Washington DC - a few questions...

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

We are hoping to stay in Washington from 9 Jan-13 Jan 2013 and am still looking at accom for possibly 5 people if the MIL comes along. I have narrowed it down to 2 that look promising and just wondered if anyone has stayed at them.

The options so far are:-

Embassy Suites Hotel Washing DC which we can get for $199 per night for a suite which has 2 doubles in one room and a pullout sofa bed and lounge room. This comes with a free breakfast buffet also. We can upgrade to the executive suite which has more room at $209 per night which is the option I think I'd choose. Not a bad location, would've probably preferred a little closer to a metro station and the action but it's still fairly close. Perhaps a little dated though??? Great reviews

or

Homewood Suites by Hilton which we can get for $369 per night for a suite which has 2 doubles in one room and a pullout sofa bed and loungeroom/kitchentte. This one also comes with a free breakfast buffet and it looks like reading the reviews that they also provide some sort of evening meal buffet during the week but the reviews for that meal are mixed. The location is much better here, closer to the action and it looks to be a nicer hotel inside. Great reviews.

Obviously the Embassy Suites is much much cheaper and I'm leaning towards that one but I would definitely love to hear if anyone has stayed at either.


I would also love to hear any recommendations for tours, restaurants, tips and tricks for getting around if anyone has the time to share.

Thanks.

 

[aussietravellers]

I can offer absolutely no information, advise or recommendations on Washington as all I know about the place is from what I have seen on DC Cupcakes and Real Housewives of DC (mind you I would be visiting Georgetown Cupcakes from the DC Cupcakes show, they look SO good)

So why am I answering you ask, when I am really not of any use at all

Well even though the second hotel is more expensive. Divide the difference by 5 of you and that is $34 each, so that covers breakfast and dinner, which isn't bad for two main meals (provide the food is ok and you want to use that and not eat out). With the breakfast and dinner included it may end up saving you money even though it's more expensive.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Breakfast is included with the first one as well, and they also have a free happy hour with free drinks and basic nibblies. And we all know how I like my champagne bwahahaha.

So that would be $34 per person per night for just dinner to take into consideration. I was thinking that perhaps in Washington, esp if it's cold we might eat our main meal out at lunchtime and just have something quicker for dinner near the hotel??? We will probably be exhausted by the time we reach this final leg and I wonder whether we will be needing some earlier nights around about here.

 

[aussietravellers]

$34pp for an included hotel dinner (that could potentially be not the best) mmmm, not such a good deal. Well it could be a good deal if a little glass of champers was included (then you get extra because you get the kids glasses as well ).


I think the breaky and nightly nibbles (with a glass of champers ) for $170pn less is the better deal.

But I really don't know the hotels or their locations so maybe I should just Hopefully someone who knows the area and hotels will pop along soon and give you some good advise (not advise on yummy cupcake shops from TV )

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

$34pp for an included hotel dinner (that could potentially be not the best) mmmm, not such a good deal. Well it could be a good deal if a little glass of champers was included (then you get extra because you get the kids glasses as well ).


I think the breaky and nightly nibbles (with a glass of champers ) for $170pn less is the better deal.

But I really don't know the hotels or their locations so maybe I should just Hopefully someone who knows the area and hotels will pop along soon and give you some good advise (not advise on yummy cupcake shops from TV )

, I think the cheaper place is the better deal as well. The place gets good reviews and whilst it is a few blocks off the main drag, for that sort of saving, I'd be happy to splash out and catch a cab there and back if we were exhausted. .

Thank you for helping me talk this out Miss Aussietravellers.

 

[queenie82]

I know nothing about the Embassy suites but I did (briefly ) stay at the Washington DC Homewood Suites.

I would NOT pay that much extra for it. We were in that room type and as Homewood's go...that's one of the smallest versions I've seen.

The CHICAGO version...I'd pay that price difference. I think that's one of the best places I've stayed.

Calling what they serve on select nights a "dinner" is a bit of a loose description.
It is a "manager's reception" and very hit and miss.
I was quite ill so didn't try the ones they had here but what I saw was nothing special. At some (like chicago) we had great ones. But they are NOT something I would make sure I get back to the hotel for. Which you have to. It's only on at a particular time. And you might be out on a lovely night and viewing the monuments
(YOU MUST SEE THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL AT NIGHT!!!! YA HERE!!!! I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE COLD AND TIRED!!!)

