My husband and I are planning a trip in DC from Friday 5/26 to Tuesday 5/30. We will have 3 full days, and two half days there over Memorial Day weekend. We are also celebrating his 50th birthday on this trip.

We would like to stay where there are lots of restaurants/clubs for dinner options that are within reasonable walking distance, we would also like to be close to Metro and bus stops because I need to minimize walking as much as possible (I know this will be difficult in DC). We are considering making reservations at the Residence Inn Washinton Dupont Circle. It is $159 night, and includes a full hot buffet breakfast. Does anyone have any opinions about this hotel?

For a better rate, I have found the Comfort Inn Downtown that has received good reviews. It is $110 per night, and the savings of $200 over the 4 nights would allow us to spend an extra day in DC. However, how does this location compare for nighttime restaurants, and proximity to transporation?
Thank you for your help,
Leslie

The Residence Inn Dupont is a MUCH better location both in terms of restaurants and transportation. The Residence Inn is 3 blocks to the Dupont Metro. The Comfort Inn Downtown is 5 blocks to McPhearson Sqare Metro.

Most importantly, the Residence Inn is a much more pleasant area to walk around. I would not recommend for a tourist to walk the area east of Comfort Inn Downtown - especially at night.

The reason the Residence Inn cost more is because of its superior location. Worth every penny, IMO.

YOu get what you pay for. I think the Comfort Inn Downtown used to be a Best Western and is a pretty bad location (around 13th and M) for lots of reasons. The area isn't that great in general, and it's not near a metro stop. I wouldn't stay there.

Have you considered Priceline? You could get a much higher quality hotel for $110.

Or, call the Hotel George and ask if they have any "hot dates/rates" for your nights or Kimpton Loyalty rates (then join their loyalty program). I called direct and paid $125/night last August on a Friday night, it's a great hotel, romms usually go for well over $200/night!

Nina, although I see that many other Fodorites have been able to great hotels at great rates with priceline, I was very hesitant to try it. It is very important that I walk as little as possible so I that I can reserve my energy for walking in the museums and exhibits, and therefore I did not want to chance being any further than 3 blocks from the metro and bus stops. I couldn't guarantee this with Priceline, so I was afraid to try that route. I am jealous of the great bargains that I've seen at half the price I'm paying.

Also, we are very early risers, and would want to have a large breakfast each morning, and the Residence Inn includes a full buffet breakfast every morning, which helps to save on money out and travel time/money in the morning.

So, all things considered, because everyone here was such great help, we went ahead and booked the Residence Inn at Dupont Circle.

I am mapping out my itinerary and will post it for review in a few days.

Thank you everyone.

Leslie