had packaged snacks and drinks in my diaper bag for the kids and had to throw them out. We learned the lesson after the 2nd time and have stopped bringing the food in and with the kids being older now it is not a problem. They won't let you out of the food courts with food either, which I know as I was sent back into the food court at Natural History with the bottle of water that I purchased there.

Of course, it is possible that they will miss a drink or snack from time to time, but I would definitely plan on that not being the case and being prepared.

The Air and Space McDonald's is pricier than most, as are the Starbucks in prime locations in the city. Or anywhere in the city compared to other places for that matter. They can set their prices to be whatever they want. Of course, being a McDonald's, it is still cheaper than other places, but more than you are likely used to. The food in the immediate vicinity of the museums and monuments is also pricey, so not really like you can leave the museums and get some cheap food nearby. We don't have a ton of fast food eateries in the downtown area (like Wendy's or whatever), so mostly sit down places.

Regarding the airport, are you flying Southwest? If so, their terminal has a food court, diner, and Phillips crab restaurant. If you are on any other airline the food choices are minimal, unfortunately. The only thing is, you'd have to leave your bags spinning on the carousel cause I think there is just 1 restaurant outside security (and it really isn't that good).

But the going against traffic thing, unfortunately there is no for or against traffic when it comes to the DC area. My friend is currently driving to NJ from DC and just called me to say that it has been over an hour and she isn't even halfway to Baltimore and it's noon on a Wednesday! We fly out of BWI frequently (though each time we say it's the last cause we hate the drive!) and it can be a big drive if there is any traffic.


Anyway, like I said, I live inside the city, just a couple of blocks from the zoo. I completely agree with what all the other locals are saying and, honestly, it just seems like you think we are all crazy, making up random stories, or trying to dissuade you for our own benefit. We have friends who live in Vienna, near the Dunn Loring stop you'd be taking, and it is far. I am not saying I wouldn't stay there no matter what, but it is a big commute. Our friend takes the Metro to work and he is on it a long time (and he works at at the Foggy Bottom stop, so the first stop inside the city on the orange line), plus in the mornings the trains are always standing room only when he is riding them. While that is a pain when it comes to commuting, on a vacation with 3 kids, well, I have 3 kids and it is not something I would want to do.
BUT, it is not my vacation, so if you don't mind riding packed trains, never going back to your hotel for a break (and July here is HOT and so humid!), and getting up really early to eat before getting on the train (cause you can't bring any food or drink on the Metro, they will fine you, which I know cause my husband is the recipient of one such fine, and he was not consuming his drink, just holding it on the train), then I am sure you will be fine.[/QUO

 

[madcam]

Just another 2 cents here:

I remember how hard it was to even find food on the mall. We ate at the Smithsonian one day for lunch and we even had the girls split food and it still cost upward of $60 for lunch. I distincly remember paying $5 for fountain drinks (didn't know they were $5 until I had to pay the cashier $20 for 4 drinks) Now you can just not drink soda but think, if a soda cost $5 then can you imagine what the rest of the menu cost?

Also, we had to throw out food at least twice that I remember. One place was at the capital. They even made me throw away unopened water bottles!And these were not meals that I had packed but snacks in case my kids got hungry and we had to hike to find a place to eat.

Every morning we had breakfast at the hotel and then most nights we were back in Alexandria eating a good meal at a decently priced restaurant.

I hope you find what you are looking for. If you really do not want to stay in Old Town (and I REALLY recomend staying there) then at least stay on the metro. The metro is your very best friend in DC!!!!!

Just a side note: We went to Disney in 2007 and wanted to go back in 2009. We decided that we just couldn't justify the expense that year and decided to go to DC instead. We spent just as much in DC if not a little more than we did at Disney!!

 

[luvmyfam444]

Thanks for the comments. No - I have not once thought any of you were making up stories about things. I know it will be about 1hr commute. I UNDERSTAND what that means. I've been on packed buses (though Disney) with 3 kids & a stroller in tow - not for 1 hour of course, but we've had a taste of it.

I guess its time to leave this thread - I think y'all have gotten your point across & all the info has been well taken - I've made lots of notes.\

Thanks for everything!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Is the no food thing in the museums for security (like at the airports), or for cleanliness (no spilling, etc by the exhibits) or for the money (like at the ball park, etc)? Is it that way at all museums and attractions?

