Staying Overnight in Washington D.C. (Where?)

[cpl100]

I will be stopping for two nights en route to Disney in July (to sightsee). Of the myriad of hotels and locations, does anyone have a suggestion for where to stay keeping in mind the need to see the sights (and particularly the Spy Museum) as well as the need to book out of the hotel early on Thursday morning for the long drive? Stay within D.C. proper? In Alexandria or Arlington? Also, what time would you suggest leaving the city in the morning?

 

[TLinden16]

If you're only going to be there a couple of days, and money isn't too big of an issue, you may want to stay right in DC. The train system in DC is excellent, but if you are only there a short time, you may want to be right in the middle of everything.

I've been staying at the Hilton Garden in on 14th Street when I go to DC. It's a nice hotel. There is a fridge and microwave in the room. There is even a small indoor pool in the hotel. It's just a few blocks from the White House, and a short walk to the Mall. It's also right across the street from a train station.

There is also a J.W. Marriott on 14th Street that looks pretty nice. I've never stayed there, but we ate breakfast in the restaurant, and it was quite good.

If you are looking to stay in Arlington, I stayed at the Doubletree Hotel near the airport in Crystal City. It was about a 10 minute walk to the train station, and about a 20 minute ride on the train to the Mall. There is a great shopping mall at the train station with lots of great places to eat in the mall, and in the strip mall across the street. There are other hotels nearby the Doubletree, I just can't remember what ones.

Karen

 

[cpl100]

Thanks for responding. I see that they indicate ****limited valet parking $24**** first come, first served. And if there are no spaces left what does one do with their automobile?

Thanks so much!

 

[TLinden16]

I usually fly to DC and take a cab from the airport, so I've never had to deal with the parking issue. Parking is usually a problem in DC in general, but you can usually find someplace to call. You could call the hotel directly and see if they run out of parking spaces very often. Once you park your car, you probably won't need it again. The public transportation in DC is very good in the area where most of the attractions are.

Oh, just a little tip. If you plan on going to the monuments, consider getting tickets on one of the tour buses. It will save you a lot of walking.

Karen

 

[cpl100]

Originally posted by TLinden16
I usually fly to DC and take a cab from the airport, so I've never had to deal with the parking issue. Parking is usually a problem in DC in general, but you can usually find someplace to call. You could call the hotel directly and see if they run out of parking spaces very often. Once you park your car, you probably won't need it again. The public transportation in DC is very good in the area where most of the attractions are.

Oh, just a little tip. If you plan on going to the monuments, consider getting tickets on one of the tour buses. It will save you a lot of walking.

Karen

The tour bus is a great idea. Thanks!

 

[Kimickey]

DH works at a private hotel called Club Quarters. It's two blocks from the White House which is in the heart of DC. You are 10 minutes away from National Airport. When I or DH and I fly out of National we normally stay at his job overnight so that we don't have to trek the 30-45 minute drive from our house to the airport. Also, the metro system is right next to his job so if you wanted to sightsee, taking the metro train would be your best possible option. Driving around the city to sightsee trying to find parking on the street is a nightmare. All of the monuments are in walking distance as well. If you want more info on Club Quarters just PM me and I will give you all of the details you need.

 

[mcnuss]

I travel quite a lot to DC and lived there for 10 years before moving to NH, and concur with the other posters and would like to add:

1. TourMobile is super. DD and I did it last April and we're going to do it again in June.

2. Parking in DC is costly during the week, they love to get the business travelers. Also, some hotels have specials on weekends that include parking. Before you pick your hotel, you could also ask if there is a nearby self-park garage which would be much less $$. You will not want to take your car out until you are leaving for good!

