newbie_barbie

Please help me decide between the RI Capital or the one on Vermont Ave. I wanted the one on Dupont Circle but it was sold out. Which of the other two would be better for 3 adults and two babies? We will be visiting Dupont, the Zoo, the Washington Monument and the White House. Thank you.

Ruff

Vermont Avenue

newbie_barbie

Thanks Ruff, is there a specific reason for the one on Vermont Ave.? I'd like some input if not too much trouble.

RuthMc

Vermont is probably a better location. About 3 blocks from the blue/orange metro at McPherson Square and 4 from the red line (which goes to the zoo) at Connecticut & L. More restaurant options in walking distance (including some casual if not great food choices) and next door to a drug store if you need supplies. It's walking distance to the White House. The other appears to be near the freeway and it's probably a "deader" location.

Ruff

What RuthMc said...that's it in a nutshell. I'll reinforce what she said about restaurant choices. I worked in that neighborhood for 20 years and they are either high end or carryout with seating type places; however, if you go across Thomas Circle and up 14th Street, there are some more interesting restaurants like a Thai place (gosh, can't remember the name) but it will be on your left. There is also a good Thai place (not that I like Thai food!) on K street around the corner from Vermont toward the left. For a fancy meal (not likely since you have babies), DC Coast, which is just beyond the K Street Thai place is IMHO much better than Georgia's Brown, which faces McPherson Square. There are tons of lunch places in the neighborhood like Corner Bakery, Cozi and Sizzle Xpress (? spelling). For breakfast, right next door to your hotel is Au Bon Pain, which has bakery stuff as well as yogurt, granola fruit cups and--in the winter--hot oatmeal.

BoniseA

About the Residence Inn on Vermont. I stayed there about three years ago and really liked it. I had a large L-shaped room.

But the park between the hotel and the metro stop is full of homeless. I never felt threatened or afraid. But I'm from a small town in the midwest and was surprised. But then again, there are a lot of homeless people all over DC.

newbie_barbie

Thanks for the information. Does anyone know which of these is closer driving distance to RFK Stadium?

bardo1

Residence Inn Capitol is a closer drive.

HOWEVER, I strongly suggest you take the Metro to RFK. The train stops right there. It will save you $20 parking and a 1/2 hour to 1 houyr getting in and out of the parking lots. There are Metro stations very close to both Residence Inns.

Ruff

Definitely Metro to RFK. We do it from the 'burbs of Silver Spring -- would never consider driving to the stadium.

dmlove

We took the metro to RFK for a baseball game last summer, as did my son and his girlfriend, both from downtown but from different locations (Woodley Park and DuPont Circle). Definitely, it's the way to go -- and it's crowded with game-goers, which is fun.

newbie_barbie

Do you think it would be safe to take the metro. I'm in a wheelchair and our daughter is only a toddler, so my husband has his hands full.

BoniseA

The Metro is great in DC. Really clean and safe. There are escalators though. I can't remember if I've seen them broke down or not. There's probably elevators. I've just never noticed.

Maybe a native DC'er will advise you on accessibility. I don't think there's any issue with safety.

Someone will need to make sure to hang on to your little girl.

bardo1

The Metro is perfectly safe, but, as mention, the trains heading to/from the game will be very crowded with game goers. Call Metro in advance to make sure the elevators are working at both your hotel location and RFK.

Another possible option is a round trip taxi cab. It will cost about the same as parking and will get you much closer to your entrance gate. Maybe someone here has taxied to a game - it might be a bit of a wait.

Of course, driving is not the end of the world - just know that it takes a while to clear the parking lots after a game. It's much more staggered pre-game as people arrive over a much longer time window.

Ruff

The WMATA Web site is generally up to date with repairs and service problems on elevators and escalators. It is wmata.com.

newbie_barbie

Thank you all. It looks like we'll stay at the Vermont Ave location and attempt the metro. We're used to the NYC subways, which are not accessible at all!! Never mind that they're dirty, smelly and questionable as far as security.

brushfire

WMATA is one of the most accessible public transportation systems in the U.S., if not the world. There are elevators in each station, and if an elevator is out, there will be bulletins posted throughout the system for backup shuttles for neighboring stations. With a wheelchair and toddler, it may be a bit hectic trying to get on/off, but usually other passengers are pretty good about helping you out. And yes, I wholeheartedly agree with you on the NYC subway...sure it's more extensive, but it's confusing (to a visitor), dirty, smelly, and steamy. I've seen rats down there.

newbie_barbie

First let me start by thanking everyone for their input. We ended up staying at the Grand Hyatt (got a good deal on a suite). Took the metro EVERYWHERE! The White House tour was definitely not worth it. I thought I'd see bathrooms & kitchens, or at the very least the Lincoln bedroom. It was like visiting a not very impressive museum. Loved Gravelly Point, Dupont Circle, the Zoo (lots of walking though) and the game, especially since the Mets won!