For the White House tour, are cameras allowed to be on your person (I know certainly no pictures allowed) or not even in your pocket or whatever?

 

[Quiksilvr]

Is the no food thing in the museums for security (like at the airports), or for cleanliness (no spilling, etc by the exhibits) or for the money (like at the ball park, etc)? Is it that way at all museums and attractions?

For the White House tour, are cameras allowed to be on your person (I know certainly no pictures allowed) or not even in your pocket or whatever?

On the Metro, they claim that the policy is to limit the number of rodents meandering about the tunnels and stations. I rarely see rats in the stations here, so I guess it works. I used to live in NYC and see rats in the subway stations on a regular basis.

Otherwise, I think the rules are for the most part security-based. I don't think the Smithsonian really cares whether you buy a bottle of water from their in-house eatery or not, but they are required to follow a lot of the same security guidelines as other government installations. The Smithsonian also has the valid concern of preventing damage to their exhibits.

At the Nationals' ballpark, you're allowed to take in a single bottle of water IF it is unopened and sealed when you go through the turnstile. I think that was some sort of compromise between security and fan demands.

 

[Quiksilvr]

Although it appears the OP has decided not to follow the thread anymore, just in case a random browser brings up the thread I would like to agree with the comments from other local Washingtonians. I've lived in Capitol Hill for several years and I work close to the National Mall.

If you come to Washington, expect it to be like most other big cities you may have visited in the past. Other than certain key free attractions like museums and monuments, everything is expensive! It is a big city! That's just how it works!

For example, I went out to lunch today at a restaurant that's popular with the tourists because it's on Pennsylvania Avenue and fairly close to the Mall. It's kind of like a TGIFriday's. I had chicken tenders, french fries, and a soda. After tax and tip, I was in for about $16.

I regularly get sandwiches from Potbelly's and Cosi. By the time I have purchased a sandwich, chips, and a drink, I'm ALWAYS in for at LEAST $10.

As a matter of fact, the best deal around here for lunch is at one of the food courts. I get two slices of pizza and a soda for like $8 and I feel like I got away with something unethical.

DC is an expensive place to visit.

I will state my philosophy on commuter transportation in the most succinct way possible. When I am at Disney, irrespective of the fact that I own at AKV, I tend to stay at resorts in the Boardwalk area. Why? I hate spending forever on a silly bus. I am willing to pay a premium to minimize my exposure to the bus system. This is the same reason I live in downtown DC. I pay an astronomical premium to live downtown so that I can walk to work. That's how much I hate riding buses and trains.

That said, if you don't mind it, more power to you.

 

[NotUrsula]

Is the no food thing in the museums for security (like at the airports), or for cleanliness (no spilling, etc by the exhibits) or for the money (like at the ball park, etc)? Is it that way at all museums and attractions?

For the White House tour, are cameras allowed to be on your person (I know certainly no pictures allowed) or not even in your pocket or whatever?

The bag search at the museums is, as with every other Federal building, about security. However, the food prohibition is purely about the protection of the exhibits. I haven't worked at the Smithsonian, but I have worked in major museums, and most of the time even office staff are not allowed to take food or drink to their workstations to be stored; they have to leave it in the kitchen. Spills and crumbs attract insects that can damage artifacts, and some insecticides can, too; so museums try to minimize their use.

The White House does not allow you to carry a camera on a regular tour. The allowed items list is VERY short; you cannot even bring changing supplies if you are bringing a baby with you (the usual suggestion is to double-diaper the baby for the tour.) Here's the official word from the National Park Service:

What are the prohibited items?
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following: handbags, book bags, backpacks, purses, food and beverages of any kind, strollers, cameras, video recorders or any type of recording device, tobacco products, personal grooming items (make-up, hair brush or comb, lip or hand lotions, etc.), any pointed objects (pens, knitting needles, etc.), aerosol containers, guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, mace, martial arts weapons/devices, or knives of any size.

The United States Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.

Umbrellas, wallets, cell phones and car keys are permitted.

Please note that no storage facilities are available on or around the complex. Individuals who arrive with prohibited items will not be permitted to enter the White House.

I have no idea how they handle cell phones that happen to have cameras in them.

