DC Suite Hotel Question
 

Traveling to DC with a 2 year old this December, and have a few alternatives for hotel.

The $ cost between them is a difference of cumulatively no more than (being conservative) $200 for the entire trip, so its sort of a push (not that I want to spend more $ just for its own sake.). What is important is services, convenience, dining options, ease to Metro, etc.

I previously stayed at the St Gregory on M and 23rd which was nice, but it was a studio set up, and we want a true one-bedroom (with door) this year.

Choices are:

Embassy Suites Downtown (22d Street NW)
Embassy Suites Crystal City
Embassy Suites Chevy Chase (Friendship Heights)
Doubletree Guest Suites (Foggy Bottom - N.H. Avenue.)

The Doubletree and Crystal City are both about $125/night (parking higher at Doubletree). Embassy Suites Downtown is $140 and Embassy Chevy Chase is about $145 or so. The cook-to-order breakfast is nice but not necc as long as there is a fridge and diners or Cosi's/Einstein Bagels/ similar places to grab food in the a.m.

Sort of curious why the Embassy Chevy Chase seems more expensive than the other locations.

Happy to hear of other suggestions. Have looked at One Washington Circle, RIver Inn, Georgetown Suites, and several Residence Inns, but most seem to be studio set ups, not true suites.

Don't really care if I stay in DC proper or VA/MD as long as the Metro access is good and its not more than 20 mins or so to Mall, etc. I did like having a 24 hours CVS close by to the St Gregory in case of emergency, no idea if something similar is avail at the Embassy Suits in Chevy Chase or Crystal City.

Thanks!

*bump*

I'd go with the Doubletree Guest Suites if it was me. I think the suites are roomier than the Embassey Suites. Also, the kitchen is a real full kitchen w/full size appliances at that Doubltree. If for some reason I was to do Embassey Suites, I'd do the one on 22nd St., but it is a further walk to Foggy Bottom metro from that Embassey Suites than it is from the Doubletree- about twice as far - and I am pretty sure you have to cross Washinton Circle to get to Foggy Bottom metro from the Embassy Suites (or walk to Dupont Circle mtero stop, which is just as far). I would not want to cross Washington Circle w/a baby stroller.
The Doubletree is very nice - a surprise find by some freinds of mine who stayed there a few months ago.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites on 22nd last summer and were very happy with it. The rooms were good sized, nicely decorated and comfortable. Breakfast was very convenient.

The only drawback to the hotel that we found was the distance to the metro (about 4 or 5 blocks) but the stroll was pleasant. I didn't find crossing Washington Circle difficult at all but I am used to crossing busy city streets. Cabs do pull up frequently in front of the hotel if you prefer to go that route.

Have a great trip!

The only comment that I can add is concerning Embassy Suites/Crystal City. Though we enjoyed it last March with our older children, I wouldn't stay there with a 2 year old particularly in cold weather. The walk to the metro would be very long with a small child. They will send a shuttle but the wait can be difficult.

I would vote for a suite that is as convenient to the sites as you can afford. The child will not remember a thing but you sure will!

Oh, and god forbid you should need it, but the two foggy bottom areas hotels are right near George Washington Univ. Hospital. I think there is an urgent care center there too? The Doubletree Suites is very very close. Just in case the little one gets sick. I've had that happen when we travelled when the kids were young, more than once, in the E.R in another city...but then our luck was always pretty bad like that. Every time we planned to go out of town, one of the kids got hives or something weird.

I agree with the above comment that the ES in Crystal City is inconvenient to the Metro. The ES in Friendship Heights/Chevy Chase, on the other hand, is literally above the Metro Station and furthermore is attached to a large shopping mall. With a toddler, this convenience would be a major factor for me. It's a bit farther out, but riding a few stops on the Metro is faster and more convenient (especially in cold weather) than walking a few blocks to the Metro station. What a treat it was, getting off the Metro at the end of a long day, to have just indoor escalators/elevators ahead of us rather than a long walk.

