My 15 yr old son and I are planning a trip to Washington DC the 2ne week of October. Am trying to find a hotel that is close to the White House, Smithsonian etc. We will be flying SW into either BWI or IAD. I really do not want to rent a car, would rather spend extra money and be able to walk to places. If anyone has any suggestion I would appreciate all help.

What is your budget/night? You might be able to find some hotel info on past threads.

The Kimpton properties are nice. Dupont Circle, Penn Quarter/Chinatown, and Downtown are good areas to look.

You don't want to drive and that is a good idea. It is confusing to drive in DC and a pain to find parking.

If budget requires you to look outside the DC areas just mentioned, limit your search to Metro-convinient close-in Virginia locations such as Crystal City and Rosslyn.
There is no location that is close to the White House and all 14 Smithsonian facilities, so choose based on price, amenities, and Metro access.

Forgot to add that October is usually a lovely time to be in DC and there's lots of convention activity at that time, so you may have to look hard for great hotel rates.

Am trying to keep it around $200 a night. Am hoping to take the Metro into the city, so the only other real expensive besides the hotel will be my teenagers eating! Thanks for any help

I stayed at the JW Marriott two years ago. Very nice hotel and the location was perfect. Bring your best walking shoes....lots of walking in DC. enjoy!

I just booked two nights at the Hilton Garden Hotel for $89 per. Three blocks from White House. Across the street from the metro.

I'd recommend that you use Priceline and bid for the downtown areas, rather than commuting in from out-of-town.

You might consider the Hostelling International hostel there, where there are private rooms near the Metro line and a chance for your teenager to meet people from other places. It's modern.

I've been using Quikbook lately, and there are some excellent rates for the better DC hotels.