I stayed at the L'enfant Plaza Hotel last year. The rooms were just OK but you can't beat the location. A metro station is located in the mall underneath the hotel. It seems to be convenient to everything. We even walked to some of the Smithsonian buildings. It is no longer a Loews, but I think this number is still good: 800-346-8357.
Info on hotel in DC
- Thread starter DMRick
- Start date
Yes, be very careful where to pick for hotels. Some hotels are in iffy areas. I've seen one on the travel websites that look great from the description but its in a very iffy area.
Don't get any hotel thats near the arboreteum. If the list of nearby attractions say very near the arboreteum, go far away. See, theres an iffy (ok, I"m being kind BAD) area on your way to downtown, near the arboretuem and the newspaper offices. Once you go further away from there, the hotels are better.
We did conferences and vacations in DC for the past six years. We've always stayed in the convention center area and had good luck.
The Grand Hyatt is wonderful. We've also stayed at a Courtyard by Marriott near the Portrait Gallery. That CBM is a converted bank building. We've also stayed in Crystal City (two different hotels) and Chevy Chase (Embassy Suites twice) and one other hotel close to the Metro. I preferred Chevy Chase over Crystal City, but Crystal City wasn't any less safer if that makes sense. We've also stayed in Arlington, which wasn't as nice and wouldn't do again.
The Crystal City hotel was across the street (small street) from a shopping mall where you walked through to get to the Metro. At Chevy Chase, the Embassy Suites was a escalator ride down to the Metro. We also stayed at a hotel very short walking distance outside of the Metro. (I want to say 1/2 block or less). Grand Hyatt was super conveienent. The Courtyard by Marriott had to walk outside about a 1/2 block or less to the Metro.
The only problem with the CBM was there was a danceclub near it. I'm a super light sleeper and could hear people talking and such even though the club wasn't in the hotel or directly next to it.
Don't get any hotel thats near the arboreteum. If the list of nearby attractions say very near the arboreteum, go far away. See, theres an iffy (ok, I"m being kind BAD) area on your way to downtown, near the arboretuem and the newspaper offices. Once you go further away from there, the hotels are better.
We did conferences and vacations in DC for the past six years. We've always stayed in the convention center area and had good luck.
The Grand Hyatt is wonderful. We've also stayed at a Courtyard by Marriott near the Portrait Gallery. That CBM is a converted bank building. We've also stayed in Crystal City (two different hotels) and Chevy Chase (Embassy Suites twice) and one other hotel close to the Metro. I preferred Chevy Chase over Crystal City, but Crystal City wasn't any less safer if that makes sense. We've also stayed in Arlington, which wasn't as nice and wouldn't do again.
The Crystal City hotel was across the street (small street) from a shopping mall where you walked through to get to the Metro. At Chevy Chase, the Embassy Suites was a escalator ride down to the Metro. We also stayed at a hotel very short walking distance outside of the Metro. (I want to say 1/2 block or less). Grand Hyatt was super conveienent. The Courtyard by Marriott had to walk outside about a 1/2 block or less to the Metro.
The only problem with the CBM was there was a danceclub near it. I'm a super light sleeper and could hear people talking and such even though the club wasn't in the hotel or directly next to it.
DMRick said:
There are two Air and Space museums. One is in DC proper. There isn't a Metro that drops you off right there next to it. But there is a Metro stop called Smithsonian. You would still have to walk from there though. If I remember correctly this the the one that was the furthest out. We actually walked to it from the Grand Hyatt. The other Air and Space is in VA I think near an airport. I haven't been to that one, so can't tell you about it.
The Holocaust museum I haven't done. (Its one of the few I havent') They used to give out timed tickets, but I don't know if they still do.
The Vietnam Memorial is in a different section. We saw that at night and it was very cool.
Another great one is American History museum. There is definetely something for everyone. My kids like the Natural Museum with the dinosaur and other stuff. I also enjoyed the Hirshhorn but many haven't gone in there.. that houses modern art. There was a fantastic display of Andy Warhol's in there that I LOVED!
Bottom line is you're going to walk a LOT in DC - so wear comfortable shoes for sure! The closest Metro stop to the monuments/memorials like Vietnam is probably Smithsonian, and it's probably a 15-20 minute walk from there. So just be prepared for that. Have heard good reports on the Tourmobile which lets you off and on at various stops like the memorials and various Smithsonians. That may be an option for you to cut down on walking but don't know the cost. The Air and Space Museum on the Mall runs shuttles from there out to the new one by Dulles (Udvar-Hazy is the name) which is great if you have the time. Check the website for times/cost if you're interested. Also check out the new Museum of the American Indian if you have time, it's beside Air and Space. DC schools are back in session then, but Northern VA starts after Labor Day. Don't know about Maryland.