3. JW Marriott is lovely, but generally pricey, and will likely be very high during the week. The HGI is nice, but I am not in love with neighborhood. There is a Sheraton 4 Points near there, too. Same kind of hotel. Not sure how many of you there are, but I would recommend one of the Embassy Suites hotels, all of which are super. You get a free, cooked to order breakfast, cocktails, and a nice suite with a bedroom and an LR with a sofabed. There is an Embassy Suites downtown, very nice location but a bit business-y. Then there are 2 in the burbs, right next to metro. We are actually staying at the one in Alexandria next week (weekend rate of $139 for 4 of us); if you want me to let you know how it is, let me know. There is another one in Chevy Chase, MD. I have heard that it's the best of the 3, but the prices do reflect that. The advantage to staying in Alexandria would be that on the morning you are leaving, you are minutes away from 95 South, and it is much easier to navigate into and out of than DC (not that DC is that hard...).

4. Finally, you may want to try Priceline. Start with biddingfortravel.com to get educated if you have not used it before. There is a very good list of DC hotels. I have not P-lined in DC but have in NYC and got a $250 hotel for $98 mid-week.

Let me know if I can be of any additional help.

 

[dsanner106]

I agree with the earlier posts, but find that in DC , as long as you are near the train, it doesn't matter what hotel. If you want in-expensive, near the train, free parking, the Quality Inn Iwo Jima in Arlington is a few blocks from the Iwo jima mem, and Arlington Cemetary and about 10 minutes from the train. 5 or so stops from the Mall. If you choose that area, I know a few restaurants, etc.

Drew

 

[cpl100]

Thanks for everyone's help here about this. I knew there would be helpful people with information. I had received a brochure last Fall from The Carlyle Suites/Savoy Suites. They are in DuPont Circle and Georgetown respectively. I made a reservation at the Carlyle prior to thinking of asking here ($89 special rate). It has 'limited free parking'. When I asked at reservation time I was told there is a small lot there. When it fills up you go down the street to a pay lot/garage. Does anyone know of this hotel or have experience with it? Looks great in the pictures, but first hand is always better.

I considered Priceline actually and did go over there to read all the information about the local hotels and such. At least one hotel would not have been suitable for myself and two sons as it's a boutique hotel with only one bed. I did read about people taking issue with one of the major hotels location but don't recall just which one at this point. I know I could get a great 4* hotel for less than $90 but some of them charge $26/day for parking.

Priceline's hotels in Alexandria are:
3 Star
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
Sheraton Suites Alexandria
Radisson Old Town Alexandria

2.5 Star
Residence Inn

I couldn't tell from the reviews or my map how close to DC or how convenient public transportation would be from these? Does anyone know?

If the Carlyle is a decent hotel and reasonably convenient, I think my choice may be to either stay there or change to Alexandria if public transportation is good from there. How does that sound?

Thanks everyone!

 

[jimmybop]

If you wanna stay just out of DC, I just stayed at the comfort inn in Alexandera. Very nice, it has a free shuttle van to and from the Van Dorn Metro stop (about a 2 min drive, 5-10min walk).

 

[Threehearts]

I live in Chevy Chase, Maryland and I'm not sure that we have an Embassy Suites here. Threehearts

 

[bom_noite]

If you have kids I am very much a fan of the Holiday Inn chain. They cater to family's with the "kids eat free" deal. 2 Years ago we stayed at the Holiday Inn on Capital Hill. We got the room on a National Zoo promo - 2 nights for $150 (including admission to the national zoo for 4).

The hotel is 2 blocks from the Capital and we walked down there every evening to see the Military Band that plays. It is also a convenient walk to the Mall tour buses and subway. Couple that with a way cool Roof Top swimming pool and the kids Knighted me father of the year!

If you are interested I would suggest this: Book a good hotel with a cancellation policy. Then, go to the Holiday Inn website 3 or 4 days in advance and look for "web-deals".

I am not a big DC guy, but, I would imagine if you stay in the city you would be going opposite traffic when you leave in the AM.

You have alot going for you wherever you stay:

1) Travel is down and 2) Summer is slow in DC. You should be able to get alot of deals wherever you wind up!

 

[cpl100]

Quote: If you have kids I am very much a fan of the Holiday Inn chain. They cater to family's with the "kids eat free" deal. 2 Years ago we stayed at the Holiday Inn on Capital Hill. We got the room on a National Zoo promo - 2 nights for $150 (including admission to the national zoo for 4).

