We're going to be in Washington this summer and staying at the Hotel Monticello in Georgetown. Has anyone stayed there? Any comments on the hotel or suggestions of interesting sights, shops, restaurants or nightlife in that area would be appreciated. Also, we are Canadians (and therefore foreigners) -- how can we get to go on a White House tour? I understand they're only letting Americans in these days -- is that true?

We're going to Washington tomorrow. I've found lots of helpful information (especially dining reviews) at the following web site:

www.washingtonian.com

White House Tours
Tours of the White House have been expanded to include parties of 10 or more people, regardless of age or type of group, through one?s Member of Congress. Tour requests must be submitted through one?s Member of Congress and will be accepted up to six months in advance. These self-guided group tours will be scheduled approximately one month before the requested date, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Sorry but it appears that tours are allowed only through a member of Congress.

Your hotel is very nice and in an area that is very safe and has a very active nightlife and very heavy pedestrian traffic at all hours (especially weekends). The choices for restaurants, shopping and nightlife within steps of your hotel are too numerous to mention here without knowing your specific wants (i.e. cuisines, items to purchase, favorite types of music/nightspots).

The one drawback to Georgetown is the lack of a subway station. However, a taxi to any of the tourist sights will be less than $10 (including tip). Don't be reluctant to spend on taxis while you're here - you'll see a lot more that way.

As for the White House - you cannot get inside. You can contact the Canadian Embassy, but I seriously doubt you'll be successful. As an alternative, you might have a taxi wait at 16th & H st. NW for a few minutes during one of your taxi rides so you can at least get out and take a good look (and photo) from the outside, however.

Here are a few other helpful websites:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv...de.htm?nav=toc

http://www.si.edu/

You might do a search here, as the topic of non-US citizens gaining access to the WH has been chewed over a bit. It seems that no one's Embassy has been replying to inquiries, in part because the process for acquiring tour passes is absurdly complicated. I doubt you'll be able to get in, but your only bet is to contact your embassy. That said, please do take some time to look at the WH from the street, walk around it--sounds lame, but I'm one of those people who find the tour boring, so I actually prefer the exterior views! And I have one off-the-beaten path suggestion for you since you're staying in G'town: Dumbarton Oaks, a lovely old mansion with gorgeous gardens on a picturesque sidestreet. I believe it closes either in the early evening or at dark, but I always liked going there best in late afternoon. Enjoy your trip!