Also, IIRC, the ES in Chevy Chase had a tiny pool and an interior door that was glass, like a French door, providing little privacy, either sound or visual. At Friendship Heights, we had a regular door between the rooms, and a corner suite that was huge.

We have also stayed at the Doubletree in Foggy Bottom. I think the full kitchen will be a huge plus with a 2 year old. It includes a full size table with four chairs. The metro is a block and half away, and there is a Safeway in the Watergate building about two blocks away to stock up on breakfast foods.

No need to stock up on breakfast foods if you stay at the Embassy Suites, since they all have that huge breakfast buffet included in the room rate.

Add Washington Suites Georgetown to your list when you comparison shop - (it is not really Georgetown, about 2-3 blocks from Foggy Bottom). Separate bedroom, full kitchen, comp. breakfast.

Thanks so much to everyone for all the helpful advice. Right now its the ES on 22d but I want to give a closer look to the Friendship Heights/Chevy Chase one. With the weather being what it is, at least having the option to enter the Metro indoors is nice - not an enourmous price difference.

I will also look at the Washington Suites Georgetown - sounds interesting. Any info on price?

Thanks!

The subway ride from downtown and the tourist sights to Chevy Chase is a good 15-20 minutes. Not a big deal if you only plan to go back there in the evenings. If you want the convenience of popping in and out of your room during the day (like naptime), however, then the ES downtown might be better.

Website for Washington Suites Georgetown is washingtonsuitesgeorgetown.com I did not know your dates, so arbitrarily plugged in Dec 26-30 for 2 adults and one kid and got rate of $119 for one-bedroom suite and slightly more for what they call deluxe one bedroom.

We stayed there a couple of years ago. It used to be something else (not sure what). Hallways were in need of recarpeting, but that was only issue I had with hotel. We had a very large true one bedroom (a real door between bedroom and living room). LR area had sofa bed, full kitchen with dishes, etc, full sized refrigerator. Also had dining table.

Continental breakfast buffet was included which was average - but since we were there in summer it was pleasantly served on an outside patio. Hotel does not have a restaurant, but there are plenty in the area. They even had a delivery arrangement with one of the closest ones.

Since it was summer, we walked several times into Georgetown - since I hate cold, I would not do that in December. Son was also able to run along the Potomac. Foggy Bottom is a solid 2-3 block walk. Valet parking was extra, but I recall it as reasonable.

Just got back from DC today. We stayed at The Embassy Suites on 22nd.It's about a 10 minute walk to the metro. But, if your child is in a stroller it should be no problem. The Hotel was clean, the staff was very friendly. and They serve Starbucks in the morning. There is a microwave and fridge. You shouldn't need anything more. Our kids loved the indoor pool at night. Oh, and by the wasy bundle up. We froze our butts off. Have fun!

Like others who have posted before me, I'd also like to highly recommend the Doubletree Guest Suites Foggy Bottom.....besides its proximity to GWU Hospital, it is also near the Foggy Bottom Metro (an easy walk to there) so you can go to a lot of the attractions you may want to see easily.
The Doubletree was very comfortable for my family when we visited DC last summer with plenty of space for us (including me--I have 3 other siblings and my parents of course.) It should provide plenty of comfort as well as great service and nice hotel amenities.

With respect to the Doubletree at Foggy Bottom, are there restaurants nearby? My memory is that there weren't that many, and that one has to hike over to Dupont or Georgetown or the Golden Triangle biz district, but maybe I am wrong? Thanks.

There are a restaurants around Washington Circle, and on the other side of GW Hosptial, on and around Penn. Ave. 5 min. walk.

Let me put in another vote for the Doubletree Guest Suites on NH Ave. We stayed there a few years ago, and were very happy. Nice large rooms, and a cooked to order room service breakfast for 4 (a promotion they were running at the time, not sure if they still do). Easy 5 minute walk to the Metro, and about a 20 minute walk directly to the Lincoln Memorial. And the cookies at check-in are a very nice bonus!

