Have to fly to get some miles.

Only need to fly from SFO or SJC to the middle of the country, like MSP, IAH.

Was going to do it and come back right away.

But now thinking might as well actually go somewhere.

Never been to Boston and haven't been to Washington in over 20 years.

Seems like there would be more to see in Washington.

Both cities offer a lot to see. However the risk you run of horrific weather in Boston (a city really meant for walking) puts DC far ahead. Plan a future trip for Boston between April and October.

Isn't there something you could buy that gives you mileage credit (works if you need miles, not segments)? We get lots of junk mail and email ads from various FF programs this time of year offering mileage credit for purchases.

Or open a credit card affiliated with your airline's FF program - usually you get miles to open and more with first charge.

I figure both cities will be cold.

Wouldn't mind seeing a little snow. Leaning towards Washington, more scenic with the Mall and stuff.

Washington hotel rooms seem reasonably priced, like half of what Manhattan hotels are.

I know Manhattan hotel rates are being bid up by Europeans coming to NY for the cheap dollar.

You would think DC would be a popular destination as well.

Yes I have a credit card which gets miles.

But the airlines don't count those miles towards status.

You have to fly actual miles in most cases.

DC averages at least 10 degrees warmer than Boston, so you are that much less likely to run into weather that's intolerable for either yourself or your airplane.

Agree weather slightly warmer in DC - but if it snows even an inch or so, DC shuts down - Boston it takes at least 6 plus inches and then things open up within a few hours of snow stopping (wimpy politicians and all, can't handle a little snow)

Was looking at Four Points Sheraton near Franklin Square Park.

How is that hotel and area? Security-wise and things to do?

Like I said, that's like half the price of hotels in Manhattan.

Other choices are some Westins, which are further out West, around Georgetown.

I would imagine Georgetown is a safer area.

But for people who want to hit some areas around the Mall, the Sheraton seems to be a much better location.

Oh and looking to get some SPG points so that is why I only looked at Sheraton and Westins.

But would be open to others in better locations -- close walk to usual tourist sites, safe, etc.

Just a nit. There are two airports in our nation's capitol, IAD and DCA. I'm not sure where WAS is.

I used WAS in my search at the ITA site.

It finds for both airports.

Actually, also for BWI which i Baltimore.

Tempting to fly into BWI if the fare is cheaper but DCA being 4 miles from DC is really tempting.

If the price difference between IAD and DCA is less than $75, then definately go with DCA. Not only is it much quicker/cheaper that getting to/from IAD or BWI (inluding a direct Metro connection!), but it is a much smaller airport and the lines are shorter. ALSO, it has much better shops and dining than the larger IAD or BWI.

The Sheraton Four Points is a fine location. Here is an area map:

http://www.stationmasters.com/System...mcphersn.html#

Metro is close and there are plenty of good restaurants nearby (including http://www.beckdc.com/ )

scrb, the designator WAS has not been assigned to any airport. I think it is a great service that the ITA site goes the extra mile to help.

Thanks Bardo.

Yeah it seems very convenient to the Mall but the hotel itself gets mediocre reviews on Tripadvisor.

But it's only $89 a night, whereas the Westins are $119, which is a bargain compared to NYC.

If y ou can spend New Years Eve in Boston your in for a treat....the home of First Night...entertainment and fun throughout the entire city..