washington D.C.. Please help HOTEL HELP PLEASE:)

[goofyshell]

Great thread! I'm also interested in restaurant ideas. Taking our two teenage sons so we'll eat just about anything. We'd like a couple of places in the 20-30$ range(per entree) and any fast food ideas are great too! TIA

 

[LaraK]

As locals, we don't eat near the tourist locations often. That said, one thing I often put on the DC threads is the suggestion that you go to Chinatown to eat. Near the mall, but real food and really good food.

 

[Trentmom]

Just another quick comment -

If you can do it, I would suggest going when the weather will be as cool as possible for your available dates. In mid-summer the combination of the crowds and heat can be brutal. Drink plenty of water and leave room for lots of breaks if you must go when the weather is at its worst. (Basically make the same kind of plans for touring DC that you would for Disneyworld in the summer.)

Unfortunately, that is the best time for us to go, but will remember your tips

We will have plenty of water and take a lot of breaks to cool off

Thanks

 

[golfgal]

There are all kinds of vendors selling bottled water out of coolers around the tourist attractions so don't worry about finding water. Most sell the bottles for $1 and since you can't bring water into most buildings there, have plenty of $1's on hand for those.

The best place we found to eat with teenagers was the cafeteria at the Library of Congress. There were 5 of us and my parents and the food choices there were so varied that everyone found plenty to eat and it was probably the most reasonable meal we ate in DC.

We also at at the ESPN restaurant and the boys enjoyed that (right by Ford's Theater).

Keep in mind that the cafe's in the Smithsonian's close pretty early so make sure you check into closing times if you are planning on eating there.

There isn't much for fast food right around the mall/Smithsonians so don't plan on finding a McDonalds or anything around there.

 

[mickeysgal]

As locals, we don't eat near the tourist locations often. That said, one thing I often put on the DC threads is the suggestion that you go to Chinatown to eat. Near the mall, but real food and really good food.

We're planning a summer trip as well and I really like the idea of Chinatown. Is it difficult to reach? Safe area? Any details you could give would be appreciated!

 

[FLAngie]

I was wondering about Chinatown too. Any recs on good restaurants there?

 

[Trentmom]

There are all kinds of vendors selling bottled water out of coolers around the tourist attractions so don't worry about finding water. Most sell the bottles for $1 and since you can't bring water into most buildings there, have plenty of $1's on hand for those.

The best place we found to eat with teenagers was the cafeteria at the Library of Congress. There were 5 of us and my parents and the food choices there were so varied that everyone found plenty to eat and it was probably the most reasonable meal we ate in DC.

We also at at the ESPN restaurant and the boys enjoyed that (right by Ford's Theater).

Keep in mind that the cafe's in the Smithsonian's close pretty early so make sure you check into closing times if you are planning on eating there.

There isn't much for fast food right around the mall/Smithsonians so don't plan on finding a McDonalds or anything around there.

oh good. will make sure we have cash on us for drinks for sure then and snacks

 

[Trentmom]

Thought I was set on a hotel, but all the ones I am finding are like almost 300 a night.

I just can't make myself spend that

I went onto hotwire and found one in Old Town Alexandria for 4 stars for 142 a night

Has anyone here used hotwire and had good experience with them? SO nerve wracking not having a clue what you are getting until after you pay

Or can anyone recommend a hotel under 200 a night in or near old town Alexandria?

Thank You much

 

[golfgal]

Thought I was set on a hotel, but all the ones I am finding are like almost 300 a night.

I just can't make myself spend that

I went onto hotwire and found one in Old Town Alexandria for 4 stars for 142 a night

Has anyone here used hotwire and had good experience with them? SO nerve wracking not having a clue what you are getting until after you pay

Or can anyone recommend a hotel under 200 a night in or near old town Alexandria?