Anyway...

I know NOTHING about the Embassy. So can't recommend it.
But never count the Manager's reception into your calculations. And remember it's only select nights...

Oh...and like New York...your best way around is the TAXI!!! Seriously.
So much easier and simpler.
We took it from Homewood to the Capitol and it was great and simple.

If Embassy is near Chinatown that would be a plus.....very nice food there...

 

[WAMUMOF4]

I know nothing about the Embassy suites but I did (briefly ) stay at the Washington DC Homewood Suites.

I would NOT pay that much extra for it. We were in that room type and as Homewood's go...that's one of the smallest versions I've seen.

The CHICAGO version...I'd pay that price difference. I think that's one of the best places I've stayed.


Anyway...
.

Ms. Shuttergirl thats also the dilemma i was having with Washington looking forward to hearing about where you pick.

Queenie which Homewood suites in Chicago is the one you recommend?

 

[queenie82]

Ms. Shuttergirl thats also the dilemma i was having with Washington looking forward to hearing about where you pick.

Queenie which Homewood suites in Chicago is the one you recommend?

Been sick past few days and only just getting over it so can't spend the time searching the web...but this looks it

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
40 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
+1 312-644-7777

It was near Trump Tower.

It is smack bang in downtown. We rarely planned to be back at the hotel for the Manager's Reception but is was good. I don't like spicy so Buffalo Wings night wasn't for me. But they were very popular.
Breakfast was good too.
This is a VERY popular Businessman hotel and they really make them happy.

I miss Chicago

 

[WAMUMOF4]

Been sick past few days and only just getting over it so can't spend the time searching the web...but this looks it

Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
40 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
+1 312-644-7777

It was near Trump Tower.

It is smack bang in downtown. We rarely planned to be back at the hotel for the Manager's Reception but is was good. I don't like spicy so Buffalo Wings night wasn't for me. But they were very popular.
Breakfast was good too.
This is a VERY popular Businessman hotel and they really make them happy.

I miss Chicago

I hope you feel better soon

Thanks for this it was the one i had looked at last year when we were going to try go there it must be really popular as the dates i wanted are already gone for August i can only get 2 nights not 5

 

[becpee]

(YOU MUST SEE THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL AT NIGHT!!!! YA HERE!!!! I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE COLD AND TIRED!!!)

And when you do I wanna see pics, lots of them!

Jealous!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I haven't stayed at the Embassy Suites in Washington DC but I have stayed in a few of the ES. I love this chain of hotels but it isn't always the cheapest place to stay. Their suites are usually pretty clean and well maintained; and a number of the ones that I've stayed in offer hot cooked breakfast as part of the tariff.

Homewood Suites in DC is quite well frequented by a couple of Dissers (aside from Queenie) and they seem to be well regarded as well.


I'm pretty sure that both Embassy and Homewood are owned by Hilton. I don't think you can go wrong with either of them.

 

[australiankaren]

I loved Washington.

Air and space museum was my fav..
We went in December, I have never been so cold in all my life, the wind just rips thru you.
fantastic city to just walk and walk and walk........

wanna go back..

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I know nothing about the Embassy suites but I did (briefly ) stay at the Washington DC Homewood Suites.

I would NOT pay that much extra for it. We were in that room type and as Homewood's go...that's one of the smallest versions I've seen.

The CHICAGO version...I'd pay that price difference. I think that's one of the best places I've stayed.

Calling what they serve on select nights a "dinner" is a bit of a loose description.
It is a "manager's reception" and very hit and miss.
I was quite ill so didn't try the ones they had here but what I saw was nothing special. At some (like chicago) we had great ones. But they are NOT something I would make sure I get back to the hotel for. Which you have to. It's only on at a particular time. And you might be out on a lovely night and viewing the monuments
(YOU MUST SEE THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL AT NIGHT!!!! YA HERE!!!! I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE COLD AND TIRED!!!)

Anyway...

I know NOTHING about the Embassy. So can't recommend it.
But never count the Manager's reception into your calculations. And remember it's only select nights...