Christine
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PlutoPony said:
The TourMobile is a GREAT idea. Have heard nothing but good reviews from people who use it.
Also, PlutoPony is correct about the schools. In this area the start dates of the local schools are either the week before Labor Day and/or the day after Labor Day. I *think* DC may start the week prior to Labor Day. But honestly, it doesn't really matter. I don't believe the "locals" make that much of a difference when it comes to the crowds at the museums. Most locals don't spend their summers touring DC. The kids often go during the school year for field trips. I will say that when school does start, the traffic in and out of DC seems to quadruple. Right now all the schools are out and my commute has been so much better. Bottom line is, I don't know how much impact the school session in DC/MD/VA will have on your touring.
DMRick
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Christine said:
Whatever schools are back in, has an impact on our Smithsonian tour, because the person who works there and will be giving us the tour, said schools were back in, and so he would be able to give us the tour. That was the week he said it would work (August 26th). We picked that week, because he told us it was a good one to pick. He has a child in school (Maryland) and he's giving the tour, so we assumed he knew what he was doing. Maybe he meant the kids south of DC, and that is the lesser impact on the crowds. I just don't know, I was just taking his word for it, since he was the one who would need to take the time to do our tour. Air is booked, in any case, he's the main reason we are going at that time, so as long as he is able to give us the tour we are going for, we'll be happy. He mentioned that (about the schools), so I figured he knew soemthign I didn't. Maybe the Smithsonian has summer programs that end? I just don't know, and I don't want to question him.
On another note..we're checking out the 4 hour segway tour..anyone taken that?
DMRick
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Christine
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DMRick said:
Southwest and Southeast are not great. Southwest is only marginally better than Southeast (I work in Southeast). I'm sure it would be safe, but I wouldn't want to be there in the evening. But again, lots of areas are very "transitional" and you might be fine on that block.
New England Eeyore
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Sorry - this is going to be long. I have a lot to say!!
Supershuttle is an airport transfer service. They are vans - the one we were in only held 8 people and I don't know if they have bigger ones. It wasn't cheap (about $40 per person round trip.) Yes, they do take you right to your hotel. Like I said, next time we will take the train. There is a commuter rail stop right at the airport. The website is http://www.mtamaryland.com/. That takes you to Union Station, which by the way is a FANTASTIC place to eat - the food court on the bottom level is to die for - tons of variety. We ate there every day. And Union Station is also a Metro stop.
As far as safety, if you stick to the tourist sections and the hotels people are recommending, you'll be fine. We never had a problem and we walked and metro'd all over, but nothing off the beaten path.
We loved the neighborhood for the Holiday Inn. It's closest the Air and Space, but really you can walk to anything on the Mall very easily. Since that was where we spent the bulk of our time, it was perfect for us. As someone said, DC is a walking city, so you're going to walk a lot no matter what, and this is a great location.
We did not go to the pool, so I can't give you info on that. The lobby does have a bunch of couches and chairs and is a very nice room, so you could possibly hang out there in the evening. There is also a full service restaurant (Smithson's) which was just okay, and a bar and grille that we didn't go to. There is also a quick-service eatery.
"Smithsonian" is the 'official' metro stop for all the Smithsonians, but the closest metro to the Air and Space is actually the "L'Enfant Plaza" stop, which will bring you to the Air and Space via the "back door", not the door on the mall.
One thing to make sure you know about the Holocaust Museum - it's free, but they have what is called Timed-entry tickets. Meaning, you have to go there first thing in the morning and get your tickets, which depending on the lines may be for later in the day. If you just show up in the afternoon, the tickets will all be given out for the day and you won't get in. There is an exhibit you don't need tickets for, but it is very small compared to the whole museum. If you don't want to go the museum in the morning, you can get tickets ahead of time at www.tickets.com. The tickets are free, but you'll pay a couple dollars service fee.
Timed entry tickets are very popular in DC. You'll also find them at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, The American Indian Museum of the Smithsonian, The Washington Monument, and the Spy Museum (which is not free, the others are). It requires a bit of advanced planning to make sure you get to see things.
We love the Tourmobile. We use it every trip. It really is the easiest way to see the monuments, because there aren't any metro stops nearby them and it would require a hefty walk otherwise. The website is www.tourmobile.com . The tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and if you bought a 2-day ticket (must be used 2 consecutive days) it's $30 and $15. There are a couple other tourbus companies in DC (Like Red line and Gray line) but we tried one once and was disappointed. Tourmobile is run by the National Park Service, so in my opinion, the narration is a notch above and it's cheaper to boot. The other ones do go to different stops though.
General tips:
www.washington.org is a great resource for planning attractions.
The website for the metro is www.metroopensdoors.com - print out a map before you go and generally familiarize yourself with the layout.
