Hey, I suggested the JW Marriott first, so I'm taking credit and going home.

Just returned from DC this past Sunday. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn-Franklin Sq. Thought it was near everything. We walked to the Mall, we even walked to Dupont Circle, and Georgetown (I have the sore shins to prove it !!) The rate was $103/night (got it off the Continental Airlines travel sight). We had a king-sized bed, refr, micro-wave, nice big room. It's also directly across the street from the metro. I understand that they have a pool, but we didn't use it. It was perfect for us.

Hi wondering

I'm getting these great rates on Expedia and/or by calling the hotels (or their toll-free numbers) directly.

I think weekend rates are lower than during the wk, too.

We stay at the Capital Hilton a lot - it is a "business hotel" but is certainly very nice. It is within easy walking distance to the Capital (3 blocks?). We usually walk over to Union Station for dinner in the evenings (5 blocks in the other direction?) I would recommend it! There is an indoor pool & health club that is very nice. I think that $150 is going to be a standard rate anywhere near the attractions. Just remember that DC is a big city & all of the same precautions that you'd take in any other big city apply here as well -- nighttime walking is probably "OK" but keep your wits about you & don't act like a tourist. Walk quickly & with purpose - study your map back at the hotel before you hit the streets.

I would echo Ellen's advice to try Capital Reservations. Their 800 number is on the site (www.dchotels.com), and you can have one of their reservationists compare rates over the phone--sometimes the availability is different than what's on the site. They negotiate block rates for local hotels that are often lower even than corporate rates. The found us a good deal at the Crowne Plaza on very short notice, and handled special requests with ease.

My husband and I stayed at the Govenor's House which is located just a couple blocks from the White House. It was a great room, with a very affordable rate and was within walking distance to the metro, shops, etc. And we were treated like royalty. I do not, and I emphasize, do not recommend the Hotel Harrington in downtown DC. We stayed there on our second trip and it was a very bad choice.

Faith: Take the $129 at the JWMarriott and have a great time! We stayed there for a week a couple of years ago. Fabulous location - would go back anytime for more sightseeing.

I am traveling to DC from June 1 - 3 to catch the Goya exhibit at the National Gallery of Art before it ends on 6/2. I needed to be within walking distance of the Museum and I found the Harrington Hotel on 11th and E Street for $89.00 night through Travelocity.com. It's no frills and rather old, but got good reviews from people on a budget or with families. Just FYI.

My best suggestion would be stay around the tysons corner area in Mclean/Vienna, VA and take the metro up to the sight seeing spots. I got into the hilton for as low as $40/night through priceline. The hotel is close to the metro station

Hari

Dianne
The Harrington is very, very old and I think if you really read those reviews you'll find that most people have been displeased with it. It's very close to Pennsylvania Ave and 10th or 11th but the place was old when I started working in downtown and that was 30 years ago. I truly think you'd enjoy the city better from another downtown hotel. Sorry to burst your bubble but I thought I'd better tell you before you get there.