Again, thanks, and apologies in advance for what will be another nitpicky question regarding Doubletree, and one about the Alexandria area.

At present I've got reservations secured at both the Embassy Suites Chevy Chase and the Embassy Suites Downtown on 22d. As I write this Chevy Chase is leading by a nose mainly because to date the temperature in DC is in the mid-20s and that direct access to the Metro is appealing.

(Let me explain...I'm not lazy and usually walk a ton, just presently bitterly enduring the effects of the NYC transit strike that is requiring me and 7 million others to hoof it across town on a daily basis in 20 degree weather [pre-wind-chill-factor], hence I sort of relish the idea of not having to do any meaningful walking to public transport. In other words, I'll confess that this is a pure indulgence on my part...and I kind of feel guilty about it given that 4/5 blocks is a pittance to we NYers....but not that guilty. ;-) )

Anyway....


Regarding Doubletree Guest Suites, my ollection is that the hotel does not have a gym or an indoor pool, nor does it have guest privileges anymore with any nearby facilities (i.e. Watergate hotel). Is that correct? Also, one of my colleuges here thought that most of the dining options near Doubletree were on the pricier side, and that for quicker lunch or breakfast bites (i.e. Cosi, Au Bon Pain, Chipolte Grill, I'd wind up having to hike closer towards Golden Triangle/Dupont anyway.


One other place that I hadn't considered but sounds good is the Embassy Suites in Alexandria, which is right across the street from the Yellow/Blue line I am told, and unlike some of the other DC suburban areas, Old Town Alexandria isn;t generic and has some cool stuff and places to eat on its own. which is appealing since I've never toured Alexandria.

I have only 2 hesistations about staying there. First, I'm not sure how long of a ride it is into DC proper.

Second, I think (but I am not certain) that the Embassy Suites in Alexandria is not in Old Town proper, so while it has good access to the Metro, one has to take a shuttle bus or drive into Old Town, and can't really walk to the commercial district. Again, I may be completely off on this, so would appreciate any info on it as I throw that into the mix.

Thanks (and here's hoping that the DC metro workers don't take a cue from the debacle unfolding in NYC...never a dull minute here!)

The Embassy Suites in Alexandria is on the edge of Alexandria's Old Town commercial district and a wonderful easy walk to the heart of Old Town and the Potomac River. All along King St. (the main drag from the ES to River)are fun shops and restaurants. If it's too cold, or you can't bear the walk there is also a free shuttle from the metro down King St, but it really is a great walk.

There are also a number of nice playgrounds near this hotel which might be nice for your 2 year old if the weather is nice. The metro is across the street and it is about a 20 minute metro trip to DC, and a very easy drive via Washington St. (GW Memorial Parkway). Happy to answer any other questions about this area.

The Embassy Suites in Alexandria is definitely considered Old Town proper, however, the western edge of it. It's probably a 10-12 minute walk to the center of OT (King and Washington St's) but there are plenty of shops, restaurants, historic homes along the way. The commute time to the mall is about 20 minutes. Sounds like it might meet the upper bounds of your requirements.

I've stayed at the Washington Suites Georgetown. You get LOTS of space for the money. It was originally a Doubletree and before that residential apartments so it's not a new property. Pretty well maintained though.

Sprin and Obxgirl, thanks very much...it sounds like ES Alexandria may be ideal (and the price differential, while not determinative, is certainly a factor, esp. given taxes of 10% vs 14% in DC). I'm psyched to hear that there are dining/shopping options close to the hotel so that we don't have to shlep 15 minutes a pop to get a cup of coffee outside the hotel. I'm still holding on to my reservations at the Friendship Heights ES, but unless someone here can tell me differently, it sounds like the ES Alexandria may edge it out.

The walk from ES Alexandria to the heart of Old Town is some distance, about three-quarters of a mile (it is a mile to the end of King Street at the river). There are places to eat closer to ES of course, but if bitter cold or a winter rain should blow in during your stay, you might wish you had chosen Friendship.

