My fiance and I are taking a small trip to DC at the end of March...this will be the first time that he's ever been there. I've only been once, about 10 years ago. We wanted to know where the best area would be to stay and where can we find the fun nightlife after we're done with all our sightseeing? We are both 22 years old.

Thanks!

Beware--End of March is cherry blossom season (although they may or may not actually be blooming at that time) which is a very, very busy time for tourism. Expect large crowds and higher than normal hotel prices. You probably should make reservations now. Generally it's cheaper (if somewhat less convenient) to stay in the suburbs. I don't know if money is an issue for you, but if so look for VA or MD locations that are near a Metro stop. Arlington might be a good bet if you want to be closer to nightlife. Don't bother trying to drive or park in the city. You can take Metro almost anywhere you'd want to go anyway.

I think the area you'd like the most is the Dupont Circle or AdamsMorgan areas. They're both quite trendy and have a bit of nightlife. The Radisson Barcelo often has specials with rooms under $100, and they are LARGE rooms in a very nice hotel. The Dupont Circle area is also sort of a gay neighborhood too, if that bothers either of you, but most people don't care cause it's all a good mix and by no means exclusively. There is a "Red Line" Metro stop at Dupont Circle. Use the Metro, don't try to drive around. Georgetown seems to be very popular too, but also seems more expensive - you could walk, or take the "Georgetown Shuttle" (50 cents) from Dupont Circle (Gtown not served by Metro). Enjoy your trip.

As a fomer native of the DC area, I agree with rb traveler--I'd go with Dupont or Adams Morgan, for the plethora of bars, restaurants, clubs and shops in many price ranges. If you're hardy walkers, you can walk from Dupont to G'town and A-M, as it's sort of between the two.
Old Town Alexandria would be a distant third choice, IMO. It's not cheaper than Dupont, but there is some decent nightlife, and most of the hotels are very near the Metro. Arlington would be next on my list, for the same reasons. Really, I think you'd be better off staying in the city. Have a great trip! Post again if you have any more questions!

I've not yet explored the area just west of Rosslyn: Courthouse, Clarenden. Could you ("E") remark on those areas?

I like Rosslyn/Arlington for cheaper lodging but not too inconvenient from DC, but then I'm not 22. I understand there's some nightlife a few stops down the Orange Line.

We always stay over the border in Alexandra Virginia which is only about 5 minutes away from D.C. A safe area as well. Old town in Alexandra is a very happening place, lots of nice restaurants and bars.Have fun!

The other new "hot" area you might like is the Penn Quarter/Chinatown. Lots of great restaurants and cool bars around 9th and E. There are also hotels in that area.

As for the question about Clarendon/Ballston. Both are fine. If I were a visitor, I would probably choose Court House, because it's closer. Clarendon/Ballston will be full of lots of younger (under 35) types. Both are nice areas.

I live in DC, and I echo the comments re: staying in Dupont Circle. There are a range of hotel options/prices in that area, and you'd be right on the metro line for sightseeing purposes, and lots of great restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. are in and around Dupont (check out U St. corridor and Adams Morgan for dining and nightlife). I wouldn't stay in Georgetown b/c it is not on the metro, but it would be another fun place to go for dinner and after-dinner entertainment.

Since the Penn Quarter/Chinatown was mentioned, I'll also add that the Red Roof Inn in DC (was formerly a Comfort Inn) is adjacent to MCI Arena, very convenient to the Chinatown/Gallary Place Metro stops, or Judiciary Sq. It's not fancy, but is nicer than the typical "Roadside" Red Roofs. I've stayed there for as little as $55, checking the "Red's Hot Deals" button on RedRoof.com

My hubby and I are going this weekend. I got a rate of 92.81 per night at the Hotel Helix. It looks like a really cool place and I can't wait to see it.

rbtraveler, I just rediscovered this old thread...I haven't been to Courthouse/Clarendon for a couple of years now, but the former has a big, shiny mutliplex convenient to the Metro, which is handy on foul weather days; and the latter has for decades been known as a center of Asian--esp. Vietnamese--cuisine and retail. However, the last time I was there, I was amazed at how the area has been gentrified, and how many huge chains haad appeared--Pottery Barn, etc. I did see some of my fave little restaurants hanging in there, so I'd say the area is definitely worth a visit. (I like Nam Viet, if it's still there, and Hard Times, which is also in Old Town, for chili.)