We are heading to DC with our 3 children ages 8,6 and 2. I was wondering if anyone had an opinion as to whether we should stay downtown at, for instance the Marriot Metro Center, or whether the Dupont Circle area would be better. Thanks for the help.

i think dupont circle is better. my memories of metro center (this is going back six years or so) is that it's very much a business area, with not a lot going on at night.
maybe the foggy bottom/GWU area is worth a look too, there are lots of hotels, right near the mall, the metro, and walking distance to georgetown.

Another area would be around Woodley Park-Zoo Metro stop, near Connecticut Avenue. Several large hotels that do lots of convention business here, but I can't think of names - DC residents, help us out! Lots of different restaurants on connecticut Ave, via the Metro it is easy to get around town. PS be sure to take the kids to Reeves Bakery (near 7th & H St I think) for lunch, very reasonable prices, good family fare, the desserts are GREAT! and the waitresses call you honey! Also Capital City Brewery across from the convention Center is good & family-friendly. Have fun!

Well, I live in Dupont Circle and love it. That said, I think the Marriott at Metro Center is hard to beat for a short visit, simply because the location is so central and makes it easy to get around on the metro. Yes, you will have more dining choices around Dupont Circle, but the downtown area has picked up quite a bit and there are more restaurants downtown than there used to be a few years ago. I think the Marriott at metro center is a great choice.

Both locations can't be beat. However, with young children, I would recommend the Marriott at Metro Center, only because it is a little more central to the sights. You are in walking distance to the White House, Mall, etc. Plus, the metro is right there. The area really has improved, and as Lisa mentioned, there are more dining options than in the past.

Travel questions!

Another vote for the Metro Marriott.
We've stayed there 3-4 times and enjoy the hotel and some of the "deals" we've received.

It is in a business area so it was always pretty quiet at night. No outside crowd/traffic noise, etc.

Great location. Decent restaurant for b'fast. Coffee shop/news stand out the back door. Metro stop right there.Plenty of taxis.

Across the street from my favorite "pit stop", DC Brewing Co.

Loved the hustle/bustle of Dupont, tho.
But the Metro Mar is closer to The Mall and all the other sights.

We're trying to book Metro Mar now for our Fourth of July weekend /C&O Canal bicycle ride from Harper's Ferry.

Any DC area Fodorites care to have a 4th of July picnic on The Mall with Mr/Mrs Kal, 10 of our other Calif. bicycling in-laws/fans and around 400,000 of our other closest friends? ?:^)
Mahalo,
Kal

ps,
Lisa..you were right about Europe. We've got the bug and are ready to go back at the drop of a beret!

Kal -- that is a fun idea -- the DC area Fodorites get together quite often now (about once a month) so a 4th of July picnic might be a good idea. The only problem for us suburbanites is getting back home after. But we've done it before and no doubt will do it again, so why not this year!