Omni Shoreham $99/nt or Four Points Sheraton $145 in DC?
Jul 19th, 2006, 01:16 PM
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Omni Shoreham $99/nt or Four Points Sheraton $145 in DC?
Family of 4 w/ 2 older teens for 4 nights in August. First time visitors to see the highlights, shop, etc. I know Omni is the superior hotel yet cheaper (in my case) of the two, but is Wardman Park a less advantageous location? We plan to use the Metro instead of having a car. I've read it's further away from many attractions, but is it worth it for the low price?
Jul 19th, 2006, 01:29 PM
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The Omni Shoreham is a 5-minute walk from the Red Line Metro station at Woodley Park. It's in a vibrant area of many quality restaurants. Check out the Red Line for the sites you want to see. The Four Points Shoreham is at 12th and K, but not near a Metro station that I know of. You mentioned Wardman Park, and the Marriott there is at the same exact Red Line Metro stop as the Omni Shoreham.
Jul 19th, 2006, 01:35 PM
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The Omni is actually in a better area in some respects. While the 4 Points is closer to the Mall and monuments (and McPherson Square or Farragut metro stops are nearby) it is not really close enough to walk, especially in the tropical climate of August, and the neighborhood is pretty dead after office hours.
Jul 19th, 2006, 02:19 PM
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cottonqueen,
The Wardman Park is convenient enough and close enough to Metro (which you'll need as it's not walking distance to the Mall area).
The Four Points, while technicaly walkable in mild weather is a long walk to the Mall. Becuase of the heat/humidity, you will almost surely be going via Metro even from Four Points.
Four Points (at 12th&K) is five blocks to the nearest Metro station (Metro Center) - about the same distance as the Omni is from its' nearest Metro stop
(Dupont).
As mentioned above, the immedieate area around the Omni has much more going on than the immediate area of the Four Points.
I often like to suggest hotels within 2 blocks of a Metro stop or a short walk to everthing but these properties are, of course, always more expensive.
To choose only between the two hotels you are considering, I would definately go with the Omni Shorham.
The Wardman Park is convenient enough and close enough to Metro (which you'll need as it's not walking distance to the Mall area).
The Four Points, while technicaly walkable in mild weather is a long walk to the Mall. Becuase of the heat/humidity, you will almost surely be going via Metro even from Four Points.
Four Points (at 12th&K) is five blocks to the nearest Metro station (Metro Center) - about the same distance as the Omni is from its' nearest Metro stop
(Dupont).
As mentioned above, the immedieate area around the Omni has much more going on than the immediate area of the Four Points.
I often like to suggest hotels within 2 blocks of a Metro stop or a short walk to everthing but these properties are, of course, always more expensive.
To choose only between the two hotels you are considering, I would definately go with the Omni Shorham.
Jul 19th, 2006, 02:37 PM
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I, too, would choose the Omni. Excellent restaurants of every type in the area and generally a pleasant neighborhood. We liked it a lot, and IMHO staying near a Metro stop (i.e., Wardman Park) is more important than the distance as-the-crow-flies between a hotel and the attractions you'll be visiting. Taking the Metro for an extra couple of stops takes no significant time at all and is certainly less tiring (especially in this weather) than a long walk back to your hotel.
Jul 19th, 2006, 04:03 PM
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Yes, that all makes perfect sense. The 4 Points is on K Street N.W. - Downtown it says. The only reason I started with it was to use a Starwood Preferred Guest coupon for 50% off (rack rate) and it was the only place I could use it at that time in DC. I found an internet rate cheaper so I reserved it saved my coupon.
Today, I got an email from Travelzoo for a deal that fit my dates for $99/nt at the Omni Shoreham or an upgrade to Classic for $129/nt. I think it's a great deal so I reserved it until I could be sure. I will take it and cancel the other thanks to all your good advice.
It all becomes obvious once you are there, but sometimes it's hard to decipher. I'm not used to using a Metro, but yes, it makes sense to be closer to it. I prefer a nice play to stay in a vibrant area and it sounds like the Metro makes it convenient to be most places in a few short minutes.
I hope 4 days isn't too long. I heard someone say they saw most everything in 2 days. I'm guessing 3-5 days is enough to see the highlights at a moderate pace without getting too deep. I'm wondering if we could even have time for a day trip?
I will probably have more questions later. Thanks again to all!
Today, I got an email from Travelzoo for a deal that fit my dates for $99/nt at the Omni Shoreham or an upgrade to Classic for $129/nt. I think it's a great deal so I reserved it until I could be sure. I will take it and cancel the other thanks to all your good advice.
It all becomes obvious once you are there, but sometimes it's hard to decipher. I'm not used to using a Metro, but yes, it makes sense to be closer to it. I prefer a nice play to stay in a vibrant area and it sounds like the Metro makes it convenient to be most places in a few short minutes.
I hope 4 days isn't too long. I heard someone say they saw most everything in 2 days. I'm guessing 3-5 days is enough to see the highlights at a moderate pace without getting too deep. I'm wondering if we could even have time for a day trip?
I will probably have more questions later. Thanks again to all!
Jul 19th, 2006, 04:41 PM
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"I hope 4 days isn't too long. I heard someone say they saw most everything in 2 days."
You're kidding, right? Do a search for itineraries for Washington DC trips and you'll see that many people have trouble fitting in everything they want to do in a trip of 7 days. I think perhaps your friend didn't go inside any buildings (Smithsonians, etc.) to have seen most everyting in 2 days.
