joebear

Family of three ( one teen) flying to DC for 3 nights later this month. A bit of last minute planning I realize.

I have read all the posts and am confused as to the best plan.

Since time is short to take in all the sights.

I would to stay close as possible with good metro connections close.
Budget is roughly $300 a night with a good breakfast included. ☺

Right now I am leaning toward Embassy Suites Chevy Chase and flying into Reagan.

Are there other options that are workable? I need more options so I can book immediately.

sf7307

Why go to Chevy Chase -- there's an Embassy Suites in Crystal City, which is right at Reagan.

http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_...ginia/index.do

Thomas6

You might check out the Swann House Inn - their Blue Sky Suite has a separate sitting room with a daybed, runs $285/night and includes and very substantial continental breakfast (not just packaged muffins and oj). It is walking distance to Dupont Circle and the metro. We have stayed there and were pleased with the accomodations, location and breakfast, plus the courteous service. It is a B&B but on the large side with 12 rooms, so it's not a homestay.

MikeT

The Embassy Suites at Chevy Chase is more convenient to the Metro (although further away from the tourist sites) than the one in Crystal City.

Flying into National--regardless of the hotel--is a good decision.

joebear

Oh, thank you!

Got the air travel figured out.

Just need to book the room.

joebear

I failed to mention I am trying to use ccard points for Hotel.

Any other suggestions out there?

yestravel

Embassy Suites in Chevy Chase is a nice location if not staying right in the city. It's on the red line and there are a few nice restaurants near it. Lots of shopping if you're interested in that. What other hotels will your points work?

obxgirl

If your budget is $300 a night and you need an Embassy Suites to make CC points, you can stay at the ES downtown (on 22nd St) for a great deal under your margin. That ES is showing rooms for $130 - $200 a night during the forthcoming week. It's equidistant between Dupont Circle and Georgetown. The closest metro is Dupont Circle, maybe 3.5 blocks away. That isn't terribly convenient but given your budget you could take taxi's. Or walk.

Chevy Chase is a nice location and on the metro but way the hell across town from Reagan and most of the tourist spots.

Crystal City is very close to the airport but not all that interesting a place to stay.

tchoiniere

Given the limited time, I would definitely agree with staying as close to downtown as possible

joebear

Oh ccredit points work on lots of hotels. Overwhelming selection. Just picked Embassy because of habit/

I am also considering Loews Madison.

Ideally what would be your best bet.

yestravel

I would definitely stay downtown DC. Madison Hotel on 15th St is in a good location near 2 metro stops. U could check out the Marriott at Metro Center.

obxgirl

If your two current choices are the Loews Madison and the ES Chevy Chase, I'd take the former without hesitation.

Not ragging on Chevy Chase but I don't see why you'd (likely) pay a little extra to fly into Reagan and then by pass downtown DC and the popular tourist destinations in order to stay up in CC.

The Loews Madison is about a block and a half from a metro station, McPherson Square.

sf7307

>>

Me either! I wasn't at all recommending staying in Crystal City - I just didn't understand why you'd go from Virginia to Maryland (through downtown) just to get to a different Embassy Suites.

joebear

Although I am the family trip planner....mapskills is a big weakness of mine. Please over look...that is why I am asking for help. Only been to DC once as a child so I am not at all familiar with the neighborhoods.

What about Hotel Madera? CCredit card points will work there.
Good location?

vjpblovesitaly

Yes, the Hotel Madera is in a good location

joebear

Thank you all for the help....I will go with Madera and start planning the activities.

Any eating spots not to missed close by?

obxgirl

Madera is a Kimpton property. I love Kimptons.

joebear, there are probably 50 not be missed places to eat close by. How about a little help narrowing down your interest and budget?

There is restaurant called Firefly which is adjacent to the hotel and looks very appealing. I have eaten there but it's received some good reviews. Food and decor is modern american.

vjpblovesitaly

My boss eats at Firefly every so often with his "team" and/or clients. I went once for happy hour and had their "grilled red wine poached octopus" appetizer. It was really good.

joebear

Bought tickets and booked Hotel Madera. We have family in Richmond so staying first night there and they are driving us into DC. Only 3 days in DC total.

Need advice on schedule

Day 1 Mount Vernon- morning
Afternoon- zoo or National Gallery

Day 2 Museums- all day
Night light tour of monuments


Day 3 Hop on and off Bus tour.....free to explore.

vjpblovesitaly

I don't think that you will be able to do Mount Vernon and the other stuff on your list in one day.

I was there for several hours in September. Maybe stop at Arlington National Cemetary on the way back?

Are you talking public transportation to Mount Vernon?