First time to DC
 

I'm back posting again. In reading through some of the posts I'm questioning what area should we stay in. It's our first time and we want to be sure we have easy access to the attractions and the metro. Would like to do a side trip to Mt. Vernon and the monuments at night. We're leaning toward Dupont Circle.Is that a good choice?

Dupont Circle is one of the very best areas to stay in for a visit to DC. You'll have access to the Metro, but more importantly, you'll be staying in an active, attractive neighborhood with a lot of great restaurants and shops to enjoy. Book it!

Dupont Circle is the area I'd choose. Heck, I live in Virginia and I am there all the time. The restaurant choice is amazing. The Phillips Collection is nearby (but--sniff--many of the well known paintings are on tour while they renovate the place) and there are some movie theaters that show foreign and "art" films.

The Mall is just a short Metro ride away.

Have a great time in my town!

Ditto on Dupont Circle.

Definently stay in the Dupont Circle area.

Go for a Dupont area hotel. Here is a map of the neighborhood showing all the hotels (in dark brown). Note that there are two exits to the Dupont circle metro station : one on the north side (Q st) and one on the south side (dupont/19th st).

Message: Go for a Dupont area hotel. Here is a map of the neighborhood showing all the hotels (in dark brown). Note that there are two exits to the Dupont circle metro station : one on the north side (Q st) and one on the south side (dupont/19th st).
HERE it is: http://www.stationmasters.com/System.../dupontci.html

Hello. I, like Sherlon, will be heading to DC with my family. Ours will be a March week filled with history and art (it's sort of a teaching vacation). I was thinking that it might be better to stay in the downtown area to be able to walk to the sights more and spend less time on the Metro. Also because the daily and weekly passes are only good after 9:30, it won't suit us if we want to get somewhere early (e.g. like the Supreme Court by 9am). I have been reading hotel reviews and very few are consistently written up as a place worth a week's time. The Willard is too expensive for us. We need more of a chain hotel that cuts deals continuously. Any suggestions?

WishWasThere,
The Capitol Hill Suites, in the safest of areas. In the midst of an upscale historic neighborhood at 2nc & C st SE, is two blocks from the capitol bldg, a 10 minute walk to the Nat'l Mall as well as two blocks from the Capitol South Metro stop (just in case). The immediate area also has the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Folger shakespear center and lots of dining choices in all ranges. They are constantly running $99 per night specials. Here's the website: http://www.capitolhillsuites.com/

As far as the $5 Visitor pass being good only after 9:30 weekdays, look into:

the 7-Day Short Trip Pass ($17.50)
Valid for seven consecutive days for Metrorail trips costing up to $1.75 during peak travel times. If trip costs more than $1.75, you must use the Exitfare machine to pay additional fare. Pass is valid for ANY rail trip during off-peak times (weekends, midday, evenings) -- we NEVER made any trip that required extra $.

or 7-Day Fast Pass $25