Thank You much

We got our hotel room in DC through Priceline when we went (week before the 4th) for $112/night. We ended up at the Westin, which is nice, about 5 blocks or so from the Metro station but no free breakfast. It was somewhat difficult finding a place to eat breakfast, ended up eating at Whole Foods mostly. You had to pay for the Internet, etc. there. Keep in mind that while on the surface a place like the Embassy Suites is more expensive, with the free breakfast and coctail hour they offer, that saves about $50/day in food costs. If you end up at the Westin--don't eat in the restaurant. It is very expensive--breakfast on our last day there cost over $100 for nothing fancy-just eggs and bacon for most of us.

 

[golfgal]

I just plugged in random dates, July 18-22 and Embassy Suites has a room for $265/night

Hampton Inn is $159/night for the same dates

Residence Inn is $230/night including free breakfast and internet

 

[Trentmom]

We got our hotel room in DC through Priceline when we went (week before the 4th) for $112/night. We ended up at the Westin, which is nice, about 5 blocks or so from the Metro station but no free breakfast. It was somewhat difficult finding a place to eat breakfast, ended up eating at Whole Foods mostly. You had to pay for the Internet, etc. there. Keep in mind that while on the surface a place like the Embassy Suites is more expensive, with the free breakfast and coctail hour they offer, that saves about $50/day in food costs. If you end up at the Westin--don't eat in the restaurant. It is very expensive--breakfast on our last day there cost over $100 for nothing fancy-just eggs and bacon for most of us.

Thats a good price, but does sounds like it was a pain food wise

have to keep that in mind about the food

thanks

I just plugged in random dates, July 18-22 and Embassy Suites has a room for $265/night

Hampton Inn is $159/night for the same dates

Residence Inn is $230/night including free breakfast and internet

Thank You

I think I will check out the Hampton. That I could handle

 

[kbeverina]

Thought I was set on a hotel, but all the ones I am finding are like almost 300 a night.

I just can't make myself spend that

I went onto hotwire and found one in Old Town Alexandria for 4 stars for 142 a night

Has anyone here used hotwire and had good experience with them? SO nerve wracking not having a clue what you are getting until after you pay

Or can anyone recommend a hotel under 200 a night in or near old town Alexandria?

Thank You much

A lot of times if you cut and paste the hotel description on hotwire into google and search it, you can find out what hotel it is. Try that and see if you come up with anything. That sounds like a great price for any 4-star in Old Town.

 

[Trentmom]

A lot of times if you cut and paste the hotel description on hotwire into google and search it, you can find out what hotel it is. Try that and see if you come up with anything. That sounds like a great price for any 4-star in Old Town.

What a great idea

Going to try that now

Thanks

 

[luvmyfam444]

Haven't read all the posts- but I see you're still active here.
We were there last July -

We stayed @ Wardham Park hotel - the zoo metro stop & then one of the Marriotts in Crystal City. Of course Crystal City was the closest in.

As far as food, we took a whole suitcase of food with us - enough for 2 meals a day. We had lunch in the hotel (wasn't included) & then packed 1 other meal that we ate on the mall every day.

Make sure since you're limited on time really plan your days well so you know exactly what highlights you want to see & what you can skip. We didn't get anywhere near seeing it all & we were there longer.

I'll tell you our absolute favorite thing we did was www.Bikethesites.com
we took the monument @ nights tour the 1st night we were there - it was FABULOUS! Well worth the $$ the kids were begging to do it again. And it got the monuments out of the way so we could do museums.

don't forget to order online your tctks to go up in the monument & for Ford's theatre that'll keep you from standing hours in line when you get there

IF you have any questions you can shoot me a message - I'll help ya if I can

 

[luvmyfam444]

As far as weather - it WAS brutal! But most of the time we were inside in the museums - the only day that was miserable was when we were @ Arlington Cemetary - it was 98 that day - just touching the railing watching the changing of the guards burned our hands

Just plan like a WDW trip in the middle of summer & you'll be fine - lots of cool clothes, water bottles & those misting fans (which you can't take into the capitol so don't take them that day)

We couldn't get a tour of the W.H. none of our senators' groups got in that month so we just viewed the front & the capitol has to be secured ways in advance as well -but remember they take up hours to do them...Amazing history - but you may not have the time for the tour.

