Could someone please let us know where the safeiest area to stay near or around the Washington D.C. area. We have 2 days to tour Washington D.C. and we have 2 teenagers.

Any hotel in the Northwest section of the city will be fine.

Also check out hotels in Arlington, Virginia which is right across the Potomac from D.C. Arlington is a very safe place. There are Metro stops at Rosslyn, Courthouse, Ballston, Pentagon City and Crystal City so hotels in those areas should give you quick and easy access to D.C. (For exact commuting times, you can check the Metro website at www.wmata.com and click "Maps and Stations" and then "Trip Planner".)

With two teens, I'd want space in the hotel room and an area that has something to offer at night. You might want to look at the Residence Inn Pentagon City. Close to metro, quick hop on metr tehy have 2 bedrm suties, lots of space, reasonable rates, quick hop on metro to get across the river into D.C.'s Mall area, and Pentagon City mall and Pentagon Row (nice outdoor area w/lots of restaurants and shopping and people watching) are right there. That area is right across the Potomac River's 14st St. Bridge from the Jefferson Memorial and the Mall, and it is extremely close to Reagan airport.

Short version -- there isn't much to the East or SE you'd want to stay at, but Arlington/Rosslyn/Pentagon City will be cheaper than the northwest part of the District or the MD northern suburbs.

THANK YOU for all of the great replies - all are very helpful and appreciated!