We are all okay PM, very scary though, it went on for a long time, rocking and rolling. The Kaikoura coast, and North Canterbury have been hit the worst. Only two deaths so far which is amazing.

I'm so glad to hear from you nelsonian, that sounds terrifying.

Me, too, nelsonian -- glad to hear you are OK and wishing well for all.

I hate that Christchurch has just recovered and now this again. Glad to hear you are ok. Scary stuff. I saw the pictures earlier. Phil from Amazing race is from there and learned many things about the last one when the race went there. Stay safe and we are thinking of you in NZ.

Nelsonian has, if I recall correctly, a target of about $250 USD a night for 4 adults and 2 children. That puts many of the places mentioned here out of her range even in the depths of early of January. She has floated numerous areas here (Cleveland Park, Capitol Hill, Alexandria among them) and I think booked the BW b/c it met her budget, was close to public transportation and in a good location. And she could cancel if she found something she liked better.

Like the Best Western, the Harrington Hotel is also a tourist class hotel although I'd rank the HH a little closer to a hostel accommodation. Pretty dingy looking IMO. The BW hosts a lot of Geo Washington University adult groups so it's a got a slightly higher bar. But the HH has got a great location for touring that part of the National Mall (which is almost 2 miles in length). It might be the OP's someplace better.

Might be time to troll hotel.com again now that the dates are closer.

<i>There are so many nice bakeries in DC, it would be a shame, though, to eat breakfast at the BW *every* day...</i>

I completely agree with that but even a trip to Paul for a morning drink and pastry is going run $50 for six people. If budget is a major priority I can see the appeal of a free breakfast.

<i>Calling that location your hotel is in "Georgetown" is a marketing gimmick.</i>

Ten years ago I get why someone might use "Georgetown" as a "known" and upscale address but these days West End (which is where this Best Western is located) is a quite proper and desirable neighborhood. Perhaps big hotel chains see the need to keep the Gtown name but locally most everyone knows West End.

I've mentioned before that I've stayed near the BW on several occasions (kids lived on the other side of DuPont Circle), including at the Renaissance. The location was great, even if not so close to the mall. Very easy to get to and fro.

Our last night at the Best Western location 1121 New Hampshire Ave. We have found it to be a nice hotel, breakfast is just so, so but the rooms are fine. I think thet have all been recently renovated. I read one recent Trip Advisor review where someone said the carpet was threadbare, It is not, it is the pattern in the carpet. dark grey, red, light grey, beige, repeated. THe beige does look a bit like it is threadbare but it is not!!!

We have used both the Metro and the Ciculator bus, the maps on the bus are very useful and there is also an app for the phone. The Foggy Bottom station was close by, DuPont station seemed further away. We used this one to get to the zoo. In New York our grandchildren didn't pay for the subway, but here they had to have their own smar card. I would definitely recommend this hotel if you are on a budget.

I'm glad the Best Western worked out for you, and best for your journey home!

Now off to Orlando for a week,

Thanks for coming back with "lessons learned", Nelsonian.

You ask a lot of questions but you give a lot of value in return! That's the way this forum should work!

It will be interesting to read about Orlando.