I would love a kids eat free deal; however, at nearly 14 and 16, they eat twice as much as me and three times as often!

Thanks for your ideas. I will look into that Holiday Inn.

 

[mcnuss]

Originally posted by Threehearts
I live in Chevy Chase, Maryland and I'm not sure that we have an Embassy Suites here. Threehearts

Well, to be precise, it's in the District, but it is called the Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase Pavillion. I think it's right across the street from Mazza Gallerie, and near the Cheesecake Factory & Maggianos.

Summer is slow in DC

I'll buy that travel is down but unless things have changed alot since I moved away, summer is not slow in DC, it's when all the tourists with kids arrive! (kinda like WDW!)

 

[bom_noite]

Loved your post dude - a few more comments and a question:

Comments:
1) If you like staying in WDW you like being apart of the action - then - I think your choice is clear - find a hotel in the City. While you can always stay outside - it is a more meaningful experience to be among the action. It is very much like deciding at The Polynesian vs. Hotel 8 Main Gate.

2) If you plan to stay in the city - then parking is an issue. I think the parking was included in our deal. If not - it was $10 or $15 - but that is the price of the city.

3) I would be nervous about parking my WDW loaded car a block away unless someone on this board gives you the all clear. Even then, I would be nervous!

4) I would also worry about the commute if you stay in Georgetown. I just do not think you would have an issue if you stayed anywhere in Va or the City. Many of the folks in Georgetown commute every AM in to the city - so you must fight them.

5) Before we went I looked at Fodders.com and that helped me narrow the choices down.

6) Please take comments 1 - 5 with a grain of salt. We were very happy with the Holiday Inn (and feel good about recommending to others) - but - I am in no ways an expert on DC and others can probably give you better advice. I do feel solid on comments (1, 2 and 5) from our experience. Also, I think I am solid on comment 3 - dude - not sure I trust anyone on a board to give me a recommendation on where to park my car!

Questions:
1) Do me a favor - after you get back please let me know the final choice. We plan to go back and I am always in to other opinions.

2) Are your kids still "in" to WDW at that age? We have 2 (9 and 12) and I am worried that there enthusiasm may wain.

Good Luck

 

[cpl100]

Originally posted by bom_noite
Loved your post dude - a few more comments and a question:

Comments:
1) If you like staying in WDW you like being apart of the action - then - I think your choice is clear - find a hotel in the City. While you can always stay outside - it is a more meaningful experience to be among the action. It is very much like deciding at The Polynesian vs. Hotel 8 Main Gate.

2) If you plan to stay in the city - then parking is an issue. I think the parking was included in our deal. If not - it was $10 or $15 - but that is the price of the city.

3) I would be nervous about parking my WDW loaded car a block away unless someone on this board gives you the all clear. Even then, I would be nervous!

4) I would also worry about the commute if you stay in Georgetown. I just do not think you would have an issue if you stayed anywhere in Va or the City. Many of the folks in Georgetown commute every AM in to the city - so you must fight them.

5) Before we went I looked at Fodders.com and that helped me narrow the choices down.

6) Please take comments 1 - 5 with a grain of salt. We were very happy with the Holiday Inn (and feel good about recommending to others) - but - I am in no ways an expert on DC and others can probably give you better advice. I do feel solid on comments (1, 2 and 5) from our experience. Also, I think I am solid on comment 3 - dude - not sure I trust anyone on a board to give me a recommendation on where to park my car!

Questions:
1) Do me a favor - after you get back please let me know the final choice. We plan to go back and I am always in to other opinions.

2) Are your kids still "in" to WDW at that age? We have 2 (9 and 12) and I am worried that there enthusiasm may wain.

Good Luck

Oh yes, they are excited to go back. Of course, some things (like Cinderella) have lost their appeal. On the flip side of that, they have great stamina now and can fully enjoy Universal which we will also do. As for the loaded car, I intend to use their strong bodies to haul it all up into the hotel for the two days we are in DC. The place we already have booked for our back up in D.C. is in DuPont Circle. How's that area? Fodors.com is a good lead and I will check it out. Thanks.

