1st trip to DC help for where to Stay
Apr 24th, 2016, 04:11 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1st trip to DC help for where to Stay
Hi fellow travellers
We are travelling to DC on the 18th October 2016 for three nights. We are a party of 5 in our late 40s. Looking to do all the touristy sights. We are travelling independently arranging our own accommodation etc. Looking for help on which area/neighbourhood to stay. We will not have a vehicle thus will need to be close to a metro station. Wanting a location which is a great base feed for our day trips. The Capital Skyline Hotel DC has a nightly rate of $280 which is a little over what we were hoping to pay (budget $250 $AU) this was recommended by a local AU travel agent. I had a look on google and this seems to be in a commercial area with not much dinning area other than. McDonalds. I'm not sure how old Google Maps is. Any feedback, suggestions or recommendations would be great. Thanks
We are travelling to DC on the 18th October 2016 for three nights. We are a party of 5 in our late 40s. Looking to do all the touristy sights. We are travelling independently arranging our own accommodation etc. Looking for help on which area/neighbourhood to stay. We will not have a vehicle thus will need to be close to a metro station. Wanting a location which is a great base feed for our day trips. The Capital Skyline Hotel DC has a nightly rate of $280 which is a little over what we were hoping to pay (budget $250 $AU) this was recommended by a local AU travel agent. I had a look on google and this seems to be in a commercial area with not much dinning area other than. McDonalds. I'm not sure how old Google Maps is. Any feedback, suggestions or recommendations would be great. Thanks
Apr 24th, 2016, 06:30 AM
#3
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,039
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are many more convenient and tourist-friendly areas to stay than what your travel agent has recommended to you. (Has he/she been here?) Look for hotels in areas known as Dupont Circle, PennQuarter, Convention Center, or Foggy Bottom. Your budget may be a bit low for 5 people for your dates in October.
If you are having problems finding accommodations in DC within your budget, you can look at hotels in nearby Arlington, Virginia. Look for hotels within walking distance of the Crystal City, Rosslyn, or Ballston Metro Stations in Arlington. There are many restaurants in these areas and the Metro ride into DC will be quick.
If you have not already done so, you might want to post your question on Trip Advisor. If you give the number of beds you need, the exact dates of your travel and your budget in USD, you will get many hotel recommendations by name.
If you are having problems finding accommodations in DC within your budget, you can look at hotels in nearby Arlington, Virginia. Look for hotels within walking distance of the Crystal City, Rosslyn, or Ballston Metro Stations in Arlington. There are many restaurants in these areas and the Metro ride into DC will be quick.
If you have not already done so, you might want to post your question on Trip Advisor. If you give the number of beds you need, the exact dates of your travel and your budget in USD, you will get many hotel recommendations by name.
Apr 24th, 2016, 06:53 AM
#4
I usually stay at one of the Crystal City Marriotts. Lower tax than DC proper, and right on top of the Crystal City metro - you don't even need to go outside. But if you want to stay in DC itself I would follow longhorn's advice, although I have a preference for the Dupont Circle area.
Apr 24th, 2016, 09:00 AM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The way I'm reading this your budget in US$ is only $197 - which is really low for 5 people. If you want to put 5 adults on one room it would have to be a "suite" hotel with 2 double beds plus a pull out sofa.
I agree on staying near Dupont Circle but am not sure your budget will cover it.
If you give your exact dates people may be able to help but my guess is that the TA you spoke to recommended that hotel based on your budget.
I agree on staying near Dupont Circle but am not sure your budget will cover it.
If you give your exact dates people may be able to help but my guess is that the TA you spoke to recommended that hotel based on your budget.
Apr 24th, 2016, 09:20 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Washington and thought the location was superb! Not sure if the price fits in your budget, but worth a check. It's within easy walking distance to a lot of what you'll be sightseeing and there is a Metro stop downstairs - very convenient.
Apr 24th, 2016, 03:21 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your reply. Sorry I was not so clear with my nightly cost. We were looking at approx $200 night per room/couple. We would do two rooms if it was a suite with two queen bed or three room if the only had one queen bed. Our party is two couples and one single travelling together. I will check out the locations and hotels you have recommended. I have been told booking.com has the best deals I will check this out as well. Thanks again
Apr 24th, 2016, 05:12 PM
#9
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm partial to Dupont Circle and the Penn Quarter, and would specifically look for a place near a metro station.