Since there is no storage, there is no point in even bringing these items through the street gate. What you might be able to do if you are staying outside the area and doing a WH tour, is to go to one of the larger nearby convention hotels and check a bag with their bell desk, tipping generously, of course. I do this a lot when I'm on business in major cities and using public transit, but DC hotels (especially near any Federal facilities) are always iffy when it comes to storing any kind of bag. Sometimes you can, and sometimes you can't.'

The good news is that only the White House is quite this strict. AFAIK, all of the other federal buildings do allow a small bag inside, though its size may be limited.

 

[NCRedding]

I'm looking to go to DC in late August; I know it will be hot and humid, but hotel prices are pretty reasonable.

My options include the grand hyatt near the Willard and the White House. I've stayed there before and like it, but know that the area at night can be a bit sketchy. I do like having the metro accessible from the inside of the hotel. Parking is $22-30 per night but isn't guaranteed. We would be parking on a Friday and leaving on Tuesday, without moving the car if at all possible, planning on taking the metro and walking.

The other option is the Hyatt Regency Capital Hill, which is about 3 blocks from Union Station. It appears to be a little closer to the Mall area, but access to the metro is a little more remote. It is cheaper for the room, but $10 more for the parking.

I know we will spend time at the Smithsonians, but DD also wants to visit Madame Tousauds (sp), and H & M. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[justhat]

Thanks for the comments. No - I have not once thought any of you were making up stories about things. I know it will be about 1hr commute. I UNDERSTAND what that means. I've been on packed buses (though Disney) with 3 kids & a stroller in tow - not for 1 hour of course, but we've had a taste of it.

I guess its time to leave this thread - I think y'all have gotten your point across & all the info has been well taken - I've made lots of notes.\

Thanks for everything!

I realize you left, but for others, I have also been on the packed Disney buses, and also have 3 kids and a stroller. And I survive that, but the big difference is that those buses never have traffic and the rides are never more than 20 minutes. Travelling on the Metro is a different story. Even the trains are frequently backed up and you are standing in a packed car, touching people on all sides, while you just wait on the tracks. Or better yet, move a few feet, screech to a halt, move a few feet, come to another jarring stop. And meanwhile your kids are crashing into people, or you think they are as you may not even be able to see them. And unlike Disney, you can't just wait for the next train/bus, as they will all be equally crowded during rush hours.

And, while I hate to admit it, many residents aren't that friendly to tourists, so you get to your stop, which also happens to be the same stop as a thousand other people on the train, and they plow you down to get off and get to work. Oh, and unlike the Disney buses, the Metro doors WILL close on you. Yes, they close whether you are on/off or not. We came home from a DC United game once and while people were squeezing themselves onto the packed cars, a guy's arm was closed in the door. Luckily for him, he wriggled his actual arm out of the grip of the door, but it held onto his shirt and he couldn't move till we got to the next stop. Which reminds me that, unlike the Disney buses, there is no one to say "Car is full, wait for the next one". So people just keep forcing themselves into the train until the doors shut on them.

I am not saying every single ride you take will be like this, but expect the morning commutes into the city to be similar, or any during the evening rush hour. Or weekends, particularly if anything is going on in the city. We took the Metro to the Waterfront the last weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival, when all the actual Cherry Blossoms were gone, and the train was mobbed, to the point where the only one of my kids I could see was the baby I was wearing on my chest. And we knew better than to bring a stroller, but no way would we have fit that on the train.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[justhat]

I'm looking to go to DC in late August; I know it will be hot and humid, but hotel prices are pretty reasonable.

My options include the grand hyatt near the Willard and the White House. I've stayed there before and like it, but know that the area at night can be a bit sketchy. I do like having the metro accessible from the inside of the hotel. Parking is $22-30 per night but isn't guaranteed. We would be parking on a Friday and leaving on Tuesday, without moving the car if at all possible, planning on taking the metro and walking.

The other option is the Hyatt Regency Capital Hill, which is about 3 blocks from Union Station. It appears to be a little closer to the Mall area, but access to the metro is a little more remote. It is cheaper for the room, but $10 more for the parking.

I know we will spend time at the Smithsonians, but DD also wants to visit Madame Tousauds (sp), and H & M. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Since you are planning to park the car and leave it, I think I would go with the Grand Hyatt near the Willard. You can still easily get to Madame Toussaud's, but will be more centrally located.

The Union Station area is okay for the most part (though it would depend which direction the hotel is in, since I can't place it in my mind at the moment), so if you want to give it a try, I would think you'd be fine there too.