The area has it's pros and cons...

PROS
1) Right next to Federal Center SW Metro station
2) A few blocks walks to National Mall, Air&Space. American Indian Museum.
3) Perfectly safe at all hours

CONS
1) Surrounded by behemoth gov't office buildings
2) Scarce to zero restaurant options outside of office hours (M-F 7am-6pm)
3) NO nightlife options in immediate area (restaurants/theaters/shopping/etc.) whatsoever (you would have to take Metro for any of these).

For one day, it's not a bad choice. You might want to go to Barracks Row (Eastern Market Metro), the Gallery Place area, the Dupont area, (or even Georgetown) for your one evening meal/evening out...

Nothing wrong with the area but it's not especially interesting. That part of SW DC is mostly Federal office buildings. Maybe a 10 minute walk to the Air & Space Museum on the mall.

The Residence Inn on P Street is a much more interesting location very close to Dupont Circle, walkable to Foggy Bottom and Georgetown.

Obxgirl & Bardo - thank you so much! I will see if there is availability at the one on P street. (looking for that larger room with the two teen girls)

So let me ask another question - of all the Marriott Properites in the DC area - which do you feel is the best location for a short trip, being able to walk to some of the sites as well as dinner?

My personal opinion would be Washington Convention Center

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wascn-courtyard-washington-convention-center/

or the Residence Inn on P St NW

I'd agree with that ^^^.

I'll third that.

Well there you have it. Sold.

Turned into a company event so we are saying at the Hay Adams Hotel. ? ... how is that area?

"That" area is fabulous for sightseeing. Maybe not sooo great for dinner, but so what - you can go elsewhere. The hotel is "historic" -- people in my office love it (I stayed there once and liked it a lot, although it wasn't really my "style").

If the weather is good, have a drink at the rooftop bar at the W nearby (next to the Willard) -- the drinks are pricey (and not that great), but the view is fabulous. Make a reservation.

You can hop over to the Galleria area (straight down H to 7th) for many choices for dinner.

Thanks SF! I am a Marriott gal - but this is now a company evening - the dinner will be at Old Ebbitt Grill?..

The Hay Adams and the Old Ebbitt Grill are true DC classics! I would consider myself lucky if I were you, not because they're the best in town (although they are very good), but they are just so historic. Enjoy!

Wow - the Hay Adams is VERY nice. It seems like no one actually parks or Metros there - everyone I've ever seen stay there just has their limo drop them at the front door...

Oh my! Swanky I am a stay for free on Marriott points kinda gal

NIce for you Momddtravel2!! I agree that the Hay Adams is very much a DC classic -- hope you will enjoy it!