I'm sure you realize that with only 3 nights in DC, you'll need to be selective in what you see, so you might want to give some advance thoughts to your priorities. The Smithsonians alone can be overwhelming!
Enjoy!
I'm sure you realize that with only 3 nights in DC, you'll need to be selective in what you see, so you might want to give some advance thoughts to your priorities. The Smithsonians alone can be overwhelming!
Enjoy!
Apr 24th, 2016, 06:31 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Kja. Having trouble finding our budget allocation in these two areas may have to increase it will keep looking. I think I will also need to post a help on must sees. I am so much looking forward to seeing DC. The history, buildings will be amazing.
Apr 24th, 2016, 06:32 PM
#11
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Check the Woodley Guest House at dcinns.com. They have rooms of various sizes and accommodations. I find it to be very comfortable and easy to get to the various sites. The Metro is just 500 feet from the front porch and there are several restaurants in the neighborhood.
Apr 24th, 2016, 07:50 PM
#12
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The basic problem you face -- and many of us have faced it! -- is that the further you stay from the places you want to see the more time you spend getting from lodging to those sites and so the less you are able to see / do.... No easy answers!
If it helps -- and it might! -- most of DC's museums and other sites are closed at night, so -- much as I enjoy dining in DC and walking around certain neighborhoods in the evening -- it isn't as crucial, IMO, to actually stay in DC as it can be for some cities. But that really depends on what YOU want to see and do! And when you weigh out these options, think about whether you want to see the monuments at night (some of us find that a highlight), and if so, what that would mean for your plans.... So go back to the excellent advice already given by longhorn and thursdaysd about reasonably outlying areas....
None of us can tell us YOUR must-sees -- only YOU can decide what you want to see an experience while in DC. So my advice is to get a good guidebook or two (or consult some at your local library). You might want to find a way to divide and conquer -- with 5 people and 2 days, you basically each get your one or at most two highest priorities.
I agree with gardendiva that the Woodley Guest House, in the Woodley Park area along the red line, one stop north of Dupont Circle, is a great option. Also consider the Kalomara Guest House, which is just a block or so from the Woodley Guest House:
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/dc-wa...est-house.html
and the Tabard Inn, in Dupont Circle:
http://www.tabardinn.com
If it helps -- and it might! -- most of DC's museums and other sites are closed at night, so -- much as I enjoy dining in DC and walking around certain neighborhoods in the evening -- it isn't as crucial, IMO, to actually stay in DC as it can be for some cities. But that really depends on what YOU want to see and do! And when you weigh out these options, think about whether you want to see the monuments at night (some of us find that a highlight), and if so, what that would mean for your plans.... So go back to the excellent advice already given by longhorn and thursdaysd about reasonably outlying areas....
None of us can tell us YOUR must-sees -- only YOU can decide what you want to see an experience while in DC. So my advice is to get a good guidebook or two (or consult some at your local library). You might want to find a way to divide and conquer -- with 5 people and 2 days, you basically each get your one or at most two highest priorities.
I agree with gardendiva that the Woodley Guest House, in the Woodley Park area along the red line, one stop north of Dupont Circle, is a great option. Also consider the Kalomara Guest House, which is just a block or so from the Woodley Guest House:
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/dc-wa...est-house.html
and the Tabard Inn, in Dupont Circle:
http://www.tabardinn.com
Apr 24th, 2016, 07:57 PM
#13
Actually, I think the best way to see DC at night is a coach tour. It saves an awful lot of walking! Last time I did it, with my sister, we didn't go back to our hotel (in Crystal City), we ate in Union Station and then did the coach tour. It made for a long day, but we got to sit down on the coach.
