We are headed to DC the week of April 19th and wanted to take my mom up to the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Washington for that fantastic view of the White House and mall. I have recently searched and can't find info, is it still open? Is there a website? If it is closed, does anyone know of a comparable evening view of the city? Thank you.

It's closed. They're remodeling the hotel and it will reopen as a W.

There's nothing really comparable in terms of view. You could go to the Willard or the Old Ebbitt for a good DC place, but no views.

Thanks Eric, for the other recommendations. Do you have a favorite place to eat on the mall itself?

The only places to eat on the mall are in the museums. The American Indian Museum cafeteria is pretty good and interesting (in contrast to the museum, which is neither). There's also a decent cafeteria underground between the National Gallery's wings.

Your best bet for mall eating is to go north a few blocks into downtown, where there are plenty of places, too many to list.

I had to google to see if it was still there but one incomparable view of DC is from the area's only revolving hotel lounge at the Doubletree in Crystal City. It obviously lacks the ambiance of downtown and, yes, it's a bit cheesy but the view is spectacular at sunset and more so at night. Great views of the monuments, Capitol, National Cathedral, and planes landing at Regan National.

The food is deeply mediocre so go for a drink.

Thank you! Drinks it is...