So, really prioritize which things & then go from there- cause if y'all are happy just seeing the outside instead of a tour then skip it & go for it next time

 

[bluesaturn]

I have also been lurking

We are planning a trip to DC & thinking of staying in the College Park, MD area. Any hotel suggestions or warnings for that area? Is it a safe area (we all have parts of our cities we would steer people away from)?

College Park is okay. It's not ritzy but it's not horrible either. The University of Maryland is there so it's a busy area filled with lots of college kids (even in the summer). Besides the university there's nothing too special so it's not a particularly pretty town or anything. You'll just want to be smart and I wouldn't roam the streets at night or something.
What hotel are you looking at? The area right around Ikea is a little nicer, and the main downtown area has a lot of college bars.
Are you planning on walking to the metro? I don't recall any hotels within walking distance.

 

[faith]

LuvMyFam444...What company did you use for your moonlight tour of monuments? Thanks!

 

[clori]

I'm going to DC in April. We will have 3 adults, 2 seniors in their 80s and 3 kids 6, 10, 12. We are staying in two rooms at Embassy Suites in Alexandria. It wasn't the cheapest but being across the street from the metro was important for us and kids love having a pool. We are doing a nighttime monument tour with royaltrolleys (.com). They are picking us up at the hotel and driving us back after the tour for no extra cost.

I'm excited about our hotel location. I just found out that about a block from the King ST metro station there is a free rehearsal on Tuesday nights for a capella performing chorus that I think my parents will love. My dd10 and I plan on doing a ghost tour one night (and other kids if they aren't scared). If it can be done late enough we will also do a kids scavenger hunt in Alexandria. There are also things to do during the day but we probably won't be around.

 

[faith]

Hi Clori! Will check out your nightime tour company.
We are also staying at Embassey Suites Old Town because of the location and breakfast.

 

[Trentmom]

Haven't read all the posts- but I see you're still active here.
We were there last July -

We stayed @ Wardham Park hotel - the zoo metro stop & then one of the Marriotts in Crystal City. Of course Crystal City was the closest in.

As far as food, we took a whole suitcase of food with us - enough for 2 meals a day. We had lunch in the hotel (wasn't included) & then packed 1 other meal that we ate on the mall every day.

Make sure since you're limited on time really plan your days well so you know exactly what highlights you want to see & what you can skip. We didn't get anywhere near seeing it all & we were there longer.

I'll tell you our absolute favorite thing we did was www.Bikethesites.com
we took the monument @ nights tour the 1st night we were there - it was FABULOUS! Well worth the $$ the kids were begging to do it again. And it got the monuments out of the way so we could do museums.

don't forget to order online your tctks to go up in the monument & for Ford's theatre that'll keep you from standing hours in line when you get there

IF you have any questions you can shoot me a message - I'll help ya if I can

Hi.

Thanks for all your help hints

How close was your hotel to metro station or did you drive everywhere?

I'm going to DC in April. We will have 3 adults, 2 seniors in their 80s and 3 kids 6, 10, 12. We are staying in two rooms at Embassy Suites in Alexandria. It wasn't the cheapest but being across the street from the metro was important for us and kids love having a pool. We are doing a nighttime monument tour with royaltrolleys (.com). They are picking us up at the hotel and driving us back after the tour for no extra cost.

I'm excited about our hotel location. I just found out that about a block from the King ST metro station there is a free rehearsal on Tuesday nights for a capella performing chorus that I think my parents will love. My dd10 and I plan on doing a ghost tour one night (and other kids if they aren't scared). If it can be done late enough we will also do a kids scavenger hunt in Alexandria. There are also things to do during the day but we probably won't be around.

Hi Clori! Will check out your nightime tour company.
We are also staying at Embassey Suites Old Town because of the location and breakfast.

You all are really making embassy sound great. I might just have to bite the bullet and stay there

Still have some time to decide, so will think it over

Thanks for everyone help