citruschr,

One thing you might consider is to keep the Doubletree as a fallback and put in a few low bids on priceline for downtown spots. biddingfortravel usually has fairly current info.

You can do so knowing that if nothing comes through you've got a decent hotel with a quick metro connection (maybe 50 yards)-- for a good price. And if you need a Trader Joe's fix for kid snacks, there's one nearby. I'd skip the rental car, too, or maybe just get one for a day, i.e., a Mount Vernon trip. (There are also car rentals nearby.)

And that's the thing about the Pike. While it's safe and clean, it's devoid of charm and could be Anywhere, USA.

There are all kinds of tradeoffs here as you budget a trip -- dining budget vs. commute vs. level of accommodations vs. nightlife vs. transit options vs. etc.

Personally, I’m a traveler with somewhat limited means but when I visit places I always want to get in a couple of decent meals at good places. If that means adjusting my lodging options so be it.

But that’s a personal preference. No one here can tell you exactly what will fit your needs.

But this location is a good fit for a traveler who basically needs a bed only to collapse in after a day of touring and finds the price right. Travelers who pick this aren't not going to be strolling Georgetown at night and hopping into the sheets, but they might save enough to stay longer than they would otherwise or do things they otherwise couldn't afford.

IF that's you, it could be a good find.

out of curiousity, citrus, what is the rate you've been quoted (and for what room type) at the Doubletree? it would be interesting to know whether folks might be able to suggest closer-in options at a comparable price, or whether the rate truly is too good to beat . . .

I must be nuts for continuing to post.

If someone said they were coming to Rockville to see relatives/friends, and they booked a room at the Doubletree in Rockville, and would they be able to easily get to DC to see some of the sights on a Saturday, I'd say, "sure!"

But, again, the way the post was worded...someone is coming to DC for several days but decided to stay in Rockville...this is why I have reservations (no pun intended).

Well, it's closer in than Vienna, where the OP enjoyed an earlier stay and the Doubletree is closer to the Metro than any in Vienna.

And unless one has specific info into the deal the OP got and their budget and priorities, it tough to judge what kind of fit this is.

Gosh wouldn't it be nice if we all could stay at the Willard or Four Seasons. Or even if we all could get a nice mid-range in Rosslyn.

But DC visitors come in all varieties and this board is folks who stay in Springfield, Largo, Shady Grove and even Frederick.

And guess what? A lot of them have great trips because they successful balance their bucks and priorities.

Likewise, it's possible to have a lousy experience in you overspend on a downtown hotel and shortchange the rest of your trip. Or pay more for a hotel that might of a better location but be a pit. We can't presume the OP's preferences.

But as MoonGirl noted, if the OP provides the rate, I'd bet it would open up more options.

repete, I already thought to take your advice about using the Doubletree as a back up. The rate is low because my daughter works for Hilton, and has family rates, but all the downtown Hilton family hotels don't have the availablity. I am the kind of traveler who leavers her hotel in the morning and doesnt' come back until bedtime. I prefer to spend my money on doing things, or spending money rather than hundreds a night on hotels. With teenagers, expensive meals aren't that important either... I prefer local hang-outs to 5 star dining. I appreciate everyone's imput.

If the hilton garden inn at franklin square opens, grab it. it's a pretty reasonable place for downtown and also across from a metro stop and walking distance from the mall (on a nice day) and the white house.

If you stay in Rockville, other options are joe's noddle and Bob's 66 -- that are true local Taiwanese spots that rate well with chowhounds.

citrus, if there is no room at the dc hiltons, you might also check out whether your family rate would work at any of the following 3 locations:

-- Hilton Alexandria Old Town
-- Hilton Crystal City
-- Hilton DC/Silver Spring

I would pick any of these over the Rockville location (no offense to the Rockville-ites out there), probably in the order listed above. Each is virtually on top of a metro, and all will involve a shorter metro trip. They are also each a bit more pedestrian friendly than Rockville, in terms of finding restaurants ,etc. near the hotel. Crystal City is probably the least interesting location of the three, but there is a two-block area of funky restaurants nearby, and it is the closest of all the hotels not in D.C. proper. Old Town Alexandria is a charming area in and of itself, and Silver Spring has a recently revitalized area of restuarants and the AFI movie theater that the teens would probably enjoy.

Just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate all their imput. I found a Doubletree in Downtown D. C. for $99 a night so I grabbed it. Without your advice, I might have been disappointed being so far away from town. The 20 miles mentioned is a lot different than the 9 listed at the hotel website. Thanks again! I can't wait to visit such a beautiful city!

Great deal. Wonderful location. Close to Foggy Bottom metro and also the Circulator bus -- great for getting to Georgetown.

This is a much better result. BTW, don't always believe Mapquest distances or time estimates, both can bet very misleading.

Oops, I was thinking of the Doubletree Suite. The hotel isn't bad either -- although the immediate area is somewhat dead after dark. You're still close to Dupont Circle. I think Dupont or Farragut North would be the closest Metros, but you ought to look at a map.

Citrus, I think you'll be much happier with this location -- congrats on finding such a good rate! Fyi, in addition to metro, the realtively new (and not well advertised) Circulator bus runs just a few blocks from your hotel along K street, which will take you to Georgetown on the one end and Union Station on the other: http://www.dccirculator.com/routemap.html Also, on days that you don't feel like hoofing it to the metro, the "S" bus lines that run on 16th street will take you all the way downtown and to the Mall, and are some of the more frequent-running buslines: http://wmata.com/metrobus/maps/dc.pdf
Other random bits of information: there is a Whole Foods grocery store a few blocks away, on P Street between 14th and 15th. The 14th-street corridor (between, say, O and U Streets) is an up-and-coming area with a number of interesting restaurants. You are close enough to walk to the lively Dupont Circle area -- in fair weather, the Circle itself is a great people-watching scene, and Connecticut Avenue is lined with shops and restuarants. Good luck!

Does anyone have any experience with the Hilton Rockville Conference Center since its renovations were completed last year from a Doubletree to a Hilton? Am looking for someplace decent at a lesser cost than the rates in D.C. All I need it for is a place to sleep at night with easy access to the Red Line to get to business meetings during the day. The rate/parking comparison for this hotel ($89) vs. hotels in D.C. is great and it appears to be right next to the Red Line Twinbrook station but the Tripadvisor reviews of the hotel weren't that complimentary - but, most of the reviews were before the renovation.

Any first-hand knowledge would be welcome - thanks!

2nd hand, perhaps?

Had a business associate who stayed there. He got a great rate and used it because he was a serious foodie and dropped big money on dining.

Four nights -- Komi, Central, Citronelle and R. Eve -- so basically he wasn't using the Hilton as anything more than to fall on a bed.

He said the room was fine and had no problems. But he was a classic example of the balancing act. Some folks will spend $200/night and nothing special for dinner. This guy gladly dropped it on food at places I'm lucky to hit once every blue moon. For him the tradeoff -- cash and logistically -- was worth it. As the earlier discussion noted -- not one size fits all.

But I'd love to see the expense report ... :0

This post cracks me up because when my husband and I travel with our teenage children, we usually stay pretty far out from a city. We drive most of the time and like the free parking. The places we stay usually have pools, fridges, breakfast, etc. We don't mind taking public transportation or driving quite a distance. But, when we go to Boston (for a show or dinner) we get a hotel even though it's no more than 25 miles south of us.

Good for you ctrus! I'd much rather spend more money and stay less nights in a good location than spend less money in more nights in a bad location.