Grand Hyatt vs.Mandarin Oriental neighborhood comparison
 

What are the areas like around each of these hotels, in terms of walking around, restaurants, shops, scenery, safety, etc.?

Thanks

Both locations are safe. Hyatt wins for better proximity to restaurants and shops and access to Metro. Mandarin Orange wins for scenery if you have a room overlooking the Tidal Basin. Otherwise scenery is a draw, both are downtown hotels. Manderin is probably nicer than the Hyatt.

You'll definitely find more to do, in regard to shopping, restaurants, & street life, in the area around the Hyatt. Better metro access too.

I think the Grand Hyatt is a MUCH better location.

The Grand Hyatt is steps to all manner of public transit, many museums, and hundreds of nearby restaurants/cafes/bars/theaters. In other words, life.

Close to the Mandarin Oriental:
US Dept. of Agriculture
Holocaust Memorial Museum
Engraving and Printing
Fish Market
Jefferson Memorial
The hotel bar and restaurant
That's it.

After bardo posted, I googled the two to see where they are. I've been in DC many times as a tourist and on business, and I would definitely choose the location of the Grand Hyatt over the Mandarin. I like to be able to walk out my door and have things right there (even something as simple as a cup of coffee) as opposed to having to first get somewhere.

bardo, I love your description, which I'm going to adopt when I advise people against staying on Nob Hill in San Francisco.... "In other words, life"