Oh...and like New York...your best way around is the TAXI!!! Seriously.
So much easier and simpler.
We took it from Homewood to the Capitol and it was great and simple.

If Embassy is near Chinatown that would be a plus.....very nice food there...

Thank you for jumping in with your thoughts Queenie. I can always count on you to tell it like it is . If what the Homewood Suites is serving is a Managers Reception, that is what they call the one at Embassy Suites so perhaps not too dissimilar so Embassy is looking better there for the cheaper price.

I'm definitely planning on doing an evening Monument Tour the first night we are there so I promise to see the Lincoln Memorial at night. I might need to brush up on my nighttime photography before going though.

Glad you say that about the taxis. I've heard the metro is very easy to use but isn't it underground? I'd prefer to be above ground taking in the sights and sounds when I travel from place to place, otherwise would prefer to walk so it's good to know taxis are a great option.

Ms. Shuttergirl thats also the dilemma i was having with Washington looking forward to hearing about where you pick.

Queenie which Homewood suites in Chicago is the one you recommend?

I'll keep you posted WAMUMOF4. Do you have a shortlist that I might be interested in hearing about?

And when you do I wanna see pics, lots of them!

Jealous!

I promise Bepee

I haven't stayed at the Embassy Suites in Washington DC but I have stayed in a few of the ES. I love this chain of hotels but it isn't always the cheapest place to stay. Their suites are usually pretty clean and well maintained; and a number of the ones that I've stayed in offer hot cooked breakfast as part of the tariff.

Homewood Suites in DC is quite well frequented by a couple of Dissers (aside from Queenie) and they seem to be well regarded as well.


I'm pretty sure that both Embassy and Homewood are owned by Hilton. I don't think you can go wrong with either of them.

PIO - thanks for that. A cooked breakfast is included with both of these places and the reviews are very good for both. I'm a total sucker for a cooked breakfast so I love that . The Embassy Suites was the cheapest for the amount of room, by far.

I loved Washington.

Air and space museum was my fav..
We went in December, I have never been so cold in all my life, the wind just rips thru you.
fantastic city to just walk and walk and walk........

wanna go back..

Yikes KAREN , I'm going in January so it could perhaps be colder . I've bought lots of warm gear though and we will be coming from Quebec and Toronto so Washington might seem perfectly balmy in comparison .

I can't wait to see the Air and Space Museum but the thing I'm most looking forward to, well it's two things actually is a glimpse of the White House (DH and I are mad West Wing fans) and the Lincoln Memorial.

 

[Andona]

I loved Washington.

............

wanna go back..

I'm with you, Karen! Personally I prefer Washington DC to NYC - definitely will go back to DC one day...
We discussed it as an option for our upcoming trip but decided to do something totally different this time.


Shuttergirl, now that there will only be 4 of you for your trip will you also be looking at alternative options for DC? We stayed at the Hampton Inn DC/Convention Centre. It was a great location - right near the entrance to Chinatown and we could walk down to the mall in about 10 minutes . Relatively inexpensive for the central location at the time.

The chinatown Metro station is nearby and DH also walked to Union Station to collect our hire car.

The hotel caters mainly to business people but it was quiet, comfy and had a decent, hot breakfast included in the rate. I seem to remember the rates were a lot cheaper over the weekend.

Good luck with your choices
Andona

 

[queenie82]

I'm with you, Karen! Personally I prefer Washington DC to NYC - definitely will go back to DC one day...
We discussed it as an option for our upcoming trip but decided to do something totally different this time.


Shuttergirl, now that there will only be 4 of you for your trip will you also be looking at alternative options for DC? We stayed at the Hampton Inn DC/Convention Centre. It was a great location - right near the entrance to Chinatown and we could walk down to the mall in about 10 minutes . Relatively inexpensive for the central location at the time.

The chinatown Metro station is nearby and DH also walked to Union Station to collect our hire car.

The hotel caters mainly to business people but it was quiet, comfy and had a decent, hot breakfast included in the rate. I seem to remember the rates were a lot cheaper over the weekend.

Good luck with your choices
Andona

I agree with chasing up Andona's suggestion if it is a good quality and price.
Mum ended up in Chinatown while she was out and brought back some food for me from there which was great. And said it was a fine area.

