1st Time Visit--Just Fri. - Sunday.
 

I am visiting Washington, DC for the first time on June 8 - 10th (Friday to Sunday), with my husband. We fly into Reagan Nat'l. at 9:30am on Friday and fly out on Sunday night 7:30pm. We can walk alot and I want to see all of the things I should have seen as a 5th Grader, but my old-fashioned late-dad (35 yrs. ago)said Girls don't go! I've been to Moscow, but not my own capital! Shameful! Mostly need a hotel close to the Metro-system to get to/from airport and the sights. I am looking through the other postings and getting a lot of good info. Thanks.

Here is a resource showing the DC Metro subway system. Click on any of the Metro stops for a neighborhood map of the area just outside each station. The hotels show up as dark red squares.

I would look at Dupont, Gallery Place, Metro Center, Farragut North, Farragut West, and McPhearson Square. My preference would be in that order, but any of the above are very convenient and have something to offer.

http://www.stationmasters.com/System...ystem_map.html

Then come back with any questions about any of the hotels you see that interest you.

We visited for a couple days and found the Metro was easy to use. Since you have so little time, I suggest taking the Tourmobile (2-day). http://www.tourmobile.com/tours.php You can hop on and off at the different sites. Compare their list of stops to the places you want to see. I don't remember if some places are closed on Sat-Sun, so you should check that out and plan it for Fri.

Also, I don't know if you are experienced travelers, but when you arrive at your hotel in the morning, it will probably be too early for check-in. Ask them to hold your luggage for you. Have fun!

Thanks "bardo1" The link to the Metro Site is fantastic. What is it you like about Dupont as your first choice as opposed to Metro Center, which looks like it has several Metro Lines to choose from, Blue, Red, and Yellow. In Dupont, what do you think of the Jurys Washington Hotel?

Mostly because I find Dupont to be a more vibrant and interesting neighborhood, while still convenient to tourists sites via the Metro. Dupont is more residential than downtown (i.e. the Metro Center area) and has better dining, shopping and entertainment options, IMO.

The Metro Center area is more of a business zone - no residents. It also has dining, shopping, and entertainment - just not as much as Dupont and less foot traffic at night.

Both areas are fine - it just depends on your tastes.

Oh and the Jury's Washington is a solid, basic, hotel choice with a fantastic location.

I agree with Bardo--Dupont is a great neighborhood to be in in the evenings, vibrant without being loud, and with a plethora of dining options, outdoor cafes, a good bookstore, etc. You'll also be near Adams-Morgan, which is another neighborhood rich in restaurants, bars and cafes.

Thanks for the input--I've made a reservation at the Jury Washington. Our rate is $159/nt.

Good choice, nice rate.

Okay Hotel is taken care of--Jury's Washington. I should tell you about a great rate through the TravelZoo's Website: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill for $109/nt (40% OFF) http://www.travelzoo.com/Top20.asp?id=115298749 (cut and paste to your browser).

Our Congressman's Assistant has arranged a Capitol tour for Friday afternoon and she is trying to get us in to the White House. She is sending us a packet of info. Anything else we should ask her to arrange?

Have a great rate at the Hyatt on Capitol Hill. Our Capitol tour is on Friday at 1 pm; so leaning toward staying at the Hyatt instead of the Jury's Washington Hotel for convenience. I have a cold now, so I'm thinking a tour bus might be a better way to see more in the 3 days that we have in town. Is there a tour that gives you a great overview and introduction to the city?

A crowd warning

Saturday June 9th the Girl Scouts of the USA will celerbrate thier 95th Anniversary with a sing a long on the mall. The event itself if from 1-4.

I have no idea how MANY girls will be there, but think in the thousands. I went five years ago. Museums around the Mall will be crowded with troops of girls (gift shops will be packed, Girl Scouts LOVE to shop LOL!)

"Girls don't go"

I don't even know what that means. Girls don't go where?

Update

"In 2002, 120,000 Girl Scouts and friends gathered to celebrate our 90th birthday with song. It is only natural that we celebrate with music, as singing has always been a favorite part of the Girl Scout movement"

So LOTS and LOTS of Girl Scouts.

Who did you go through for that rate? I am going July 17th and 18th and have check rates on most of the usuals (Priceline etc) and nothing close to 159.00 is available.