Stongly agree w/ Julie: try to go on a WEEKDAY.

Woohoo! I'm really getting excited now. I'm just hoping the weather doesn't do anything crazy to change the prediction.

The picnic idea sounds wonderful if it's not too cold. Anyone have any good
deli sugestions?

FYI, Sakura in Japanese means Cherry Blossom. Matsuri = Festival, so literally Sakura Matsuri means Cherry Blossom Festival. The flowers alone are Sakura.

Ai84: "...any good deli sugestions?"

That depends: where is your hotel??

We will probably pick the best day for weather too. So will it just be mobs and mobs of people? We are early risers so perhaps we will get out to the monuments before anyone else! Any other tips? For those of you in the area...how's the construction site around the Grand Hyatt?

If you're anywhere near 15th & P st. NW, then you can't go wrong at Whole Foods Market. They will have anything and everything you could possibly want for a picnic, including napkins plates cutlery wines cheeses salads olives breads meats sandwiches fruits etc. etc. etc.

Actually worth a cab ride for the "perfect" picnic basket.

Quality is tops.

On the weekend, if it's nice, there will be mobs and mobs of people on the tidal basin. I went on a sunny Saturday afternoon at peak bloom several years ago and we could barely push our way through the crowds on the sidewalk around the basin. Going early in the morning is an excellent idea unless you like crowds.

By construction around the Grand Hyatt, I assume you mean the Old Convention Center site? If so, it's nothing but a big pile of rubble at the moment. I pass by nearly every day, but usually after hours. Doesn't look like much is going on right now--no new construction yet. I'm not even sure they've decided what will go in there. In any event, I doubt it will have much impact on your stay.

I think they are still very gradually chipping away at the remains of the old convention center stucture -- nothing heavy duty as far as I can tell. I down and back H from 12th to 9th yesterday it was pretty quiet.

You're not changing hotels are you LL?

Get mom to the FDR Memorial, one of the underrated stops. It's not as imposing as the more popular monuments, but it's very moving and well done. Plus, you'll be in a great cherry blossom location.

to clarify:
I WALKED down and back ...

Bardo1

Thanks for the tip on Whole Foods. I love those stores and didn't know they are nationwide. We have quiet a few in CA.

I'll be staying in Alexandria (Hampton Inn) so I don't know how the market will work. BTW, thanks for the tip on the Atrium from my earlier post, I'll be sure to put it on my list.

I just couldn't decide so I actually have reservations at both places-BUT, I am going to make myself decide by the end of the weekend. I'm sure there are others looking for rooms.

After following these deliberations, I'd offer that if the Willard doesn't inflict too much financial pain, go for it.

The distance to the Metro is about a block further but in April, the Hyatt's advantage of indoor access is not all that important. Nice as it is the Hyatt is just another hotel once you're there, while the Willard is an experience. Plus it sounds like you got a pretty good deal on the Willard.

I agree with repete. There's nothing wrong with the Grand Hyatt but if you got a decent price, I'd definitely stick with the Willard.

Thanks everyone...I'll submit a trip report once this trip is finally done!

oh goodness sakes, after all that talk about the Willard in your other long thread and you haven't decided where to stay? GO WITH THE WILLARD, HONEY, but stay w/the courtyard room- it's much quieter than the street.