Don't be afraid of getting in "too deep;" trips like this can be where kids discover interests and passions they didn't even know they had; be flexible!
You're kidding, right? Do a search for itineraries for Washington DC trips and you'll see that many people have trouble fitting in everything they want to do in a trip of 7 days. I think perhaps your friend didn't go inside any buildings (Smithsonians, etc.) to have seen most everyting in 2 days.
Don't be afraid of getting in "too deep;" trips like this can be where kids discover interests and passions they didn't even know they had; be flexible!
Jul 19th, 2006, 05:47 PM
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"I hope 4 days isn't too long. I heard someone say they saw most everything in 2 days."
Pretty interesting quote indeed, especially for those of us who have lived here for a while and never run out of things to do ... I can only think the person who "saw most everything" was either lacking in curiosity or woeful uninformed.
Count this as another vote for the Omni -- that's a great neighborhood . . . and a great price.
Pretty interesting quote indeed, especially for those of us who have lived here for a while and never run out of things to do ... I can only think the person who "saw most everything" was either lacking in curiosity or woeful uninformed.
Count this as another vote for the Omni -- that's a great neighborhood . . . and a great price.
Jul 19th, 2006, 06:04 PM
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You are right. Their feet must have not hit the ground. I think they joined the husband for a weekend after a business trip. Likewise, we are having our kids join us following a business trip to DC since we will already be there.
I feel it is an important place to visit and deserves some time. It's sometimes hard to get a feel for time needed even after researching due to so many opinions and paces of people. I try to get a general consensus or go by the guide books. I can usually enjoy a place longer than many. However, I never want to stay too long - long enough to see the dirt.
Most people I know revisit the museums to see more each time. I am reading the threads to see how long to allow for each thing and making a list/itinerary of things we'd like to cover. I feel planning is important but allow flexibility.
I appreciate your comment about kids discovering interests/passions they didn't know they had. That is always one of my goals and why I think travel is so important and even for my kids at this age.
Thanks again. I'm sure I will wish I had more time no matter what.
I feel it is an important place to visit and deserves some time. It's sometimes hard to get a feel for time needed even after researching due to so many opinions and paces of people. I try to get a general consensus or go by the guide books. I can usually enjoy a place longer than many. However, I never want to stay too long - long enough to see the dirt.
Most people I know revisit the museums to see more each time. I am reading the threads to see how long to allow for each thing and making a list/itinerary of things we'd like to cover. I feel planning is important but allow flexibility.
I appreciate your comment about kids discovering interests/passions they didn't know they had. That is always one of my goals and why I think travel is so important and even for my kids at this age.
Thanks again. I'm sure I will wish I had more time no matter what.
Jul 20th, 2006, 08:38 AM
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Oh no! I should have read Trip Advisor first. Now I am worried about the Omni. The most recent reviews are terrible. Some things are not worth putting up with if it were free. The rooms sound very inconsistent. I like old as in historic and charming but not shopworn, dirty, and old mattresses. Then there were some that were somewhat favorable but cautionary. I rule out extreme's on either end, but for the most part it seemed like "be aware..." I wonder if I can find anything in that area or an equally good area for first time tourist for near that price or even more if breakfast included. I should look but my DH is already annoyed with the time I spend trip planning and researching. I enjoy it, but it does cut into some other pressing things I should be doing.
2 days would not be worth paying airfare for my kids to join us. We will have 2 free days within our 5 day business trip before kids join for 4 more full days.
2 days would not be worth paying airfare for my kids to join us. We will have 2 free days within our 5 day business trip before kids join for 4 more full days.
Jul 20th, 2006, 08:43 AM
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We stayed at the Omni back in 2003 for a conference. We had a great, big room which was very nice, perfectly good enough for a vacation and/or business trip--but then again this was 3 years ago. It's about a 5 min walk to the Red Line that will take you to all the sites--we traveled around quite a bit! For $99, the Omni sounds like a great deal!
Jul 20th, 2006, 09:45 AM
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I'm in almost exactly the same boat as cottonqueen. Visiting Washington for 4 nights in August with family of four (our kids are slightly younger).
I made reservations at both Omni Shoreham at $99 and Hampton Inn/Convention Center at $119. We're leaning toward the Hampton because of the location and breakfast. The Hampton is right on two Circulator routes which should help us get out earlier. It could also be good if we choose to go back to the hotel for a midday nap, shower or swim.
I made reservations at both Omni Shoreham at $99 and Hampton Inn/Convention Center at $119. We're leaning toward the Hampton because of the location and breakfast. The Hampton is right on two Circulator routes which should help us get out earlier. It could also be good if we choose to go back to the hotel for a midday nap, shower or swim.
Jul 20th, 2006, 10:54 AM
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I'm tempted to take MikeT's advice. I got the Classic room for $129 for whatever that's worth. I would like to be able to pop back in mid-day if wanted too. I thought that was feasible from the Omni. My hotel room is an important part of any trip for me. I'm not really hard to please, but I have a few things that if I have to tolerate it dampens my overall experience.
Jul 20th, 2006, 11:10 AM
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I don't think anyone has mentioned that the Omni also has a POOL, which could be a great break on hot August afternoons. Some friends with kids here in the city sometimes get a cheap room for a weekend day just to use the pool and get away.
