How safe is Washington DC.
 

I would like to know which areas I should be wary of. My family and I like to walk to restaurants at night. Which areas should we avoid? I think hotel were we are staying is in the dowtown area. I have been told by friends to be very careful at night as there are a lot of bad areas in the middle of the city.

Where is your hotel?

The hotel is the Lincoln suites.

That's L street NW between 18th and 19th. Right downtown. Should be fun.

As long as you stay in the tourist areas, around the Mall, Georgetown, Union Station etc you will be fine. There are lots of homeless people everywhere but they are generally harmless. There are always lots of people around during the times you are likely to be out. The areas east of the Capitol start getting a little rough, but there isn't much reason for tourists to be there. Common sense is the key.

You're in the midst of the business district. It's bustling during the day, but a bit deserted at night. By and large, you should be fine--you're only a couple of blocks from night activity--but the deserted feel may be a little off-putting at night. Oh, there's some homeless people who hand around there at night, but most in that area are downright polite.

While there is crime in DC, of course, most places tourists end up will not encounter high crime area. Relax and enjoy

There are no bad areas anywherenear Lincoln Suites. As mentioned, it's an office district and area gets quiet at night.