Hi all-

My family is planning a trip to DC to see my husband get sworn into the US Supreme Court. There will be 5 adults and one child, and our visit is 4/30 to 5/3. The group of attorneys going there is staying at the Hyatt on Capitol Hill, for $250 per night. I've bid a couple of times on priceline and cant get the good rates that others are getting (below $60).

If we want to remain in the Capitol Hill area, where else could I look? I would love to get a suite set up, where some of us could stay together (and save some money) rather than 3 separate rooms... though the rest of the travelers are my mother and my in-laws, so separate bedrooms are required (i.e. we're not going to put 4 of us in a room with 2 double beds, LOL).

any suggestions? If I can get the Hotel George for $150 or so, is that a good price? Should I keep trying for the Hyatt or is it not worth it? Is this a good area to be if we're going to be doing general sightseeing as well as visiting the Supreme Court? and (last question) is it hard to and from BWI if we dont rent a car?

thanks in advance

~fiasco

Try Capitol Hill Suites and see if it has what you are looking for- 4 blocks to Supreme Court and it's nice, major renovation done recently. Expedia has $155 rates for your days (I happened to check that weekend for a friend yesterday), but you might be able to do even better on the rate

also, Amtrak and MARC trains provide service btwn D.C.'s Union Station (close to Capitol Hill) and BWI's Rail Station. From the BWI station, free shuttles go to the airport every 10-15 min, 24 hrs a day. For more info, BWI rail station is at 410-672-6170.
Here is what I have form a Washington Post article that I saved:
MARC train operates 20 trains northbound and 20 southbound MON-FRI btwn Baltimore and Union Station, stopping at BWI. The first train southbound form BWI to DC is at 5:19 a.m. and last one to depart that way is 8:57 pm. First train norhtbound from Union Station DC to BWi departs at 6:15 a.m. and last train is at 10:05 pm. Trip takes 40 min and costs $5. Info: 800-325-RAIL (www.mtamaryland.com)
Amtrak has daily service, 32 trains in each direction btwn Union Sta. and BWI, but it is expensive compared to the above- $21 one way. Info 800-USA-RAIL (www.amtrak.com)
I knew I'd use that article for something when I clipped and saved it, so there you go.
In addition, an express bus goes btwn Greenbelt metro station (green line) and BWI. RUns every 40 min from 6 a.m til 11:30 weekdays and 8 a.m to 11:30 pm weekends. 35 min. fare $2 each way or $1.15 w/metro transfer: 301-565-9665 for info.

$150 is a fantastic price for the Hotel George. As mentioned above, the Capitol Hill Suites is also a great choice - you won't get closer to the Supreme Court. The average hotel price in DC is around $250 - if everybody could get those amazing Priceline steals it would be much less. It's those lucky few that luck out that tend to post the prices they paid.

http://www.capitolhillsuites.com/

http://www.hotelgeorge.com/

okay, i'm reading various sites and discovering that people think this area is not safe at night.

so what is the BEST area to stay in, in DC? it would have to be near the metro so we could get to the US supreme court easily, and dh could get to the hyatt for the other activities. We will have our 1 year old with us.

~fiasco

Have you called the Hyatt and see what they'll do for you?

Actually, I wouldn't worry that much about the neighborhood not being "safe." You aren't going to be out at 2-3AM are you? Normal comings and goings and even heading out for dinner at night and coming back you are going to be fine. I've lived in DC and the Md suburbs for over 30 years.

Capitol Hill is by no means an unsafe area. It is one of those neighborhoods that encompasses good areas and bad--as in many cities, a few blocks make a big difference. That said, the hotels you're considering are all on very good blocks, and you should not be afraid to stay there--you will be able to walk to the Supreme Court, restaurants, the Capitol, Union Station, etc. in safety. While I would normally suggest Dupont Circle as a good neighborhood for tourists to stay in--not because of safety concerns, but because it's a vibrant area-- in your case, Capitol Hill makes the most sense for your plans. Enjoy your trip!

The Hyatt is only 3 blocks from Union Sation metro. Hotel George is 2 blocks from Union Station metro. Capitol Hill Suites is one block from capitol south metro. The nearest "not perfectly safe" blocks from any of these 3 is at least 15 blocks away (generally east of 13 st. NE, or south of G st. SE or south of G st SW). There virtually is no way you could wander into a bad area. Anyone who says otherwise doewsn't live on the hill. FYI here are maps of the union station and capitol south metro areas:

http://www.stationmasters.com/System.../unionsta.html

http://www.stationmasters.com/System.../capitols.html (Supreme Ct. is just off top of map across from Lib. of Cong. Jefferson Bldg.)

While not Capitol Hill, but since you like Hyatts, want to be near a Metro, and are concerned about safety, and expense, consider the Hyatt in Arlington, adjacent to the Rosslyn Metro station. Not much nightlife, but meets the other requirements. Of course, not so good if you want to be socializing with the others at the Hyatt C.H., but not too far away, by Metro, either.

EMD's advice about BWI trans. options was good -- but prices are all higher now, MARC is $6, B30 bus is $2.50 or $1.85 with transfer pass, and hours have been cut back.

I was sworn into the US Supreme Court in May 2003 and my husband and I stayed at the Hotel George for $150 per night. Location-wise, it was an easy walk to the Court for the admission ceremony and is only two blocks from Union Station. The hotel itself was also impressive - very modern with a large bathroom. Enjoy the admission ceremony - it is an amazing experience!

so, i have been bidding on priceline and was hoping for some help with my strategy.

the 4star hotels in this area are the Loews L'enfant, Grand Hyatt Washington, and Henley Park. the 3 star hotels are the Hyatt Capitol Hill, the Renaissance, and the Marriott Metro Center.

I'm worried about bidding for a 3 star since I dont know much about the other 2 hotels in this group. Do you all think I should just bid on a 4 star, or go for the 3 star and hope for the best with the Hyatt Capitol Hill?

Posha- thanks for your reply!

~fiasco

okay, my last update, i promise...

i just reserved rooms at the hotel George for $129 per night. i think that rate is good, and i can cancel if the priceline thing doesnt work out.

any comments?

thanks for all of your replies!

~fiasco

I'd stick with the George and move on with your life. I, too, have gotten caught in this "I have to find the best deal" loop and ultimately it's just not worth it. You've gotten a great deal.

Rooms at Hotel George typcally go for twice that amount. Congratulations! If you feel like celebrsating (and spending!), the restauarnat at your hotel is one of the best in the city - Bistro Bis. Here's their website:
http://vidaliadc.com/bistro/index.asp