Suggestions on family reunion locations (non-WDW)

[SleepyatDVC]

My cousin is getting married on July 26, 2003 in the outskirts of the Wash DC suburbs - the reception will be at the Tysons Corner DoubleTree Suites.

Since my extended family on my Mom's side is attending the wedding, we all thought it would be a good idea to have a mini-vacation reunion for the few days after the wedding.

The dates and departure ports for a cruise did not work out. Most of us are from the NYC area and Michigan. So, somewhere between DC and NYC would be ideal.

There will be over 30 of us including kids. We would need at least 8 or more rooms.

One aunt suggested the Congress Hall resort in Cape May. The rates are upwards of $250+ per night. We were thinking of around 4 nights starting Sunday, 7/27/03.

While the area and the resort sound nice, it sounds a bit expensive for that type of vacation. Nothing much to do there, except beach, and not much to the hotel. For the same or a bit more money, we could be enjoying WDW, Hawaii, Caribbean,etc.

I wouldn't even mind staying around the DC area. Any suggestions on some nice hotels or resrt types? Someplace within a few hours driving, preferably North, maybe by the shore, maybe even in DC, someplace with a nice pool for the kids and a common lobby/area to congregate.

I think something in the range of $200/night or less. The less the better of course! As long as it is less than $250 - $300 for Cape May.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[crazyme5kids]

How about Baltimore?

 

[jamsmom]

I also think Baltimore would be nice. The Aquarium is great. There is a Waterfront Courtyard by Marriot that is really nice.

 

[LIDisneyFan]

Atlantic City?

 

[PamOKW]

I'm not that familiar with the area but I have heard good things about Rehobeth Beach and some of the other nearby areas (can't recall the names). DC-area folks on the board could probably give more info. I have extended family that get together here every summer. This area is reachable by ferry from Cape May so it is near DC but heading back towards NY.

Atlantic City, or elsewhere along the Jersey Shore is another good idea.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into them. Any recommendations on specific hotels?

I think some of the family would prefer something 3 stars or higher. The one aunt picked Congress Hall in Cape May because it was the only hotel considered maybe 4 stars in the area. But I just didn't think it was that special for the rate.

I just thought a Hyatt, Hilton, Westin, Loews, etc. near a city would provide the "necessary" class of hotel for some relatives, provide enough activities nearby for others, and hopefully be less than $250-$300 per night.

 

[Wagamama]

we just had a family reunion in the wash area. it was at the wintergreen resort about an hour away. it was GREAT!!!!!!

 

[mickeyfan1]

Oh yes, Wintergreen, a fabulous place winter or not. Beautiful condos, great scenery. NO motorcycles allowed (a problem for the Gold Wing riders), and watch your brakes on the way out, it is on top of a small mountain. Baltimore Inner Harbor has lots of stuff to do, lots of night life, Ocean City Maryland or Rehobeth/Dewey Beach Delaware are all about 3 -4 hours from Tysons Corner. Why not stay there and tourist around DC, you will be very close to the Metro Subway, it's a snap to hop on and go into town, and there is so much to do in the city. Also there are a lot of places within driving distance (2-4 hours) from there, Frederick Maryland, Leesburg, VA, Manassas National Battlefield, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, Mount Vernon.... Just so much history in that whole area. The hotels in Tysons range from Best Western Upscale to a very nice Hyatt, and a few more upscale. Oh, Wolf Trap Farm Park, its a national park for the perfoming arts about 20 minute drive from Tysons. And there are 2 great malls, right there, one had the first Disney Store in VA, I don't know if it's still there. It should be warm enough to swim, too. And humid! The Tysons area is upscale, you are right next to McLean, very snooty, Great Falls, very very snooty, Oakton, Fairfax, just a huge traffic jam at times area. But lots to see and do. Stay there! Stay south of the Mason Dixon line. IF you stay and want a really good chili dog, go to the Vienna Inn, just down 123 south of Tysons.