Table Talk restaurant in Old Town is my favorite breakfast place. It is almost next door to ES, on Duke St. I think there might be a sandwick/coffee place behind the ES that services the people who work in that office bldg. adn those coming in/out of metro. There used to be a Thiesman's restaurant behind ES but I am not sure if it is there anymore - bar, burgers, lunch, dinner. Other restaurants right by the hotel are more upscale - Le Gaulois, Stella's (I'd avoid that place), etc. But as you walk several blocks down King St. you have alot of choices. It is COLD walking down King St. because you are walking towards the Potomac river and it always seems to be windy in winter walking that way- bundle up big time.

Also, you might like Austin Grill on King St. Very casual tex-mex, and lots of fun stuff for your 2 yr old visually, like the big lizard sculpture hanging from the celing, chili lights at the bar, etc.

Well, like I wrote earlier, hoofing it through the delightfully illegal transit strike in NY this week makes the prospect of walking 4 or 5 blocks not as daunting. I did also see that Alexandria has a very nice "First Night" event in town (with several events at the ES itself) that is appealing.

I believe the garage has in-and-out privileges, so I guess I should ask another question (sorry....bad habit.) How hard is it to park in the more "central" part of Old Town. If its easy to get street parking (or if the lots aren't a fortune (say, over $10), I don't mind taking the Metro back to the hotel and driving down a few blocks. On the other hand, if the parking is basically DC rates, that's a factor to consider, since I know the hotel at Friendship Heights is surrounded by places to eat. (and obviously ES Downtown is well situated for that too.)

Thanks (again)!

Street parking is very hard to come by at a normal time of year (even for the residents), much less the holidays. Garages down by the waterfront will be $9-12 for a night. We use the garage across the street from the Torpedo Factory (TF is on the waterfront) a few yards off of King St., and then walk up King away from the waterfront from there. King Street, the main drag w/shops and restaurants where you will be walking, will be crowded, as it is the holidays.

$9 - $12 parking doesn't seem outrageous (esp. given that I doubt I'd eat in Alexandria every night, and if the weather gets milder, which I think its supposed to, the walk isn't that daunting.)

I spent several years living right atop the Hudson River in Northern Manhattan with an infant, so I think the cold weather will be manageable (famous last words.)

jidug--sorry I didn't see this thread earlier but since I live very close to the Chevy Chase ES thought I would give you my two cents; first, don't know when you coming, but it is supposed be in the 50's by Christmas, but also be raining; second, the Chevy Chase ES is in a mall with a food court in the basement with a Starbucks and is the perfect place for a toddler to run around (with plenty of company I might add, it is a parent/nanny hang-out); plus right up the street is a great toddler-friendly city park where my daughter (now 6) and many of her friends spent many hours of their toddler years; lastly, the pool at the ES, is where many of the neighborhood kids learned to swim as toddlers--it is not very big and perfect for little kids; there are tons of places to eat right there and the Metro is literally in the basement of the hotel. I doubt you are coming to shop, but any store you would want is in a 2-3 block radius of the hotel.

Hope this helps,

Mary in D.C.

Mary,

It does help, thanks. Though I am still playing Hamlet between the three ES - - Chevy Chase, Alexandria, and 22d street downtown (I've nixed Crystal City and Doubletree Guest Suites [apologies to the Doubletree fans). I guess right now the main thing I'm trying to decide is whether the differences between Chevy Chase and Alexandria justify the increased cost for CC. (Its not a hugely material difference, but money is money, as they say.)

(If there is an over/under bet on wherever I opt to go, let me know the odds and maybe we can split the proceeds. ;-) )

not to offend the Alexandria backers, but CC is probably more expensive because it is an upscale neighborhood (literally across the street from Neiman Marcus); what kind of activities are you going to be doing in D.C.--that might help us help you decide.

Mary

Pretty much the standard DC stuff - been there probably hundred times. Hit the museums on the Mall, the Zoo, a few national monuments, maybe the Phillips. Get some drinks at Union Station. Dealt with crowds at Spy Museum last year, so I'll wait a few. So from that perspective its all about even location wise. No more than 20 25 mins barring some Metro calamity.