Apr 25th, 2016, 09:15 AM
#16
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Without a car....I would focus on hotels near the Metro stations at Dupont Circle, Chinatown/Gallery Place, and Woodley Park. (And if you do stay in either Dupont or Woodley, be sure to check out Adam's Morgan). If you are having difficulty finding anything in your price range, then I strongly recommend that you also look at hotels near the King Street Metro in Old Town Alexandria. King Street is a beautiful and historic area with many shops and restaurants. Hop on the metro there and you'll be at the Smithsonian museums in minutes. I have enjoyed my stays at the Hampton Inn (Old Town King Street/Alexandria). Also, the Hilton (Old Town King Street/Alexandria) is literally a stones throw away from the metro stop...fyi.
Unfortunately, the subway system in DC only goes to government facilities and tourist/museum destinations....so there are entire sections of the city that are unreachable (eg. Georgetown), except by taxi/bus. Keep in mind that the safer sections of town are west of the Capitol Building. From the Capitol Building west to Dupont Circle, you'll want to stay south of Massachusetts Ave. Everything west of Dupont Circle is "safe".
Have a great trip!
Unfortunately, the subway system in DC only goes to government facilities and tourist/museum destinations....so there are entire sections of the city that are unreachable (eg. Georgetown), except by taxi/bus. Keep in mind that the safer sections of town are west of the Capitol Building. From the Capitol Building west to Dupont Circle, you'll want to stay south of Massachusetts Ave. Everything west of Dupont Circle is "safe".
Have a great trip!
Apr 25th, 2016, 09:51 AM
#17
Unfortunately, the subway system in DC only goes to government facilities and tourist/museum destinations....so there are entire sections of the city that are unreachable (eg. Georgetown), except by taxi/bus. Keep in mind that the safer sections of town are west of the Capitol Building. From the Capitol Building west to Dupont Circle, you'll want to stay south of Massachusetts Ave. Everything west of Dupont Circle is "safe".
There is so much misinformation in this paragraph that it doesn't merit dissection to correct. OP should ignore it.
There is so much misinformation in this paragraph that it doesn't merit dissection to correct. OP should ignore it.
Apr 25th, 2016, 09:55 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 17,801
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I totally agree with obxgirl!! Georgetown is the ONE neighborhood that has no Metro stop that I can think of.
<the subway system in DC only goes to government facilities and tourist/museum destinations....so there are entire sections of the city that are unreachable >
This is just categorically untrue.
<the subway system in DC only goes to government facilities and tourist/museum destinations....so there are entire sections of the city that are unreachable >
This is just categorically untrue.
Apr 25th, 2016, 01:19 PM
#20
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I used to live in DC so I think I know the city pretty well. The metro stops are often too far apart for my taste.....but it is a nice system overall (and it will get you to most of the major tourist sites). It's definitely a town built for driving. But there ARE many areas that you can't easily reach by Metro....Georgetown (a HUGE omission), Upper Georgetown/National Cathedral, Embassy Row, Dumbarton Oaks/Kalorama, Adams Morgan, the Kennedy Center, Foxhall, Vietnam Memorial, pretty much anywhere along the Potomac, most of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, etc. etc.
I wasn't trying to scare you away from areas behind the Capitol. Obviously, you'll want to visit sites around Capitol Hill (eg. there is a Gutenberg Bible on display in the Library of Congress) and there are good restaurants along Pennsylvania Ave, SE. I used to love going to The Eastern Market for lunch and weekend brunch....and 8th Street, just below the Eastern Market, has some nice options.
I stand by my "safe" sections of town comment. Some of the other posters on this thread might not have a problem hanging around Galluadet or Anacostia after dark, but I do.
http://dc.curbed.com/2015/8/24/99278...rime-dangerous
BUT....DC is a WONDERFUL town....you'll have a blast!
I wasn't trying to scare you away from areas behind the Capitol. Obviously, you'll want to visit sites around Capitol Hill (eg. there is a Gutenberg Bible on display in the Library of Congress) and there are good restaurants along Pennsylvania Ave, SE. I used to love going to The Eastern Market for lunch and weekend brunch....and 8th Street, just below the Eastern Market, has some nice options.
I stand by my "safe" sections of town comment. Some of the other posters on this thread might not have a problem hanging around Galluadet or Anacostia after dark, but I do.
http://dc.curbed.com/2015/8/24/99278...rime-dangerous
BUT....DC is a WONDERFUL town....you'll have a blast!