And eat at Union Station - you won't be disappointed!!
Supershuttle is an airport transfer service. They are vans - the one we were in only held 8 people and I don't know if they have bigger ones. It wasn't cheap (about $40 per person round trip.) Yes, they do take you right to your hotel. Like I said, next time we will take the train. There is a commuter rail stop right at the airport. The website is http://www.mtamaryland.com/. That takes you to Union Station, which by the way is a FANTASTIC place to eat - the food court on the bottom level is to die for - tons of variety. We ate there every day. And Union Station is also a Metro stop.
As far as safety, if you stick to the tourist sections and the hotels people are recommending, you'll be fine. We never had a problem and we walked and metro'd all over, but nothing off the beaten path.
We loved the neighborhood for the Holiday Inn. It's closest the Air and Space, but really you can walk to anything on the Mall very easily. Since that was where we spent the bulk of our time, it was perfect for us. As someone said, DC is a walking city, so you're going to walk a lot no matter what, and this is a great location.
We did not go to the pool, so I can't give you info on that. The lobby does have a bunch of couches and chairs and is a very nice room, so you could possibly hang out there in the evening. There is also a full service restaurant (Smithson's) which was just okay, and a bar and grille that we didn't go to. There is also a quick-service eatery.
"Smithsonian" is the 'official' metro stop for all the Smithsonians, but the closest metro to the Air and Space is actually the "L'Enfant Plaza" stop, which will bring you to the Air and Space via the "back door", not the door on the mall.
One thing to make sure you know about the Holocaust Museum - it's free, but they have what is called Timed-entry tickets. Meaning, you have to go there first thing in the morning and get your tickets, which depending on the lines may be for later in the day. If you just show up in the afternoon, the tickets will all be given out for the day and you won't get in. There is an exhibit you don't need tickets for, but it is very small compared to the whole museum. If you don't want to go the museum in the morning, you can get tickets ahead of time at www.tickets.com. The tickets are free, but you'll pay a couple dollars service fee.
Timed entry tickets are very popular in DC. You'll also find them at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, The American Indian Museum of the Smithsonian, The Washington Monument, and the Spy Museum (which is not free, the others are). It requires a bit of advanced planning to make sure you get to see things.
We love the Tourmobile. We use it every trip. It really is the easiest way to see the monuments, because there aren't any metro stops nearby them and it would require a hefty walk otherwise. The website is www.tourmobile.com . The tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and if you bought a 2-day ticket (must be used 2 consecutive days) it's $30 and $15. There are a couple other tourbus companies in DC (Like Red line and Gray line) but we tried one once and was disappointed. Tourmobile is run by the National Park Service, so in my opinion, the narration is a notch above and it's cheaper to boot. The other ones do go to different stops though.
General tips:
www.washington.org is a great resource for planning attractions.
The website for the metro is www.metroopensdoors.com - print out a map before you go and generally familiarize yourself with the layout.
And eat at Union Station - you won't be disappointed!!
Just did a quick check of school calendars and looks like MD and DC are back in school before Labor Day. VA is not. So I would expect you're fine with your friend's schedule. Sorry - I should have checked this before I brought it up and saved you worry.
Yeah, I'd definitely stay away from Southeast (east of the Anacostia River) and probably Southwest. I'd also suggest you avoid anything just over line from DC into Prince Georges County MD (no offense to anyone who lives there). That area is very up and down, changes block to block. Can you get any good rates around the Mall or maybe in Crystal City (which would be close to a Metro stop probably)? Sorry i can't be of more help on hotels and areas....
Yeah, I'd definitely stay away from Southeast (east of the Anacostia River) and probably Southwest. I'd also suggest you avoid anything just over line from DC into Prince Georges County MD (no offense to anyone who lives there). That area is very up and down, changes block to block. Can you get any good rates around the Mall or maybe in Crystal City (which would be close to a Metro stop probably)? Sorry i can't be of more help on hotels and areas....
New England Eeyore
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Christine said:
Again, we had NO problems. We got back to the hotel very late most evenings (and it was the weekend) and really there was no one on the streets.
Crystal City did have a hotel right across the street from the Crystal City mall. I can't remember the name of it, but if I saw it I would recognize it.
I've not stayed at that Holiday Inn, so I can't tell you about it.
I've stayed at:
Grand Hyatt (2)
Courtyard by Marriott (1)
I went to an event in another hotel neary the Grand Hyatt but I can't remember which one it was.. it was fine though. The name Radisson sounds familiar.
These are in the convention center area
Embassy Suites Chevy Chase (2)
Some other hotel in Chevy Chase -- I think Holiday Inn
This is in Chevy Chase
Crystal City hotel (1)
Crystal City
Arlington Hotel --Arlington, wouldn't recommend.
