DC during mid-April?

[bigmama67]

Hi, so we are looking at 3 nights or so in DC during spring break. The kids are DYING to see the baby panda at the zoo, and we would also hit a couple of the museums on the Mall. It's been awhile since we've gone and we haven't spent much time there with the kids as yet (11 and 5). Any suggestions for reasonable hotels within, say, a 20 minute METRO ride to the Mall area or the Zoo? We would pretty much prefer suburbs because we'd rather save money on parking (preferably an indoor pool too thanks!)

I'm also trying to figure out if the monument bus tour at night would be a good choice if it's warm enough...I went years ago with a friend and it was AMAZING. DS is into history, DD is a bit young but is very interested in everything! Thanks for any input.

 

[CruiseGirl71]

Check out the Hilton garden inn Arlington-Shirlington. Has free parking, pool, free 24 hour shuttle to Pentagon city metro stop (5 minutes). Its a really nice hotel, stayed there in July. There is a grocery store across the street as well as some restaurants.

 

[mum2simon]

Check out airnb.com. There is a woman on there that rents her 3 bedroom home for $60/night. About a mile from the metro.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Chevy Chase. Indoor pool, free made to order breakfast, kitchenette, 2 room suite and the metro is in the basement. It is in an upscale area and attached to a mall. Actually, it is pretty close to the metro. There is a grocery store across the street. Not free parking though.