My 14 year old son and I are coming to DC for the first time at the end of July. We are staying at Capital Hill Suites - very reasonalble - but I am concerned about the area. The address is 200 C St SE - two blocks from the capital. Anyone know what this area is like and if there are restaurants within walking distance for dinner at night?

I lived in the DC area for a few years. Not familiar with the particular hotel, but the area should be fine. The park areas are controlled by national park police, not the local DC cops, so it is safer there.

There are a ton of restaurants, two of my favorites (that you and your son should both like) look to be about a block away. Il Radicchio is run by the same man who owns Galileo (awesome italian food), 223 Pennsylvania Ave. They bring the pasta to the table, and you choose an individual sauce, have about 20 to choose from. My favorite is Leak and Sausage, my boyfriend likes the Puttanesca. But it is reasonable, good wines, good service, and lots of carbs after a day of touring.

Another one is Bullfeathers. This looks about two blocks northwest of the hotel on First Street. They serve the usual burgers and steaks, but have good seafood and lobster specials once a week.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Sandy, I loved in DC for many years, you are not in the "best" area but you are also not in the worse of areas and certainly there is no reason for you to be walking around the capitol after dark. On a positive note - you are close to a subway (very safe!) and last year I took my 14 year old niece to DC so here are my suggestions : Georgetown at night is a big hit because of the shopping - Below "M" st. on Wisconsin ave (1063 Wisconsin N.W.) is Filomena's restaurant - homemade pasta (made in the window!) great service and is ideal for the teenager/adult stage - not too casual not too dressy - make reservations to be safe - ask for a table near the kitchen and you will actually see the cheese being made for the homemade mozerella - of all the museums the Museums - the national Museum of American History was a hit - it includes the dresses worn by the former first ladies, tv relics ie: Archie's chair, and Dorothy's Ruby slippers - while in the area have lunch at Old Post office - it is fast food but also a great way to see all of Dc (take the elevator to the top) and unlike the Washington Monument - it is airconditioned even if you have to wait on line. Divide your sights by night and day - the night tour should include : The lincoln memorial, Vietnam Memorial, tribute to the Medic-Women and the Korean War Memorial (all within a short walk of each other and breath taking a t night - not to mention cooler) the make your way to the other end of the mall, and do the Jefferson memorial - they do a neat ghost tour but not every night so you would have to ask ahead of time.
Also fun is the area of Dupont Circle (the metro elevator alone is "cool") this is like DC's village - and Adams Morgan for great ethnic foods. At the age of 14 I suspect the FBI tour with lunch at The Hard Rock may he a hit (though probably not for you) and in that area you can see Ford's theater and even with a short wait (the line goes fast) the House where Lincoln died. The zoo may or may not be on your list - it was not on ours - also amazing history at the Holocaust Museum (book an entrance time ahead of time) very detailed and extrememly emotional - not for all 14 year olds ...

Thank you for the info. Would you recommend staying in another area of town? I understand capital hill suites is one block from the metro but is that safe at night or how would you get around after dark?

200 C St. SE is at 2d & C Sts. SE and is in close-in Capitol Hill. It is as safe as any other area in the city. It's a very residential area so there should be other folks on the street.