I'm planning a long weekend in DC with my husband and my folks (early 70's) end of June. I've read lots on the boards about how Dupont Circle is the best place to stay. That said, I called a travel agent of the family and asked for some good recommendations.

Basically, we are looking for a nice hotel and my parents would like the option of at least one restaurant and possible health facilities (spa, etc.) We would like to keep the price around $200 a night.

The agent came back and recommended the following hotels:
St. Gregory
Wyndham City Center
Governor's House
Hilton Embassy Row

I could be wrong, but I did not think some of them were in or close to Dupont Circle.
Anyone have any thoughts on any of those hotels? Or can you make any other recommendations.

On my own I had also been looking into the Westin Embassy Row and Park Hyatt, but she told me the Hyatt was out of the way.

Any insight would be so appreciated as we need to book on Monday!

Two years ago we stayed at the Westin on Embassy Row. Excellent place and excellent location. It was formerly called the Westin Fairfax(changed last name last year) and was the place Al Gore grew up in as a boy. Last year my husband stayed there again for a meeting. The meeting rate was about $200/night. He needed two extra nights and they wanted to charge even more, so I asked for the AAA rate: $150/night. So check it out. Only a block or so to the metro, Phillips Gallery.

Just stayed at the Westin Embassy Row with my wife and mother this past weekend. Got it for $55 per night on Priceline (what a great deal!). It is 1-1/2 blocks from the Dupont Metro stop and all of the action. The Hilton is 1/2 way in between the Westin and the Metro stop. Look at www.biddingfortravel.com if you're interested in a Priceline request.

Duane

There was a Fodor's GTG last week (?) at the Churchill -- across from the Washington Hilton on Connecticut Ave, a couple blocks north of Dupont Circle. It's a great location. I know Sherry got the Churchill on Priceline, and it is an all suite place. (I lived there 30 years ago when it was all efficiency and one-bedroom apts!) Multiple nice restaurants in walking distance.

Hilton Embassy Row is kind of boutique hotel and I have to say I kind of like it. Another hotel worth a look in that immediate area is the Radisson Barcelo; very large rooms. You might want to check www.quikbook.com for rates on Dupont Circle area hotels. It is a very good area to stay in while visiting Washington DC.

Another good place to search for DC hotels at good rates is capitolreservations.com. I have used them 6 times and always found their rates to be the best.

Last year we got the Hilton Embassy Row and really liked the hotel and the location. There was a gym and a pool (could come in very handy in June!) and the Dupont Circle area cannot be beat for restaurants. Plus it is a major metro stop.

Thanks for all the replies. So am I to understand that both the Hilton Embassy Row and Westin Embassy Row are not actually walking distance to Dupont Circle, but we must hop on the metro to get their from the hotel?

My parents cannot walk up and down stairs so well, so I'm not sure going to and from the metro is the most convenient thing for them. Can anyone give any more info on location?

Also, between these two hotels, which seem to be what I've narrowed it down to, which is the more luxury hotel, or wouldn't you describe either that way?

Hilton Embassy Row and Westin Embassy Row are on Mass. Ave. NW, near 21st Street between P & Q, about two-three blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro (entrances 20th & Q, and at the south side of the Circle on 19th). You should have no trouble finding the location on any map of DC.
Downtown Metro stations do not involve stairs (unless escalators are out of service, which is not rare).

The Hilton Embassy Row is the ONLY one out of the 4 hotels you listed that is truly in the center of Dupont Circle area (less than 1 block from the circle). In addition, it is on the north side of the circle, where most of the action is. By far the best location of your choices. I can help you if you have any further questions.

Regarding the issue of stairs in Metro stations: there aren't any. There are escalators. If these are a problem for your parents as well, there are also elevators, but as kayd points out, it is a regrettable fact that they are often out of service. Cabs are always an option, of course; they're plentiful in DC, but not as cheap as, say, NYC's, b/c they're not metered but based on a tourist-unfriendly zone system. Anyway, I hope the hotel issue gets sorted for you and you enjoy your trip!

Hilton Embassy Row it is! Thank you all so much for your help!