Washington, D.C.
 

We were going to Spain next September and our friends backed out. So, we decided to go on trip to D.C., my second, wife's fourth. I thought I booked a great air fare at $124 PP, leaving Boston on the 18th and returning on the 23rd of September. Now to start looking for hotels and restaurants. Last time we stayed at the W with points for five nights, but we may stay in Georgetown for two nights and then move into downtown. Both of us are very happy about visiting D.C. again. More later, off to the gym. Richard

Washington, DC ... Licensed to: BetterBidding.com ...

www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=157

Hyatts in the past for bid from $80

I am gold passport so free upgrades even with priceline.com

So join up for great deals.

Georgetown is a fabulous place to stay if you like the hustle and bustle. It's good walking to shops, restaurants and clubs. A very easy town to navigate.

If you like jazz, check to see who will be playing at Blues Alley when you're there. That makes for a really great evening. The Kennedy Center generally has something going on as well.

As for hotels, there are tons of hotels in G'town and downtown DC. It all depends on your budget and where you want to be located.

I generally use booking.com but have used Last Minute Travel for hotels as well, coming in with some really great prices. Frankly, I could never figure out better bidding so it's not a site that I would use. Once you have some options selected, post again and we can weigh in on your choices.

qwu; Good thoughts. We have used priceline bidding before and I think I will try again in downtown. CYESQ; We have also use booking.com A good thing about that site is, usually pay at the hotel. Will look for hotels and restaurants and repost in the next week or so. Thanks both. Richard

Just a few thoughts. Very early in the planning process, but as I'm watching the Patriots I found these two options. We could stay at the Westin in Geargetown [location seems good] using starpoints on 9/18 and 19. We would arrive in mid-afternoon and seeking comments on Cafe La Ruche for dinner that night. I see the reviews are OK and I can buy a $50 dollar coupon for $4 dollars.

For downtown, I have always had good luck with Priceline. Got a great deal, great hotel, great location every time on about 5 trips now. Most were during my 4 years living in Delaware, but a couple were when I was home here in Boston. Love DC... great place to visit... at least when the weather is nice. I made the mistake of going there for New Year's one year. Holy moly... super cheap hotel and I found out why! Nobody was in the city and it was FREEZING.

If you're interested in some inexpensive meal options, you could check my trip report from October.

Lee Ann

I haven't stayed at that Westin but am very familiar with the neighborhood which I think is a good location for visiting DC. It's not exactly in Georgetown proper (it's on the downtown side of the Rock Creek Pkway) but is a 10 minute walk, less than that to Foggy Bottom metro. You can also pick up the circulator bus on M or K Street. It's a bit more residential-ish than downtown downtown.

Don't know anything about Cafe La Ruche. Have you checked some of the DC specific sites like washingtonian.com or washingtonpost.com?

Yeah, DC is not exactly a mecca for NYE visitors but you can get some great rates at nice hotels!

Shandy; Probably will use Priceline for our downtown hotel. I also have Marriott points, but I don't think enough for three nights. Is there a Marriott Hotel near the W Hotel? That would give me an idea of downtown location. Hi Lee Ann; I looked at your trip report. Not sure, but many/most of your reviews are for lunch. We usually do water and an apple. Thanks. obxgirl: Looked at the Post dinning guide. Cafe La Ruche is given a good rating, so that's a posibility for our first night in Georgetown. So, the Post dinning guide is a good resource.

I DO NOT care for Cafe La Ruche. It's only "OK" ...at best.

If you want quick and very good French in G'town, go to PAUL. It's on Wisc. Ave. a feet feet south of M st. Night and Day. Seating area is upstairs - grab a window table looking out over Wisc. Ave.

http://www.paul-usa.com/

More of a "real" restaurant is Bistrot Lepic - also in Georgetown.
http://bistrotlepic.com/

There is a JW Marrriott on 14th St. about 5 minutes walk from the W. About as downtown as you can get. There are Courtyard's and Residence Inn's sprinkled around. There is a Residence Inn on P Street very close to Dupont Circle which would be an excellent location.

The Post and Washingtonian (paper and digital) are great resources for dining and events.

bardo; Thanks for your input. obxgirl; JW it is. So, will use points for two nights in the Westin in Georgetown. Have now secured two nights with points for the JW and one night, with a senior rate of $193 all inclusive. Thanks obxgirl; I was looking at a Residence or Fairfield, but this JW is our BEST option. Richard

Richard, I suggest looking at the Woodley Park Guest House. It is a bit more expensive than $193 but well worth the splurge. I was fortunate to find a Living Social discount last year and was able to stay two nights for less than the market price for one night. Woodley Park is located near the zoo and in a neighborhood with many interesting restaurants. Check out their website at www.dcinns.com. I have stayed there 3 times and have always enjoyed my stay.

gardendiva; Lovely place to stay and the rates are OK. But I have three nights for $193 dollars, as two nights are free using Marriott points. But thanks.

Can't beat using your points! Good strategy Richard. Sounds like you'll have a great trip.

I don't know how upscale you like for dinner but when I lived in the DC area, one of my favorite dinner places was Logan's Tavern, on N or O I think and 15th. Anyway it's a neighborhood type of place, not fancy at all but the food is fantastic, reasonable prices, good wine selections and if the weather is nice, great people watching at the outdoor tables. Also a great Whole Foods across the street. Clyde's in G'town is also a good choice. Let us know if you need any more dinner recommendations. Do enjoy your visit.

Hi, Richard. Sorry you've had to re-arrange your plans!

Which Marriott are you planning on? I see that you've already decided against the Woodley Park Guesthouse; did you consider the Tabard Inn? Won't beat points, but would conserve them!

I rarely go to Georgetown, but I'll be happy to offer recommendations for (or comments on) restaurants along the NW corridor (Metro red line) - Dupont Circle, Woodley Park, and Cleveland Park - if you are willing to dine in those areas.

And BTW, if you're in touch with Stu T, please tell him that I VERY much enjoyed Hotels and Highways and that Sid and his fellow musicians were truly delightful. I'm so glad you passed that message on to me!

I've stayed at the JW, and I like it. It's conveniently located~within walking distance of Metro, the Mall, and the White House Visitor Center within a block.

JW Marriot is in my 'hood, work wise, so I can give you some restaurant guidance there.

If you're looking for a bit of a splurge, I'd go with Plume at the Jefferson Hotel, stopping for cocktails at Quill (the bar there) before hand. Although my favorite special occasion restaurant in DC is also an easy Metro ride away from Metro Center - Cityzen at the Mandarin Oriental. You can also eat at the bar there if you want all the deliciousness at a slightly more reasonable price.

For delicious food within walking distance, with a slightly more agreeable price tag, try Bibiana (mmm, tasty Italian!) or Ceiba (Latin fusion), or Michel Richard's Central (ah, French home cooking!)

I agree with the Paul and Bistrot Lepic recommendations, but I would steer clear of Clyde's which is perfectly fine, but really nothing special. One of those places you get together with a group because there's something on the menu for everyone, although the service is usually pretty good. If I understood correctly that you're looking for someplace to catch the game, you might also consider Bourbon Steak - I bet they'd show it in the bar area and the fries are darn good!

There is another Paul about a 10 minute walk from the JW Marriott down Pennsylvania Avenue toward the Capitol.

For the so-called "regional cuisine" you might consider Georgia Brown's