Do you live in the D.C. area?

[Dodie]

DH and I are thinking of doing D.C. as our summer vacation this year. It's just us - 40-ish - no kids. We are actually considering taking the train to D.C. and trying to stay somewhere in the downtown area that is near a Metro stop, so we don't have to rent a car.

I was in Washington on business a few years ago and we did this - taking a Metro train out to Arlington National Cemetery during some free time. This was on the company's dime - and we were visiting the US Patent Office, so we stayed in Crystal City. I don't think I could afford to stay there on my own.

I've done an Expedia search, and there appears to be lodging that runs the gamut from $98 to over $300 per night. We would like to stay in the lower end of that spectrum for 4-5 nights.

We'd definitely visit the Smithsonians, all of the government places, the monuments, Arlington, etc.

1. Do you have any recommendations of places that would fit the bill - easily accessible from Union Station (by Metro or cab) and on or near a Metro stop to get us everywhere else we would want to go?

2. May? June? Which is better and why?

3. What may I not be considering that I should about this trip.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

We live close enough (1 - 2 hours away) that we don't stay overnight. Growing up in Baltimore, we ALWAYS went on field trips to the Smithsonian. Be aware that you will probably run into a lot of school trip groups if you travel in May. Just something to consider.

 

[caitycaity]

may is better weather-wise; june will probably be more hot and humid. but breezy-carol is right that a lot of school groups will be around in may. usually there are still a lot of tourists around in june, but they aren't schools.

if you want some restaurant tips, i'd be happy to give you some suggestions on that front too.

this is the place that i always recommend for people with kids: http://www.theriverinn.com/index2.h...search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=river+inn+dc

but since it will be just the two of you, that's probably more space and more money than you want.

i've found really good deals at the hyatt regency on capitol hill before. i've done conferences there and it's really nice. close to union station too. http://www.1stwashingtondchotels.com/hotels/Hyatt_Regency.htm

it may be more difficult to find a cheaper hotel downtown in may-june b/c that is pretty much in the middle of tourist season.

 

[Belle1962]

DC's subway system is great....why not consider staying at a hotel in the 'burbs but is on/close to the subway line? I know in Greenbelt, MD there are 3 Marriott's (Marriott, Residence Inn Courtyard) the Marriott & RI offer free shuttle to the subway. Not sure about the courtyard.

 

[MMCD]

We will be here for 5 nights in July. It is a family hotel and is affordable. I've found only good things about the rooms and location. Some people have commented that the front desk people are uptight.

Website:

http://www.virginiansuites.com/docs/suites.html

Please let me know if you stayed here and what are your thoughts. They have Entertainment Rates!!

MMCD