missgrit

My husband, three-year-old son, and I are visiting D.C. in late November. We've stayed at the Dupont Hotel when it was a Jury Doyle hotel, but haven't stayed there now that it's part of the Doyle Collection. Westin Grand is offering a better rate by about 50 dollars (ever bit counts!). I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion over which hotel is in a better location. We need to be able to walk to a Metro since we won't have a car, close to restaurants, and like to be in an area with interesting architecture that's not too far from museums. We know and love Dupont Circle, but don't know much about Foggy Bottom. Any opinions out there?

artsbabe

That Westin is not too far from Dupont Circle, so I would just go with the cheaper rate. Probably equi-distance betwween the the Dupont Circle stop and the Foggy Bottom stop.

missgrit

Thanks!

kayd

The Westin at 24th and M is in the area known as the West End, the junction of Foggy Bottom, Dupont, and Georgetown. The hotel is about 6 blocks from both Dupont (19th and P) and the western part of Georgetown (29th and M).
Easily walking distance to plenty of restaurants in both of those adjacent areas, but there's not much sidewalk life in the immediate vicinity (four more biz class hotels within 2 blocks, the rest is mostly residential).

The Doyle is in the center of a very lively office/hotel/retail/residential area with some of everything right outside its doors.

For your needs, I'd give Doyle the edge, especialy since it will be dark around 5pm at that time of year. But Westin should be fine too -- and with the savings you could spring for taxis to and from any downtown restaurant.

Christina

You're obsessing over a few blocks difference too much, both locations are fine. The only difference of any real import is the distance to the metro stop, so decide how important that is to you.

yestravel

I agree with Kayd -- both neighborhoods are fine, but for your needs I would prefer being in Dupont Circle with the access to the Metro closer esp helpful with a 3 yr old.

artsbabe

Yes, but if you are going to the Mall, it is easier to walk a few extra blocks from the Westin to Foggy Bottom and catch the blue/orange line to Smithsonian and not need to transfer at Metro Center from the red line (which is the line at Dupont Circle). Well, I think it would be easier. But I don't have a 3 year old.

kayd

The time of year (possible ocld and damp weather, early darkness) was what led me to suggest an advantage for Dupont -- for after-5 activity. I consider the two locations about even in ease of getting around during the day via Metro, but Dupont offers more, and more convenient, choices for evenings. And Dupont has more museums and varied architecture that the OP said were of interest.

missgrit

All great responses--thank you. Kayd, I think your take on what we're looking for is pretty accurate. The truth is that with our son going to sleep at 6:30, we basically have to eat dinner super early and then we're in for the night. For this reason, I think Dupont would be better, given that the hotel has so many food options nearby.