Just secured the Capital Hilton from Priceline for 4 nights over Memorial weekend.(My 3rd visit to DC) Does the hotel have parking? What are the rooms like? Should I make any specific room requests? How close to the Smithsonian Museums is the hotel? Any info is greatly appreaciated.

Lorraine, I would suggest checking the hotel's website. Of course this is a decent hotel in a good location, as you must already know, and a relatively short walk to the Mall and museums. I am certain they offer parking. I'm not sure exactly what types of room requests you may have in mind ... how about an example or two? May I suggest you purchase two books now: Zagat's for DC and an Access Guide for DC. And before you arrive, take a look at a map of the Mall and surrounding streets, and get to know the Metro system and its colors. And in DC, you can certainly use taxis ... cheap, and because we have a zone system, if you look at the map in the back seat, you will be able to judge whether you're paying fairly. So, use the taxis as much as you need to, and have no cares. And call the hotel and talk with their concierge ... you have time to get their input and do some planning before you arrive. I get the feeling you haven't done a lot of preparation yet ... I know you will. Ciao

Hi:

I stayed there a few years back and really enjoyed it. My room was large and comfortable; it was set up for business travelers (desk, internet access, fax machine), but the room was nicely decorated. They have both self-serve parking and valet parking. When I stayed there there was an added fee of $15 for valet parking. As "L" advised, you should go to the web site. Go to the Hilton reservations site and work your way to the Capital Hilton.
www.hilton.com/reservations/index.html

Thanks for the suggestions. My room requests are specifically for any info as to getting a room with a view, ie, a particular floor or street side. Thanks again.

The hotel will probably not be keen to honor many requests when it comes to a room obtained via Priceline since they are all designated as "run of house" (whatever the hotel has available at the time of check-in). Your best bet is to sweet talk the check in clerk!

I work a block away from the hotel. It is a good area, though a bit dead in the evening. The only problem I see, and this may not matter to you, is that the hotel caters to tour groups and can get very crowded and noisy in the main lobby. You can see the White House from the front of the hotel and can easily walk to the Mall. However, remember that the museums and monuments are spread out so that it can be a lot of walking. But, it is a nice walk and a great way to see the sights. If you choose to take a taxi (waste of money in my opinion), a cab from your hotel and to the Mall, as well as Capitol Hill, will be $5.00 one way for one person. It is a dollar more during rush hour, and a $1.50 more for each extra person in your party (I take cabs very often and have these rates down pat). If you wish to take the metro, you are a block from the Farragut North metro on the red line. Let me know if you have any questions. Enjoy!

When requesting a room with a view should I request a specific street side or floor? Any input is appreciated. Thanks for all comments received.

I would try to get a room on the K Street side of the hotel. The higher up you are on that side, the better view you will have of the monuments. The 16th Street side isn't anything special.