Is this hotel in a safe area (at night)? How far from Union Station? How far from a metro stop? Does this area "die" at night?

JR, the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill is in the middle of downtown Washington DC, adjacent to the convention center. It sits atop the Metro Center station, two stops from Union Station, and is a strictly convention hotel in a convention area.

There is a good selection of restaurants nearby, but diners generally arrive by car. So, yes, the area is "dead at night" if you mean there's little or no pedestrian traffic.

With all due respect, Neal, it sounds like he may be talking about the Hyatt on New Jersey Avenue, two blocks from the Union Station and the metro. JR, can you clarify?

Ilisa is correct, that is the Hyatt on NJ Ave. It's two blocks to Union Station's Amtrak and Metro Station.

I don't remember much going on around it in the evening but it's a nice hotel and for me was convenient for all the Smithsonian museums etc. I say, "for me" as I tend to tour on foot anyway so what I consider very do-able may not be for the next person. (DH and I walked London from one side to the other, never riding and I did the same in DC--that may not be for everyone).

I've been to many conferences at that hotel, and have always felt safe. It can be quiet, especially if the Senate is not in session (it's in walking distance to the Senate side of the Capitol, and when the Senate is in session, the area is pretty busy at night). But, I have never felt that there was a problem. You definitely must check out Union Station with its shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture.

I frequently stay at this Hyatt and generally feel safe. I wouldn't walk to the Northwest up New Jersey from this area by myself at night (not much there) but the rest of the area is fine including toward the Capital, the Mall and Union Station. The restaurant on the top floor of the hotel is very nice with great views, Union Station has a variety of restaurants (along with shopping, movie theaters, Metro access) and there's a great Irish pub just a couple of blocks away.

There are a couple good restaurants in walking distance, Bis and La Colline. There are two Irish pubs two blocks away, the Dubliner and the Irish Times. Dubliner usually has live music and the Irish Times attracts more of a locals crowd, but welcomes tourists. I've spent a lot of time in that neighborhood at night over the years and not had trouble, but you should be very careful walking around after dark as there are muggings occasionally