Hi,
We'd like to plan a family visit to Washington DC this summer. I'm thinking we'd have better luck to fly in, choose a central hotel, and use public transportation.
From what I remember of my last (also my first and only) visit, something within the area of the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument would be most convenient. Do you agree? Do you know of a family-friendly hotel in that general vicinity?
And finally, where is the FDR Memorial located?
Thanks in advance for any inside tips that will help make this trip flow smoothly!

I storngly suggest you do a search here on DC hotels...this subject comes up very frequently, as you can imagine. There are basically 2 schools of thought on DC hotel location: 1) stay nearer the monuments and museums, perhaps on lower 14th Street, and forego the ability to walk to a wide selection of restaurants and cafes and shops in favor of being able to walk to monuments and museums (yes, there are restaurants and shops within walking distance of these hotels, but not loads); or, 2) stay in a livelier area, like Dupont Circle, and take the metro to monuments and museums, gain the ability to stroll to any number of cafes, bars and restaurants in all price ranges. You'll find hotel prices in these areas comparable. A third option would be to stay across the river, in Crystal City, save a few bucks on the hotel , and take Metro everywhere, while staying in an area that is quite desolate after 5pm. Personally, I favor option #2, but I hope you'll enjoy the city wherever you stay.
Oh, and the FDR Memorial is on the Ellipse, as I recall, basically between the Washington and Jefferson (or was it Lincoln?) memorials. Someone please correct me if that's wrong!

Grand Hyatt - ontop of Metro Center- the hub for all of DC - hotel is great, staff great - and as mentioned do a search here lots of dc'ers have given advice...ALOT

You didn't mention price range, but you may want to look into the Omni Shoreham on Connecticut Ave.

If you hunt around for a bargain, you probably can get a rooom there for about $140.

The hotel is close to the zoo, Rock Creek Park, and a Metro stop. That seems to fit your bill, except you'll probably have to take the metro to most of the monuments and attractions -- but that's no hassle. And Connnecticu Ave. is a nice neighborhood loaded with restaurants and shops. No problem walking around at night, as it's quite a lively area.

Thanks all! Excellent advice!

Carol,I'm on my way to Washington,DC
tomorrow and I'll be staying at the Grand Hyatt Washington.I'll write a trip report when I get back.

Great! I'll be looking for it!

Hey Carol,
We're staying at the Holiday Inn Capiol Smithsonian for $159 with a rooftop pool. It looks nice and comfortable for a family. It's the closest hotel to the National Air & Space Museum.

Adrienne

Try washingtondchotels.com - they seem to have the best rates on some hotels, including several suite hotels which a great for a family. After that, there seems to be no right answer as long as it is near the Metro.

i recently stayed at the Embassy Row Hilton in Dupont Circle. I was happy to be in such a charming, lively neighborhood with great restaurants and a nice vibe. All the monuments and the smithsonian were a couple of Metro stops away, and since we're used to public transportation, it was no big deal. If you're not...it was a $6-7 cab ride. I got this hotel for $80 per night - queen bed. On Hotwire.com