We are going to Washington DC in June and have been checking out hotels. Loews L'enfant Plaza looks to be the best location and a reasonable price for what it is. Does anyone have info on this hotel we have 2 kids ages 6 & 9.

Thanks!!

Capitol Hill Suites is an older place but the location is tops. About 2 blocks to the Capitol and less to the metro. We walked to about everything from this locale. The price will not break the bank either.

I have to vote for the Embassy Suites hotel on 22nd. Our family of 5 stayed there an entire week to "see" D.C. everything about the hotel was perfect, and the kids could get a great breakfast in the morning. Evening snacks and drinks were enjoyed by all.

Sonya, stayed at Loew's L'Enfant Plaza Hotel last summer. Great location, two blocks from the Smithsonian. Nice hotel, outdoor pool. Small shopping mall and metro station in basement. NOTHING to do in the area in the evening, though, because it's in an office complex. That might be fine if you have young children and don't count on going out at night.

My vote would have to also go to the Embassy Suites on 22nd Street. I stayed there a while back for four days and I wish I would have stayed longer. The hotel has a huge atrium with waterfalls and palm trees, which is also the location where they serve a complimentary cooked to order breakfast as well as an evening reception daily. In addition, the hotel I thought had a good sized indoor pool and whirlpool.

Additionally, here is the address for the Embassy Suites Washington DC Downtown's web site, which has a great virtual tour of the entire hotel:

www.embassysuitesdcmetro.com/downtown/

I have noticed a lot of references to Crystal City, but no mention of the Crowne Plaza. Has anyone spent any time here? What's this place like? How are the rooms, the service? We will use this as our base for our visit to DC. We will leave our car and hop the Metro (I'm guessing this is the best thing to do?). We will be returning after dark with a 5 yr old in tow. Is this a safe neighborhood? Does anyone know how far it is to the Metro? What Metro do we take to the Mall? So many questions . . . so little time. Thanks for any info.

Hey "Just Me" - I email at address you provided, but to answer part of question, the Blue Line (Addison direction) will take you to Smithsonian stop, but with more stops along the way. Or take the Yellow (Vernon?) to L'Enfant Plaza, where you could walk, or transfer to Blue (Franconia/Springfield direction) for one stop to Smithsonian Metro stop. (no x in my e-ddress)