State Plaza Hotel? Duck Tours?
 

Has anyone stayed in State Plaza Hotel. They have lost one of their diamonds. Also are duck tours worth the money for teen age boys? How rigid is Spy Museum about regular admission times. They told me one thing over phone and I see another on printed ticket.

I would be interested in the answer to this too. Can't decide if should stay here or Embassy Suites in Alexandria and metro in....we are a family of four (boys ages 11, 12).

Thanks!

Is Embassy Suites within walking distance to a Metro station?

The ES in Alexandria is literally across the street from the King Street Metro station. And the ES in Chevy Chase is even closer: Literally atop the Friendship heights station, just ride the escalators down. On the other hand, the ES in Crystal City is a bit of a hike; when we stayed there, they even offered a shuttle to the metro station.

The State Plaza is on the edge of George Washington University's campus and gets good marks for being basic but reasonable. The surrounding area is dull with no convenient places to eat, but it is close to the western end of the Mall (the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam and Korea Memorials). It's about six blocks to the closest Metro station.

The Embassy Suites in Alexandria is a good location, but not terrifically convenient. It's a good 20 minute Metro ride from the mall, which can become 30-40 minutes depending on the time of day. It also become less attractive to stopping in your room and then going back out to sightsee. On the upside, it is near Old Town, which has plenty of eating and sights.

As for the Duck tour, I guess it depends on your teenage boys. I think it is embarrassingly corny and see it as a bit of tourist blight, so I am biased.

Can't help you with the State Plaza hotel, but I would go with an Embassy suites very close to a metro. I don't recommend the Duck Tour as you can't "get on/off" at each attraction. I live in Arlington and we have house guests every summer and I promise you the Tour Mobile is your best option for convenience of visiting each memorial and ease of use and it's informative. Your teens will love the spy museum. They are very rigid based on the time that is on your printed ticket especially in the summer. Also consider the Newseum as well. It's pricey, but worth it in my opinion. Definitely geared to Adults and teens.