rb, dear-you've quite clearly shown that you have NOT read my posts, but that's okay, drawing inaccurate conclusions without reading what is posted is by no means unusual here!

And jjkraine: as the other poster noted on the Phil/DC thread, Bethesda Md. is also a good place to stay outside the District, as it has a large number of excellent restaurants in a variety of different cuisines, and great shopping as well.

Spygirl - I _have_ read your other posts, and in all justice to you, I should have specified that it's your other _DC related_ posts about crime that I was referring to ... other than those you DO provide some good info & opinions. (no "dear", thank you)

arjay - your comment made me laugh. A recent study had a ranking of cities that were worst for getting lost in:

1) Boston
2) Washington, DC.

Karen

"I won't say to ignore Spygirl's comments, but DO read her other "sky is falling", alarmist posts on other threads by clicking on her name, then weigh her advice appropriately."

Amen. They just aren't connected to reality. Old Town is lovely, but hardly a crime-free utopia. There is probably as much violent crime in Old Town as there is in the tourist parts of DC. In other words, one needs to be cautious but all the areas are safe and fine.

I strongly suggest you stay IN DC. I also think Dupont Circle (in particular the Radisson Barcelo) would be perfect for your family. As you may know, some people touring London prefer to stay outside of W1 near a tube stop. If this sounds like you, then Old Town Alexandria is an acceptable alternative.

Here's another vote for Old Town and for the Hampton Inn, too. Very convenient to the Metro - and we walked to dinner every night or took the free shuttle bus --- Much more relaxing than staying in DC or Arlington ---