Yes, after dark is not the safest place to be in DC. I remember being near the Ford's Theater and realizing how bad that area is. Yes, there are worse areas, but I wouldn't be walking around there at night. I would go to Ford's theater during the day when the rangers are out, but not at night.
Basically, you would be swimming in the pool, watching TV or reading after dinner.
I've not stayed at that Holiday Inn, so I can't tell you about it.
I've stayed at:
Grand Hyatt (2)
Courtyard by Marriott (1)
I went to an event in another hotel neary the Grand Hyatt but I can't remember which one it was.. it was fine though. The name Radisson sounds familiar.
These are in the convention center area
Embassy Suites Chevy Chase (2)
Some other hotel in Chevy Chase -- I think Holiday Inn
This is in Chevy Chase
Crystal City hotel (1)
Crystal City
Arlington Hotel --Arlington, wouldn't recommend.
Yes, after dark is not the safest place to be in DC. I remember being near the Ford's Theater and realizing how bad that area is. Yes, there are worse areas, but I wouldn't be walking around there at night. I would go to Ford's theater during the day when the rangers are out, but not at night.
Basically, you would be swimming in the pool, watching TV or reading after dinner.
DMRick said:
Nothing that you can't take a Metro too. We actually drove from the hotel to the National Zoo and it took less than 20 minutes at 9:30 am. (little remnants of rush hour/busy traffic left, and traffic lights and such)
Chevy Chase is a very pretty manicured suburb. Think old houses, pristine lawns, etc. There is an upscale mall that is there as well, this is where the Embassy Suites is. Its a very affluent area. It seemed very safe as well.
We found that we didn't have to go anywhere except to the zoo driving wise. The only reason we drove was that we were leaving back home from the zoo and didn't want to pay for another day parking.
The restaurants were pretty nice as well. I don't remember a whole lot of them, but they did look like decent eateries
Christine
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Chevy Chase is nice. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there.
DMRick, have you tried any rates in Bethesda? I stayed up there one weekend for a conference (even though I don't live far from there, I didn't want to commute for the conference). There are many "special" rates that go on there and I think I got something for $99. There is a Metro and lots of places to walk to and eat in the evening. Very city-like.
Would you by chance be a member of 4-H? There is a 4H place in Bethesda that is very reasonable.
DMRick, have you tried any rates in Bethesda? I stayed up there one weekend for a conference (even though I don't live far from there, I didn't want to commute for the conference). There are many "special" rates that go on there and I think I got something for $99. There is a Metro and lots of places to walk to and eat in the evening. Very city-like.
Would you by chance be a member of 4-H? There is a 4H place in Bethesda that is very reasonable.
yogibigdog
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Just got back from the Omni. It has a nice outdoor pool and beautiful grounds. If you are an AAA member you can get a great rate if you pre-pay through the Member Specials exclusive discounts. (The Omni Shoreham is part of the program) I have stayed at Lowes in the past - while the location is great and they have a really nice lobby the rooms are starting to look old and run down. They have a pool on the roof. It is also hard to find places to eat at the Lowes other than the hotels resturants. The Omni has many resturants with walking distance and a McDonald if you in a hurry. Just keep in mind that parking at many downtown hotels are between 20 -25 dollars (more than the cost of your air fare!coach4448 said:
) For the rate I got I would pick the Omni.Also if you are interested in advance tickets to the Washington Monumnet you can buy them ahead of time through this govermnet website:
http://reservations.nps.gov/index.cfm
There is $ 1.50 service fee and you pay for shipping. Sure bets getting up early and waiting in line.
caitycaity
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dmrick, the holiday inn washington capitol and the loews (i know you said you weren't staying there, but just fyi) are right on the border of a not so great area. these hotels themselves are fine and in a really great location, but at night, you might want to pay some attention to your surroundings -- actually that is true anywhere in the city.
south of these hotels is the bad area. the further south and east you go from these hotels, the worse it is.
during the day the area around those hotels is fine because they are surrounded by many government buildings and there are lots of people and security around. at night though there are no people and less security people. i have walked in that area by myself in the evening before and i was fine, you just need to be aware of your surroundings.
as far as taking the buses, some areas that is fine and in other areas i wouldn't - not even during the day.
you might want to check the metro website - they have really good interactive maps. www.wmata.com
feel free to pm me with any questions.
south of these hotels is the bad area. the further south and east you go from these hotels, the worse it is.
during the day the area around those hotels is fine because they are surrounded by many government buildings and there are lots of people and security around. at night though there are no people and less security people. i have walked in that area by myself in the evening before and i was fine, you just need to be aware of your surroundings.
as far as taking the buses, some areas that is fine and in other areas i wouldn't - not even during the day.
you might want to check the metro website - they have really good interactive maps. www.wmata.com
feel free to pm me with any questions.
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