I'm trying to decide whether to stay at the St. James Suites in the Foggy Bottom area or stay in the Dupont Circle area, probably at the Clarion Hotel Hampshire. Both hotels have kitchens and are in my price range. I have never been to D.C. and it is so hard to know without seeing these places. I would really appreciate any opinions. Thanks a lot.

The Saint James is nice, but is a bit out of walking distance to some of the better night-time attractions.

Its about a 20 minute walk to Georgetown, 15 minute walk to Dupont, and a 20 minute walk to the Vietnam Wall.

I would recommned you stay in Dupont or Georgetown instead (assuming you are here on holiday)

-Tony

Definately stay in Dupont - fun restaurants/shops/people watching and right on the Metro line. Georgetown opted not to have a metro stop, so you will be a 20 min. walk to Foggy Bottom metro. Not much to do in Foggy Bottom. Go to Georgetown for the day - if you are a shopper, or for the evening for some great food, cocktails.
Check out the Weekend section of the Washington Post (comes out on Friday) to find out what is going on. Lots to do in our city, have fun!

From my experience, I think Dupont Circle would be better because you would be closer to restaurants. I have not stayed at the Clarion Hotel Hampshire but I have heard it is nice. I am not familiar with St. James Suites.

Now i am really confused, I thought there was ametro station right at Foggy Bottom, about a half block from the St. James Suites.

I vote for Dupont Circle also. Yes, there is a Metro stop at Foggy Bottom, but there are not many attractions or nightspots in Foggy Bottom.

The areas of DC you are talking about are really easy to get around. I lived up Connecticut Ave (north of Dupont Circle) in what is now a Sofitel Hotel. Used to walk down Connecticut through Dupont Circle to work about 2 blocks from the White House. I'd suggest the Dupont area because it is close enough for you to walk to/from the Mall (where the Smithsonian museums are) or many many great restaurants & shops. You can take the Metro up to the zoo if you want, or to/from National Airport if you wish. The tourist areas of the city aren't hard to negotiate at all, and cabs shouldn't even be too expensive if your feet start to give out! I'm sure the folks at the desk at either place will be able to give you easy to follow directions on which bus or train to take or whether it's easier just to walk.

Thanks a lot for your replies. I'm going to be in D.C. for 2 weeks in February for work. I would like to be near some restaurants at night so I think I am going to go with staying in Dupont Circle.

I have not been inside the Clarion, but have walked by it many times -- the location is excellent, on New Hampshire just south of Dupont Circle.