Cindy

 

[bom_noite]

I called you dude - sorry Cindy - from here on out you are dudette. Again - I am not a DC guy - my first impression on Dupont is this:

1) Traffic: From a traffic standpoint getting out it may delay you 15 minutes. You have to go through the heart - to the outerbelt and out. A room in-town or in the VA burbs would probably save you time.

2) From an action stand-point I think you are trading the night-life action of DC to the heart and soul of the democratic process (of course the democratic process will be closed in the evening).

3) Walking: Not sure you can walk from Dupont to the city. Keep in mind that while DC is a town for walkers, from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial it is over 2 miles - we walked from Cap to Abe, then, got a cab halfway back as we were spent! DC from our experience is a much more gruelling walk then WDW - you have 2 choices: Concrete or Marble - neither are forgiving!

4) Safety: The grizzled vet may say - awww no problem. Well, it is easy 2 say this aint WDW. We had 2 experiences with vagrants that were a bit scary! And that was within a block of the mall! Also - we live in ATL which has it share of downtown vagrants. In the mall you are safe - the government (especially now) is watching that like a hawk. I would not want to walk from the Mall to Dupont after dark.

AGAIN - I am no DC Expert. Please - DC Folks Chime in!

AGAIN one more time: I remembered a family hotel accross from ESPN Zone and 1/2 block from Fords Theatre. Good cheap rooms - never stayed there - but it came up in my research and we passed it walking.

Lastly: Call your Senator/Congressman or both - that is why they are in business - to help their constituants! They have pages and interns that would be glad to help you! They also may score you a preferential ticket to the Capitol / White House / Etc! I have called twice before - they fall over backwards to help a registered voter! Tell them it is not urgent - when they have time - they will call you back!

Hope this helps Dudette!

 

[cpl100]

No problem with the dude/dudette thing at all.

The brochure tells me that the hotel is 2 1/2 blocks from the Metro which should be walkable I would think. I wouldn't consider walking alone at night, but I do feel considerably safer with my two teen boys who are hubby's height and taller! (I know they are kids, but they look good!)

I don't know what action we'd be seeing at night anyway, so that doesn't bother me. And I have no qualms about hopping in a taxi to go back at night if need be.

Never considered calling Ted Kennedy about it! It's a good idea about the ticket, though. Gee, I wonder where those phone numbers are handily listed?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[dcfromva]

Another Hotel choice is Loews L'Enfant Plaza. ( They may even have an entertainment rate for this hotel. ) Loews L'Enfant Plaza is co-located with a metro stop and a little shopping area.
Link to Loews site--special offer L'Enfant Plaza $119/night--limited availability


Metro offers a One Day Pass for $5
Valid for one day of unlimited Metrorail travel on weekdays after 9:30 a.m. or all day on Saturdays, Sundays or federal holidays. Pass expires at the end of the operating day—2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, midnight on other nights.
lnk to Metro

I noticed those Entertainment books are being advertised at $10.00 each and I believe there is a coupon for Tourmobile, One for Old Town Trolleys and one for Duck tours, too... These tours do a pretty good job of taking you to all the tourist locations. Metro is good, but you still have a hike to some of the monuments/memorials if you rely on it exclusively.

Link to Tourmobile

Link to Old Town Trolleys

Link to Duck Tours

-DC

 

[cpl100]

Thanks for all that information. I checked online and that hotel seems to be sold out on one of my nights.

That tour information was very helpful also. The one thing we MUST do is the Spy Museum because that's their major interest. I would also like to take in at least some of the historical things too. One son visited D.C. with his 8th grade class (I went too) but then 9/11 happened and all the school trips to D.C. since then have been cancelled. The younger son missed out and I'd like to at least show him some of the highlights if possible.

By the way, this is a stop over en route to WDW. I noticed that you are also visiting in July.