We are coming to Washington Saturday June 16 to Wednesday June 20. There are 4 adults and 2 kids (9&16). We are considering The Hilton Garden at Franklin Square. Any thoughts on this area would be appreciated. How is it at night etc. ?
Thanks in advance.

It's a perfectly safe location. At night, it's a little dull since the surrounding area is primarily office buildings. It is close to the Metro, which is a plus.

Thanks Mike, Maybe we should try another location. We would at least like to go out in the evening for a bite or drink.

You misunderstand. The area is perfectly safe at night and there are nearby restaurants and bars. It is, however, not a residential neighborhood or one with a lively streetlife.

I'd add that DC is a very small city, so you can literally go from your hotel to places like Gtown or Adams Morgan in 15 minutes tops. Choosing a place based on whether there is a restaurant or drink within a block isn't really necessary.

Thanks, with so many areas to choose from it gets confusing when you've never been and can't visualize it. My husband always needs lots of choices.

I agree, the area is fine.

There are a lot of high rise office buildings in the immediate area so its quieter at night but there are still plenty of restaurants with a a block or two. Cafe Mozart (German) 1-1/2 blocks away at 13th & H is wonderful).

Metro is only 1/2 block away and there are many places within a 5 block area. It depends on what you are looking for.

If you want to be RIGHT IN an area that is more active at night, consider the Courtyard Marriott Convention Center in Penn Quarter or something in the Dupont Circle area.

This is a great value and relatively new place. Mike T. is right on about it being a little dull (not close to a lot of clubs and no condensed strip of dining/bars), there still are great dining options and decent places for drinks nearby.

Ceiba is right there and DC Coast is a short stroll away. Tosca, Butterfield 9 aren't far. You can walk to Penn Quarter pretty easily too.

For a nice place for drinks, there's the Round Robin Bar in the Willard Hotel, a real classic. If the weather's nice, the sky terrace at the Hotel Washington has a lovely view.

Hello. My husband are planning a quick visit to Washington this weekend, his first. We are staying at the Doubletree on Rhode Island. We were wondering if this is a central location for seeing the sights? Does anyone have any suggestions for great ethnic restaurants in the area? Should we rent a car or use public transit? We are coming in from Dulles. Many thanks for any assistance you can lend.

The Doubletree at 16th and Rhode Island? That's about for blocks east of Dupont Circle and eight blocks north of the White House. Not in the middle of the most action but plent safe and well located for transport to anyplace you want to go (but a very chilly walk to Dupont this weekend!)
If all your activities will be in the District, skip the rental car. It will cost less to taxi to and from Dulles ($60 each way) than the rental fee and parking ($25-30/day at the hotel plus $10-20 anywhere esle you might go in DC)

Here are some restaurants close-by: they are all either on P st. between 14th & 15th or on 14th above and below Rhode Island Ave. All are appropriate for your family. Hotel area is fine at night but you'll need to walk a few blocks to eat.


Merkado http://www.merkadodc.com/

Viridian http://restaurants.washingtoncitypap...t.php?rID=2833

Rice http://www.simplyhomedc.com/Welcome.html


Mar de Plata http://restaurants.washingtoncitypap...t.php?rID=1187

Logan tavern http://www.logantavern.com/

Stoney's Bar & Grille http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp...rs%20&%20Clubs

Thai Tanic http://www.thaitanic.net/

Dakota Cowgirl http://www.dakotacowgirldc.com/

Also, there are many more restaurants on 17th between P st. and S. st. Hank's is straight up 16th five blocks:
http://www.hanksdc.com/

The above restaurant list is for vschutter (not lizziegram who is staying closer to McPhearson Sq).