Washington DC

[scrapgal123]

Planning first time trip with DH and the kids, ages 17 & 21. Possibly looking to book a condo but this would be a first also. Any suggestions as to areas to stay? Want to be near the major attractions. Also, other than VRBO and Home Away, any other sites to book a vacation rental?

TIA

 

[SplashMo]

We stayed near GW university which is really close. The subway makes a lot of areas do able for a home base. Main thing is to walk the monuments in the morning and in the evening. And hit the museums.

 

[ICF]

We stayed here back in Oct:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2361802

I think the cost was $150 or so a night, for this basement apartment. You were very near the capital and could walk there in less than 5 mins. We also had a metro stop right around the corner and used it many times the week we were there.

The room was pretty nice, bigger than a normal hotel room, but by no means huge. We had washer / dryer and the parents had their own private bedroom. The "landlords" kept many essentials in the fridge & kitchen and also to use for the washer/dryer. We would definitely go back to stay there again.

 

[disneypharm]

Stayed at Embassy Suite hotel (see link below). We had a nice suite for me, DH, and 2 teen DDs. We had a great buffet breakfast every morning and afternoons had happy hour with free beer and wine and snacks in the cafeteria. Walking distance to many locations. Loved it. I think we paid about $150 and we got free Wifi because we are Hilton rewards members (free to get online).
http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en...ngton-dc-convention-center-WASCCES/index.html

 

[ICF]

I think we paid about $150 and we got free Wifi because we are Hilton rewards members (free to get online).

Did the $150 include parking? When we were looking for hotels near downtown DC, it seemed they all charged $40-$50 a night for parking.

 

[disneypharm]

Did the $150 include parking? When we were looking for hotels near downtown DC, it seemed they all charged $40-$50 a night for parking.

I think they did and it was high. We didn't rent a car since we could walk to most attractions. We noticed that taxi rides for 4 people were the same price as subway, so we used the taxi 2-3 times in 4 days. I think we paid about $10 each time. I think we used the subway once to go to Arlington.

 

[SplashMo]

I am pretty sure I would not want a car... I am not sure where you would park...

The hardest walk is up capitol hill. It seems short but it is a very steep hill... If you jog are walk / moderately active it should not be an issue. Otherwise the bus tours are a good deal.

 

[scottmel]

We went to DC the last two years and this past trip stayed right in Chinatown in a hotel. We loved it. Never needed the Metro once! could walk to everything. Much prefer this then the last trip staying near Arlington and having to take the Metro everywhere. SAved a lot of time as well with no traveling etc. I know it was a Marriott we stayed.

 

[HHMcG]

Stayed at Embassy Suite hotel (see link below). We had a nice suite for me, DH, and 2 teen DDs. We had a great buffet breakfast every morning and afternoons had happy hour with free beer and wine and snacks in the cafeteria. Walking distance to many locations. Loved it. I think we paid about $150 and we got free Wifi because we are Hilton rewards members (free to get online).
http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en...ngton-dc-convention-center-WASCCES/index.html

We always stay at the Embassy Suite when we visit DC but a different one - Embassy Suite Wasington DC.
http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en...bassy-suites-washington-dc-WASDNES/index.html
Has the same ammenities listed above - great breakfast and great happy hour. We have 3 younger kids and it is great to put them to bed and hang out in the living room. Not sure if sleeping arrangements would work as well with older kids.
My 6 & 8 year old made the walk from the hotel to the mall a few times this summer (with a little whining) so I'm sure it is easily walkable for older kids.
And parking is not included in the price. It was another $40 or so. Ouch. i read that there are surface lots near by that are cheaper but I was too lazy to search for them. I felt like we got a great deal on the room, so if I add the parking on to that still not bad.