Washington DC hotel ??'s

[Lisa96]

I'm hoping to get some input on choosing a hotel for a weekend trip to DC in Sept. I'll be traveling alone and plan on using the Metro to get around so I want to be in a safe and convenient area. I have a couple of places in mind but I'm having trouble making a choice. All the reviews I've read on tripadvisor.com are slightly mixed, and I'm not really sure which neighborhood would be the best choice. I'll want to visit the usual tourist places(Smithsonian, L of C, monuments) but would like to be in area that has a few restaurants or stores nearby for meals or snacks - and a place that won't be totally deserted during the weekend, as I've heard some areas of the city are. I'm leaning toward these hotels: Crowne Plaza Hamilton Downtown (14th & K St. NW), Westin Grand (2350 M. St. NW), Westin Embassy Row (2100 Mass Ave. NW) or the Omni Shoreham (2500 Calvert St. NW) I'm not sure if I want to spend the extra $$$ on the Westin or Omni, but if they are great rooms/service/location I'd be willing. If any DIS'ers are familiar with DC I'd really appreciate your advice! Thanks in advance!

 

[Jeafl]

We recently got back, but we didn't stay at any of those. We did stay at:

Radisson Barcelo on 'P' Street--LOVED it. It's a great location in the DuPont Circle neighborhood which is VERY nice. There were tons of restaurants most around a 2-5 minute walk, and the metro was less than 2 short blocks away.

Courtyard by Marriott Northwest--Liked this one a lot as well. It is on Pennsylvania Avenue very close to shopping and restaurants, it's also in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Close to metro as well.

Loews L'Enfant Plaza--clear on the other side of town. Basically it's very close to the Smithsonian, Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Holocaust Museum. It sits on top of a small mall, which pretty much closes after 5 during the week and on weekends. It is also on top of a metro station that services all lines except the red line, and even that you can transfer at Metro Center very easily. The one drawback though was that there weren't really any restaurants within walking distance. We just hopped on the metro and went to Union Station though. There is everything you can imagine there.

All three were nice hotels. The Radisson Barcelo had HUGE rooms and the nicest bathroom, but Loews had the best view of the city from the balcony. The Courtyard was on a busy street, but the noise didn't really bother us at all. If you have any questions, please let me know.

 

[Pugdog007]

I've stayed at the Omni Shoreham twice. There is a metro stop a block away and a McDonald's & CVS Pharmacy (I think) also about a block away. Also several nice restaurants within walking distance.

It's a great hotel.

 

[mrsltg]

Go for 14th and K. I work on the diagonal corner (14th&I) so I am REALLY familiar with the area. We also have visitors stay either at the Crowne Plaza or the Hilton Garden Inn located on 14th between H&I. You will be right across the street from the blue line metro if you stay at the Hilton, or one block from it at the Crowne Plaza. You will be 2-3 blocks from the backside of the White House, about 6 blocks from the museum and in the heart of the business district meaning it's VERY safe. Georgetown and Adams Morgan are only a cab ride away for evening entertainment, and Arlington Cemetary is 5 or 6 stops away on the blue line.

Enjoy your trip and let me know if you need anymore info!

Erin

 

[Cindy B]

I got a great rate at the Grand Hyatt for $70 a night via Priceline.

There is a metro stop underneath the hotel, and it was walking distance to most attractions.

There was a fabulous restaurant called Capital City Brewery.

 

[onecoolmama]

Cindy B - The Grand Hyatt is a beautiful hotel. Just remember for anyone who is driving, there is a self parking fee, 20 per day/night. So, if you are bringing a car, just add that to the fee.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by onecoolmama
Cindy B - The Grand Hyatt is a beautiful hotel. Just remember for anyone who is driving, there is a self parking fee, 20 per day/night. So, if you are bringing a car, just add that to the fee.

My Dh went to the parking garage manager, and asked for a longer stay/weekly rate. He was able to negiotiate with the lot manager for $20 off (or a free day).

He got the guys business card, and he wrote a note on the back, and it was sort of like a coupon.

It worked out. What can I say, my DH is a haggler.

 

[onecoolmama]

Originally posted by Cindy B
My Dh went to the parking garage manager, and asked for a longer stay/weekly rate. He was able to negiotiate with the lot manager for $20 off (or a free day).

He got the guys business card, and he wrote a note on the back, and it was sort of like a coupon.

It worked out. What can I say, my DH is a haggler.

LOL! That is great! I just didnt want someone to get there without knowing ahead of time. But good for him. Hey, if you can get it cheaper, go for it

 

[Lisa96]

Thank you all for your help! It's taken me a few days to find my post again - I keep getting distracted by all the other interesting threads posted! I really appreciate the help

 

[justhat]

I live right next to the Westin Grand and I always recommend this area to travellers. There are also other hotels in the area that might be cheaper, a Marriott on 22 and M, a Wyndham on M and New Hampshire, St. Gregory on M and New Hampshire, a Hyatt on 24th and M, and a Fairmont on 24th and M. I got the Fairmont cheap last year on hotels.com when I had to stay there 2 nights because of painting in my building when I was pregnant, which is why I recommend it, though they're normally expensive. What I like about the area is that you're very close to 2 metros, Foggy Bottom (Blue and Orange lines) and Dupont Circle (Red line). This makes it easy to get almost anywhere in the city. Also, there are plenty of restaurants in the area, ranging from cheap to very expensive, serving all types of food. Also, you are walking distance to Georgetown, which by itself has more stores and restaurants than anyone could see in a weekend.

 

[snoopy]

Originally posted by justhat
I live right next to the Westin Grand and I always recommend this area to travellers. There are also other hotels in the area that might be cheaper, a Marriott on 22 and M, a Wyndham on M and New Hampshire, St. Gregory on M and New Hampshire, a Hyatt on 24th and M, and a Fairmont on 24th and M. I got the Fairmont cheap last year on hotels.com when I had to stay there 2 nights because of painting in my building when I was pregnant, which is why I recommend it, though they're normally expensive. What I like about the area is that you're very close to 2 metros, Foggy Bottom (Blue and Orange lines) and Dupont Circle (Red line). This makes it easy to get almost anywhere in the city. Also, there are plenty of restaurants in the area, ranging from cheap to very expensive, serving all types of food. Also, you are walking distance to Georgetown, which by itself has more stores and restaurants than anyone could see in a weekend.

Wow, we must be neighbors. I'm in Georgetown, where are you?

I second the Westin Grand recommendation.

 

[justhat]

We live in a condo on the corner of 23rd and M St, right across from the fire station and the EU building.

 

[shortbun]

Radisson Barcelo is JUST what you've asked for like Jeafl
said. We stayed there our last visit and loved it! HUGE rooms!
metro very close-restaurants all over the place, all budgets and
all types. My favorite museum is a very short walk, it called the
Phillips Collection. Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party is in
their private collection along with several other wonderful paintings. Walk over to the Phillips and take a look.

Same block as the Radisson-out the door to the left is this
great pizza spot-up some steps. Pizzas done in brick ovens-
gourmet-great wine-hole in the wall- cheap. Can't remember the name. Mimi's Bistro is across the street and good. their restaurant
is quite good too but not inexpensive.

We'll go back there!