Where to stay in Washington with family?
Nov 5th, 2012, 04:19 AM
#1
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Where to stay in Washington with family?
We are headed to Washington DC soon to show the kids the museums and memorials. I am looking for a hotel that is kid friendly, not far from the Mall area (either by it self or via metro), and not over the top expensive. Every time I think I have something I read reviews and see that this one doesn't have a bathroom or this one hasn't been updated since the 1980's or some other random flaw. I have looked at the Dupont Circle Hotel, The Hotel Palomar, the Embassy Suites Washington DC, the Hilton Garden Hotel and the Omni Shoreham. Has anyone been to one of these hotels? Would you recommend or not for a family of 5? We are open to other ideas as well. Thank you!
Nov 5th, 2012, 04:58 AM
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We stayed last year at the Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Shirlington. I can not recommend it enough - it was perfect. We were two families with kids ages 2-9. The hotel ran a free shuttle to the nearby Metro station. It's set in a nice little area with restaurants and a grocery across the street. Pool is indoors, small, but the kids were happy to have a place to splash around after a day of walking around. Parking was free, too.
Nov 5th, 2012, 05:11 AM
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The Hilton Garden Inn in DC is in a perfect location for sightseeing - the metro station entrance is across the street, but it's walking distance from the mall, the White House etc. Large rooms. Goid shower Very comfortable.
Nov 5th, 2012, 11:44 AM
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obxgirl makes a good point about traveling with younger kids. If that's not a concern for you, take a look at the Americana Hotel in Arlington. www.americanahotel.com We (dh, my 17yo son, and I) stayed there last October. It's about a 10-minute walk to the Crystal City Metro station; they have a free shuttle if you'd rather use that. A pretty decent continental breakfast and free wi-fi are included in the reasonable room price.
Lee Ann
Lee Ann
Nov 5th, 2012, 02:07 PM
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I also concur with obxgirl.
Especially that DC hotels are a much better choice than those in the Virginia suburbs - it cost a little more to stay in DC than in VA but it's worth every extra penny. I would advise staying in Arlington or Crystal City, VA ONLY if you simply cannot afford a DC hotel.
For many reasons - a few are: easy walk to sites, multiple Metro lines within an easy walk, Circulator buses, convenient for splitting up, easy to head back to hotel a few times a day to rest, infinitely more (and much better) dining options in all categories/cuisines/budgets, more interesting for walking around at night, movie theaters, etc.
Of the hotels you listed, Hilton Garden Inn (the one at 815 14th St. NW) is a great family friendly choice. Another top choice would be Embassy Suites (the one at 900 10th St. NW).
Especially that DC hotels are a much better choice than those in the Virginia suburbs - it cost a little more to stay in DC than in VA but it's worth every extra penny. I would advise staying in Arlington or Crystal City, VA ONLY if you simply cannot afford a DC hotel.
For many reasons - a few are: easy walk to sites, multiple Metro lines within an easy walk, Circulator buses, convenient for splitting up, easy to head back to hotel a few times a day to rest, infinitely more (and much better) dining options in all categories/cuisines/budgets, more interesting for walking around at night, movie theaters, etc.
Of the hotels you listed, Hilton Garden Inn (the one at 815 14th St. NW) is a great family friendly choice. Another top choice would be Embassy Suites (the one at 900 10th St. NW).
Nov 5th, 2012, 07:11 PM
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Thank you to everyone for the replies. Obxgirl we looked at the Palomar but the half wall of frosted glass and the window on the bath that opens to the rest of the room is not enough privacy for me or either of my pre-teen boys. The guest reviews on TA seem to agree that it is better for couples than families.
I will take a look at the Hilton. We were looking at the Embassy Suites one seemed to be in a little better neighborhood than the other. I will let you know what I find.
I will take a look at the Hilton. We were looking at the Embassy Suites one seemed to be in a little better neighborhood than the other. I will let you know what I find.
Nov 6th, 2012, 11:29 AM
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The Dupont Circle Hotel shower does have a frosted glass enclosure, and I definitely wouldn't share it with my kids, but it's not open into the room, at least in our room, you first hit the vanity, then turned to the left to enter the shower. Either way, I wouldn't share with them (I wouldn't even share a room in Madrid with just my daughter because of a shower like that. Thanks anyway - I like my privacy!)
Nov 30th, 2012, 05:05 PM
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I often recommend the Embassy Suites on 22d for families-- it's a few blocks outside of Dupont but still a pretty good location (but I know some people would rather be across the street from the metro further out).
Dec 1st, 2012, 05:12 AM
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Our family did that trip this summer and we stayed with the Fairfax at Embassy Row. Call the concierge... He will be sure you get adjoining rooms and take excellent care of you! Look for our family's review of the hotel on trip advisor... I am raleighgrl there.
Have a great trip!
Have a great trip!
Dec 1st, 2012, 06:43 AM
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We usually stay at the Embassy Suites in Alexandria:
http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/...TES/index.html
Right across the street from the King Street Metro station which takes you to the Mall and many other places in DC. Within walking distance to Old Twon Alexandria, with tons of restruants and pubs
http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/...TES/index.html
Right across the street from the King Street Metro station which takes you to the Mall and many other places in DC. Within walking distance to Old Twon Alexandria, with tons of restruants and pubs
Dec 1st, 2012, 09:03 AM
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Residence Inn by Marriott is a nice option for family. DH and I stayed in the Pentagon City location twice. we traveled once with my mom and once with friends - both times we got the 2 bedroom suite with a kitchen, dining room table, and nice living room. I know you're going to DC to sight see so won't be in the room a lot but it is nice during those few minutes of down time to have a little bit of extra room. The hotel is a short walk or shuttle to the Pentagon metro stop. It's close to the Pentagon (obviously) is also near Arlington cemetery and the metro stop is at a mall in case you want to hit a food court. Free breakfast is great. Hotel staff are wonderful. No, it's not right in DC but the metro is awesome and it's just a short ride to downtown. Have fun!!