One thing I did read alot on another forum about Alexandria is that the ES is Grand Central Station on New Years Eve, and gets lots of school groups and larger families, many with pets in tow. Presumably most ES do but I suspect that Alexandria - being $114 compared to CC's $150 or Downtowns $140, may attract more of them. Nothing wrong with that, just may be more hectic then we feel like.

"Alas poor Yorick..."

the set-up of the CC ES is really nice with a small child since you can go downstairs without going outside, have a Starbucks and let him/her run around with very few people to bother since the stores down there--Pottery Barn, Hold Everything don't open until 10.

You have alot of Red Line things on your list--zoo (assume your little person is up early so you should try and get Tai Shan tickets--they give out 60 each day at the visitors center on CT Avenue--he is beyond cute), Phillips, Union Station and you can easily walk to the NGA from Union Station; I always think it is easier to stay on one line than negotiate Metro Center with a stroller.

good luck,

Mary

Sounds like the ES in CC would work better for your December trip.

Save Alexandria for a visit when the weather is warmer.

I don't care which ES you decide upon, but I do feel the need to refute a few statements made on this thread. Parking in Old Town is not difficult for residents of Alexandria. We routinely drive and park there. Pick a cross street to King and you will usually be a block from your destination. St Asaph, Columbus, and Alfred are all convenient crosses. Prince and Cameron (the one-way alternatives to King and Duke) also have lots of parking, as do Patrick and Henry (Rte 1 through Alexandria)and Washington St. You do need to pay close attention to the parking meters and signs, as they are very strict about ticketing.

There are a number of garages, operated by APCOA in Old Town and these are better options than the private expensive ones. They charge very little on nights and weekends. A convenient one is at Fairfax and King under Market Square. You can find all garages on the Tourism section of the Alexandria city website.

Table Talk and Joe Thiesman's Restaurant are next to the ES as is Stellas and Quattro Formagi (excellent pizza). There is Thai across King St., Hard Times (chilli) a few blocks down, and several coffee shops within two blocks.

We were in Old Town last weekend for dinner. Are you referring to normal siutations or during late Dec., because we could not find any suface street parking on any side streets within two blocks of King on either side, below Washington Street. My husband hates to pay for parking so we drove around for half hour trying to find street parking. The holidays, up until January 2 or so, are realy very festive and busy in Old Town, many many people shopping and dining.

I was at the World Market below the Embassy Suites in CC a half and hour ago and thought of you. . .let us know what you decided!

Mary in D.C.

Mary:

Still mulling it over between ES downtown and ES Chevy Chase. (opted against Alexandria but may visit it for New Years First Night.)

One thing occurred to me since I'll likely be arriving on Xmas Day - - will any of the services in Chevy Chase area, esp. restaurants, be open? (It was not a problem last year when I stayed at the St Gregory- - very good Chinese restaurant near the hotel was open, and there was a 24 hr 365 day/year CVS only 2 blocks away. I don't assume that would be the case all over the area, though. (Certainly isn't here in NY metro area. The East Village is worlds different on Xmas from the Upper East Side, let alone Bensonhurst.)


This also leads to an additional, more general question. I believe because Xmas Day is on Sunday this year, the Federal holiday is being observed the following Monday. Will the Smithsonian and other places be closed in observance Monday too?

Thanks.

check the Smithsonian web page, but Monday is the federal holiday; I bet alot of the restaurants there are open on Christmas Day; there is within two blocks of the hotel a great Chinese restaurant, Meiwah, that is very kid friendly; plus, right in the "mall" is a Chessecake Factory--not my choice; also a Maggiano's; I bet Maggiano's will be open. The stores, of course, will be closed, but will definitely be open on Monday.

Mary

As advised, do check the Smithonian web site, but IIRC they close only for the actual Christmas Day. They certainly don't observe other Federal holidays.