I am trying to decide between staying at the Grand Hyatt downtown D.C. vs. the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda. We will want to spend most of our time downtown D.C. sight seeing. I know the Grand Hyatt is more convenient, but since both have a metro stop at the hotel I was considering staying in Bethesda (it is less costly, and we will be closer to our teenage son who is attending a conference in Bethesda, although we will not be seeing him). Is it inconvenient to take the metro back and forth. I don't know how much time it takes, or how crowded it might possibly be. Thanks for your help.

Honestly, there is no way in the world I would stay in Bethesda if I were going to go into DC every day. Why? Because I have seen what those metro trains look like during rush hour. They are literally jam packed. What if there's a delay (and there often is)? You may lose an hour or more waiting at a metro stop full of impatient, cranky civil servants waiting to crush onto the first working train that comes by. Why take the chance?

If you were going to be seeing your son, then it might be worth it. But it sounds like to me that the only true reason is that it's cheaper. If that's the case, I would advise against it.

If you do decide to stay in Bethesda, make sure you plan to come back from daily sightseeing either early (4 pm or so) or late (6:30 or so). Otherwise you likely will encounter this crush of people. Bethesda does have some nice restaurants, etc., but I wouldn't recommend it if you are planning on spending most of your time in DC.

I agree -- why subject yourself to the hassle of commuting to the suburbs, unless the hotel rate is a LOT less. Commuting on the Metro will take up time, energy, and even a little money that could be better spent elsewhere.

But if you DO wish to see how long and how much various trips will cost, goto

http://rideguide.wmata.com

DC has a decent bus service too.

I've been to the Grand Hyatt often and I have never been dissapointed! The staff, the location - the ease of getting around and being able to return quickly to your "home" --you won't be sorry!

Thanks for your help - I am convinced and will stay at the Grand Hyatt. Does the surrounding area close down after 5:00, or are there places still open to eat?

My understanding is that the Grand Hyatt is in the MCI Center area. If so, there should be good restaurants open in the evening. Also, I believe you are right next to the metro (Metro Center), so you could always hop on and go up a few stops to Dupont Circle. Ten Penh is excellent and not that far away from the metro center area. If you do searches on DC dining or DC restaurants, you'll find lots that come up. Also, check out washingtonian.com and washingtonpost.com (under entertainment) - you can look under "downtown" to find restaurants that are reasonably close.