Washington DC and/or Priceline questions

[pennymom]

We're planning a last minute weekend in Washington, DC with DS8 and DS6 , and I've never used Priceline and know NOTHING about the various areas of DC. Any suggestions for bids/areas of the city/anything? What hotels/areas to avoid? What is closest to the major attractions? Best tour for families with children (trolley, open top bus, etc.)?

Being so last minute, I know this won't be anywhere near the best trip ever planned, but I think we'll have fun anyway. I'd appreciate any advice, input, knowledge, or trip itinerary anyone can share! Thank you!!!

 

[pennymom]

I guess I should have added that we'd like to try to do this on a really tight budget with the holidays fast approaching.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

is priceline giving you area "options"?
If so, post them and I will tell you "yay" or "nay"

 

[golfgal]

Everything is "close" in DC because of the metro. Do you want to stay right IN DC? We stayed in Alexandria and loved it there. You are right on the metro and it is a quick ride to everything. We pricelined when we went and got the Westin for $111/night. The hotel was nice, bathrooms were good sized, etc. the food in the restaurant was NOT cheep. If you can get a good price for a hotel that offers a free breakfast, take that option instead of priceline because you will save money.

We liked Alexandria because you could take a free trolley ride into Old Town and bum around there.

I would suggest taking a day and going to Mount Vernon. It has to be spectacular at Christmas. We went and were able to take a combination of metro and a bus to get there easily.

I would also suggest the Monuments at Night Tour. You don't want an "open top" tour in the winter.

With just a weekend you are REALLY going to have to do some narrowing down of what you REALLY want to see. The monuments will be covered if you do the night tour. It is a LOT of walking to hit all the monuments otherwise-think commando walking at Disney walking. With little kids the bus tour will probably be easier.

Since you are on a budget, don't waste your money at the Spy Museum. Your kids are a good age for it but it is really just a fancy Science Museum with a Spy theme.

I would concentrate on the Smithsonian's-for little boys I would recommend the Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum. Those together will take up most of one day. The Am Indian museum would also be a good choice.

Food is VERY expensive in DC so plan on that.

 

[golfgal]

I just checked Travelocity and the Embassy Suites in Alexandria for Dec 17-19th is $110/night-that is a GREAT deal. Hotels that weekend are SUPER cheep-$80-110 for most of them.

 

[elgerber]

I just checked Travelocity and the Embassy Suites in Alexandria for Dec 17-19th is $110/night-that is a GREAT deal. Hotels that weekend are SUPER cheep-$80-110 for most of them.

That is a GREAT deal for a great hotel! We stayed there, for $149 or $159 for Memorial Day weekend.

 

[NotUrsula]

Because of the age of the buildings housing many hotels, DC is one of those cities where PL has about a 50/50 chance of netting you a room with only one double bed. If you are traveling with kids and want to do PL, you really need to bid two rooms to be sure to get enough beds for all 4 of you.

As an alternative, you can do Hotwire instead; HW lets you specify the number of persons who will occupy the room.

 

[golfgal]

Because of the age of the buildings housing many hotels, DC is one of those cities where PL has about a 50/50 chance of netting you a room with only one double bed. If you are traveling with kids and want to do PL, you really need to bid two rooms to be sure to get enough beds for all 4 of you.

As an alternative, you can do Hotwire instead; HW lets you specify the number of persons who will occupy the room.

Good point.

 

[pennymom]

OP here. Wow, thank for the great, quick info, everyone! When PL asked about dates and number of people, I didn't realize it might not take that into account when bidding on hotels. And when I said last minute, I really meant it! We hope to go down this Fri.-Sun. I'll look into Alexandria and Hotline and see what's available in our range. Keep those ideas coming!

 

[tinatark]

Go to biddingfortravel.com - under hotels, the hotels in each zone and star level are reported.

Another option is to go to priceline.com to "buy" the hotel of your choice - those same hotels are the ones you could get by bidding.

 

[Frye7127]

OP here. Wow, thank for the great, quick info, everyone! When PL asked about dates and number of people, I didn't realize it might not take that into account when bidding on hotels. And when I said last minute, I really meant it! We hope to go down this Fri.-Sun. I'll look into Alexandria and Hotline and see what's available in our range. Keep those ideas coming!

We are going to be there this weekend. We got Hampton Inn Alexandria Old Town South for $89 - free breakfast, and shuttle to the Metro and Old Town.

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

We liked the Hampton Inn Convention Center. It was in walking distance of the National Mall and had a nice staff and reasonable price. Could even see the Washington Monument from our room.

Don't forget nearly all the DC attractions are free. Museums, zoo (and I wouldn't miss the pandas if I were you), monuments - you've already paid for them all with your taxes.

We liked the Red Velvet Cupcakery on the walk back to the hotel, and my kids got a huge kick out of simply ordering pizza to be delivered to our hotel room for one meal - cheap but fun.

Have a good time!

 

[golfgal]

OP here. Wow, thank for the great, quick info, everyone! When PL asked about dates and number of people, I didn't realize it might not take that into account when bidding on hotels. And when I said last minute, I really meant it! We hope to go down this Fri.-Sun. I'll look into Alexandria and Hotline and see what's available in our range. Keep those ideas coming!

I don't know why I thought you were going at Christmas-that is why I quoted the dates I did

 

[pennymom]

I don't know why I thought you were going at Christmas-that is why I quoted the dates I did

But I appreciate the info!

 

[pennymom]

We liked the Red Velvet Cupcakery on the walk back to the hotel, and my kids got a huge kick out of simply ordering pizza to be delivered to our hotel room for one meal - cheap but fun.

Mmmmm....cupcakes! And I never would have thought of pizza delivery, thanks!

I think we might like to be within walking distance. More time to do stuff and less time spent getting there to do stuff.

 

[pennymom]

Thank you for the ideas, everyone. We chose the Capitol Hill Suites across from the Library of Congress for $110/night with breakfast included

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

sounds like a great price--enjoy!!