Sara

I am just starting to plan a trip to Washington and would appreciate some info on the areas hotels are situated in as regard to safety for 2 women walking at night/day. We are probably looking at Dupont Circle/Downtown area. Are any areas 'dodgy' at night for walking?
The Hilton a couple of block north of the White House keeps coming up for a reasnoble price does anyone know of an adverse reason for this?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

jason

I live and work in DC. You'll be fine in Dupont. There are always people around. Downtown tends to get a little deserted at night. The Hilton would be fine.

Pam

Dupont Circle is full of activity at night. Check out Dupont at the Circle (a B&B). We stayed there and it was one of our favorites in the US.

dcp

I just got back and stayed at the Hyatt Capital Hill. Good location for catching train, metro and easy walking distance to Capital Building and Mall. Check Expedia as I got the room for $69 a night.

Mike

Washington DC is an exceptionally safe city, especially for tourists. Anywhere tourists are likely to go will be just fine. For people not used to big cities or are uncomfortable with homeless people, for instance, will possibly find "downtown" DC a little "dicey" but crime is quite unusual in any part of DC where tourists go or stay.

was an intern

I agree with the other posters that DC is a safe city in the tourist areas. That said, I wouldn't choose the Capitol Hill area to stay in. I used to live on NJ Ave and while most of the area is just fine, there are some places I'd steer clear of at night. I also agree that the Hilton would be fine but, as stated, downtown is a bit deserted in the evening. If you're looking for more activity I'd focus on the Kalorama, Dupont Circle and Georgetown areas.

I also like staying in Old Town Alexandria but that is a personal bias. It feels more like a small town but still has lots going on at night.

iad

You will definitely want to stay in Dupont. The REsidence Inn on P Street is tops. It's the tall, hotel style RI, not the old style "ranches" you use to find in the suburbs.

Sara

Thanks for everyone's replies, I now have somewhere to start!