Going to be in Wash. D.C.; thinking of staying at Hyatt Regency on Capital Hill (400 New Jersey Ave). Is this area safe in the evenings? Any feedback would be helpful. We desire an area close (walking distance) to the mall, capitol, subway, etc with a good rate for 4 people (2 rooms). Thanks. A Soul

I think it's a perfectly safe location in the p.m., despite what panicked urbanophobes might say. It's about 2 long blocks from Union Station (and the Metro). It's not a particularly interesting neighborhood, tho.

The area is safe enough and convenient to mall, capitol, & subway - however: The hotel surrounded by giant gov't office buildings. As a result, there are no restaurants, nightlife, or shopping in the area. In fact, it's quite dead.

I also would say that area is very safe. It's probably most popular with lobbyists and those doing business on the Hill, but convenient enough. There are a few restaurants around there, but more upscale adult ones (Bistro Bis, La Colline, etc)--not really a place for kids' dining unless you go to Union Station.

I disagree with the other posters. The neighborhood is questionable with a homeless shelter nearby. Plus (as martytravels says) the neighborhood is pretty boring. Look at some other postings to get some direction where to stay. I wouldn't make the Hyatt my first choice. I would only stay there if I had a convention in the hotel.

I used to work in that neighborhood and also have stayed at the Hyatt. The Hyatt there is very nice and convenient to the Capitol end of the mall and Union Station. If you stay in those general directions the neighborhood is perfectly safe. If you head the other directions you have a little more to worry about but not particularly so during the daylight hours.

If you are looking for someplace with restored rowhouses, unique shopping, lots of non-chain restaurants, etc., you might stay near Dupont Circle instead.