I did think the location of Homewood was great. On my way to the airport we drove looping around the monuments from there. Plus Homewood has always been a certain standard.
I just think the PRICE...is far to much to justify it. But having read what you're prepared to pay extra in NYC

Maybe now with more options you can get a different room for a good price? I agree a sofabed for 9 nights is bad. My limit is 3....and even then...


For those who don't know about it...

The Smithsonian has an "addition" to the air and space now which is OUT of town but well well well worth the visit
"Displays hundreds of aviation and space artifacts that are too large to exhibit in the museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., along with thousands of small flight-related artifacts."

http://www.si.edu/Museums/air-and-space-museum-udvar-hazy-center

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I'm with you, Karen! Personally I prefer Washington DC to NYC - definitely will go back to DC one day...
We discussed it as an option for our upcoming trip but decided to do something totally different this time.


Shuttergirl, now that there will only be 4 of you for your trip will you also be looking at alternative options for DC? We stayed at the Hampton Inn DC/Convention Centre. It was a great location - right near the entrance to Chinatown and we could walk down to the mall in about 10 minutes . Relatively inexpensive for the central location at the time.

The chinatown Metro station is nearby and DH also walked to Union Station to collect our hire car.

The hotel caters mainly to business people but it was quiet, comfy and had a decent, hot breakfast included in the rate. I seem to remember the rates were a lot cheaper over the weekend.

Good luck with your choices
Andona

Andona, thanks for that recommendation. The hotel does look very nice. and the location seems quite good too.

We could get a double room for $170 which includes breakfast, or we could go with Embassy suites and get a 2 room suite, so with a separate living area for $199 which includes brekky and happy hour drinks. Just need to decide whether the location of the one you recommend is better and justifies the less space. Grrrr, I hate making decisions

I agree with chasing up Andona's suggestion if it is a good quality and price.
Mum ended up in Chinatown while she was out and brought back some food for me from there which was great. And said it was a fine area.

I did think the location of Homewood was great. On my way to the airport we drove looping around the monuments from there. Plus Homewood has always been a certain standard.
I just think the PRICE...is far to much to justify it. But having read what you're prepared to pay extra in NYC

Maybe now with more options you can get a different room for a good price? I agree a sofabed for 9 nights is bad. My limit is 3....and even then...


For those who don't know about it...

The Smithsonian has an "addition" to the air and space now which is OUT of town but well well well worth the visit
"Displays hundreds of aviation and space artifacts that are too large to exhibit in the museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., along with thousands of small flight-related artifacts."

http://www.si.edu/Museums/air-and-space-museum-udvar-hazy-center

I'm not paying the extra in NYC, I just needed a minute to get my head around less space over Christmastime that's all. I'm going with the cheaper option in NYC.

 

[shushh]

We mostly walked everywhere! and supplemented with taxis or metro when we got tired. If we can do it with 3 littlies then anyone can do it! We didn't have any organised tours except for within the US Capitol which I highly recommend. The US capitol is AMAZING! Be sure to book the tickets to go up the washington monument as well.

 

[queenie82]

We mostly walked everywhere! and supplemented with taxis or metro when we got tired. If we can do it with 3 littlies then anyone can do it! We didn't have any organised tours except for within the US Capitol which I highly recommend. The US capitol is AMAZING! Be sure to book the tickets to go up the washington monument as well.

The Washington Monument is CLOSED indefinitely

The August 23, 2011 earthquake damaged both the exterior and interior of the Washington Monument, with the heaviest damage in the Pyramidion (pointy top), between elevations 475 feet and 530 feet. The damage includes cracks of up to 1 inch wide in some of the marble blocks. Other damage includes spalling of the stones, missing mortar, displaced components of the lightning protection system, and damage to the elevator counter weight frame. The National Park Service expects to award a contract to repair the monument by this August; work is expected to take 10-12 months.

http://www.nps.gov/wamo/parknews/ph...ion-dollars-to-repair-washington-monument.htm

 

[shushh]

Thank you Queenie for the info. I am obviously oblivious...

 

[queenie82]

Thank you Queenie for the info. I am obviously oblivious...

I'm just SOO glad you got to experience it as it is so lovely

The Capitol and Washington Monument are my favourite things too.

So many don't realise that the Washington Monument got SO damaged though Hope they fix it ASAP