My family and I are visiting DC this summer, and we will be flying into Dulles and staying at the Washington Monarch hotel. Any info on this hotel? What restaurants are in the area? This is our first trip, and don't know anything about what to expect, so we are open to any tips, or suggestions.

Don't know this hotel, but give me the address, and I can help you out with some restaurants, etc.

It is located at M street and 24th. From what I've read, it's former name is the ANA hotel.

If this is the Monarch Hotel on 24th and M Streets, there are numerous fabulous restaurants nearby in Georgetown or Dupont Circle. Georgetown is about 4 blocks away near 30th and M streets and Dupont Circle is about 6 blocks away. Go to www.washingtonian.com to get a list of the 100 best restaurants in DC. I have been to several - Tahoga, Paper Moon, Milano, Twist... There is a great Californian restaurant and wine bar near M and 30th, but I cannot remember the name... The name is spanish, I believe. If you have kids, the washingtonian website also has a 100 best cheap eats section. You can also go to www.washingtonpost.com, the local newspaper, and get info on entertainment.

I work about 1 block from the hotel, so if you have any other questions, just e-mail me.

Caroline-do you work at BNA? I used to.

It's a nice hotel. Gone to a few weddings there. I think they've changed the name on that place 5 times now since I've lived here. You're a comfortable walk to either Georgetown or the Foggy Bottom metro stop or DuPont Circle (neighborhood and metro stop).

Tahoga's a good recommendation. Milano's okay. Paper Moon used to be one of my favorite places, but the last couple of times I've gone, the food's been poor and the service wasn't much better. Too bad.

If you're just looking for burgers, etc., the Foggy Dogg is probably the closest place to you.

Also check out Lauriol Plaza in the Dupont. Don't know the address off hand. Good tex-mex stuff.

The Monarch is a beautiful hotel. Went there once to have drinks...