Spouse and I are planning a trip to DC the last week of May. Just looking for anyone's ideas (whether you live there or have just visited) for preferred hotels and sights. We are looking for a price of aprox $100/night near the dupont/downtown area within walking distance to say, five or six, monuments and sights. We realize there is SO much to see and would appreciate any advice from someone who has been there.

Our own top picks are the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Wall & the Smithsonian. One spot I definitely plan to visit is Arlington Cemetary, as a friend of mine was buried there, after losing his life for our country in Afghanistan. God Bless America!

Thanks!

Hi, hope I can give you a little help anyway. Try looking at the hotel sites like Marriott, Hyatt, Holiday Inn and see what specials you can get on one of them in down DC. DC can be kind of pricey.
I'm sorry but the White House is closed (to my knowledge) because of 9/11. Please e-mail your congressman and see if he/she can get you a capitol tour. Then after the capitol, walk down the Mall (which is actually our main tourist area between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial) and stop at the Vietnam memorial, visit a few Smithsonians (Air & Space, Natural History), check out the Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, then stroll around the Tidal Basin and visit the Jefferson Memorial. From there you can look up and get a great view of the Kennedy Center. We have a great zoo (pandas are there too). It's possible to call ahead to the Naval Observatory and have a special tour to view the skies through their great telescopes. There may be some great showing at the Natl Gallery of Art or the Corcoran. You can probably check with the office at Arlington cemetery to learn where your friend is buried and please, while there, visit John F. Kennedy's grave and see the changing of guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Iwo Jima memorial is also close to Arlington Cemetery. It may also do well to take a Grey Line day or half day tour to see many sights and decide where you'd like to return to. The Holocaust Museum is just off the Mall and you need reservations/tickets for it. I've cried each time I've taken visitors there and, I don't mean to offend anyone, but I would not take children there. After you finish with Washington DC I would recommend you tour and visit Annapolis MD (which was also once the capitol of the US) and Baltimore MD. We'll keep you busy around here visiting. Have a great visit and enjoy!!!

I've stayed at the Residence Inn in Dupont Circle quite a few times. Depending on what rate you get, this hotel can be a good value since breakfast is included. Also, Monday thru Thursday eves there is a free "Managers Reception" in the evening. There is usually a decent meal at these get -togethers, although it's not called "dinner". It's a short walk to the metro and there are great restaurants within walking distances.This hotel is also right across the street from the Radison Barcelo.

thanks to nikki and emily for your kind response and helpful suggestions. i will definitely check them out. to see the JFK burial site is something i hadn't thought about and a great idea about the changing of the guard.

thanks again very much!
cats

www.dcaccommodations.com
has a very helpful map and information on Washington hotels and sights.