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

I had some pot roast at Georgia Brown's that was fabulous. Great recommendation, Dukey!

Not sure what region you're looking for - Georgia Brown's is southern or low country food. They have a great Sunday jazz brunch with food that is definitely Southern.

So much good info from you all. I will be looking at all your recommendations for restaurants, including something expensive. We dollar cost average, expensive one night, cheap the next. Kja; Stu would like to talk to you. Not sure if you want to reveal your e mail. But if you key in his name above, you may find his e mail.

kja..just wanted to thank you for getting to Syd's concert in DC. The eastern, midwest tour was highly successful and he's back here in California now.
stu tower

Hi, Stu - It was most definitely MY pleasure to attend Syd's concert! I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the way they interacted with the audience and each other. I'm glad to hear their tour was a success (they deserve it!) and will be watching for the next time they are in town. Thanks again making sure I knew about it and for following up. Happy Holidays! - kja
(And thanks, Richard, for letting Stu and I use your thread to pass messages!)

Just booked the Westin in Georgetown for two nights. Cost $60 dollars and 4000 points per night. I think I did OK. Will start looking at all the restaurant suggestions.

Another yes vote for Georgia Brown's. I've eaten there twice on two separate trips and both times it was excellent. From the cornbread right through to dessert...one of my favorite meals.

We want to spend a day visiting Mt. Vernon and Alexandria. Our intent is to take the 8:30am boat from downtown D.C. to Mt. Vernon. Spend perhaps three hours visiting Mt. Vernon and then visit Alexandria. We would have dinner in Alexandria. I think I know how to get back to the JR Marriott. Dash bus A2 or A5 to King Street metro. Change at L'Enfant Plaza to Metro Center and then walk. Does that work? But how do I get from Mt. Vernon to Alexandria, 'Old Town'?

I looked at the DASH bus map you mentioned, the Fairfax Connector bus (South County) map, and used Metro's trip planner and I could be mistaken but I think you would have to take two busses from Mount Vernon to get to Old Town.

Another option is taking a taxi.

Or you could take the Fairfax connector referred to on the Mount Vernon website (www.mountvernon.org) to the Huntington Metrorail station and then Metrorail to King Street and walk or bus from there. I think a taxi might be a better idea and I can try to find an estimate fare for you.

Hi vipb-lovesitaly [Me too] Thanks for the information. Perhaps a taxi is the best way back to Alexandria. I think it's only about 8 miles. Getting to Mt. Vernon, we would probably take the boat. Always lovely to see land from the water. Dinner will most likely be at Gatsby's Tavern. Seems like much fun.

A taxi is probably your easiest bet for getting from Mt. Vernon to Alexandria. I'd guesstimate it's about an $18 fare if you call one to pick you up. Alexandria has a number of local cab companies. In the days prior to cell phones, there was a cab stand at Mt. V but I'm guessing that's long gone.

Don't bother with the Dash buses. There is a free trolley that goes up and down King Street to the metro station. Or it's a very pleasant walk, maybe 20 minutes up King from Gadsby's Tavern.

Once at the station you'll board either a Blue or Yellow line train. If Blue, you can stay on it until you get to Metro Center. If Yellow, you'll change to either a Blue or Orange line train at L/Enfant Plaza to go to Metro center.. I think either trip will take you 20-25 minutes.

If Gadsby's Tavern is definitely your dining destination, I won't work very had to talk you out of it except to say I think there are better places to eat in Alexandria.

The Majestic Cafe (on King) has been a top DC restaurant for 5 or so years and is very focused on local & regional food. So is Restaurant Eve, another one always in the top DC area lists, which has a tasting menu & a bistro. Majestic is moderately priced and RE is very expensive. Alex has a ton of restaurants, Brabo is one of my recent favorites. Many choices and you have lots of time to plan.

obxgirl; Thanks much-good to know about the 'blue' line. Plus the trolley works after having dinner to get to the King Street metro. For Gatsby's, it seemed like a fun time, but will think about your suggestions. We do have lots of time for planning. Richard P.S. Taxi as suggested by you both is the way to go from M.V. to Alex.

obxgirl; I checked reviews on two restaurants. One you suggested that had good reviews and another I saw that had good reviews. With either, I can get a coupon. For Brabo's a $25 for $2 and must spend at least $50. Then Seagar's at the Hilton, a $75 for $6 and must spend $150. Includes alcohol, so no problem there. Do you know anything about Seagar's?

Hi RIchard, I am unfamiliar with Seagar's so I can't be of any help there. You will not struggle to spend $50 at Brabo, particularly in the dining room. Things aren't as pricey in the tasting room (last week I had the chorizo and fennel mussels in a cilantro, vermouth and tomato sauce. Lovely.) Don't think the tasting room takes reservations though. Brabo is in spitting distance of the King Street metro station.

Thank's obxgirl; Brabo's it is. Good to know the King Street metro is next door, practically. My wife loves mussels, so I know she will approve of this choice.

Our trip is now about three months away, so I'm back with more questions. I am considering buying the all inclusive seven day metro pass. I think I saw it was $47 PP. This is our thought. We will be taking the Metro from Regan just after 1:30pm ater arrival. On our departure we will be taking the Metro at 11:30am to Regan. Then on one full day, we will take the Metro from DC to Huntington Station and then the Fairfax Connector bus [#101 to Mt. Vernon-Fort Hunt line] arriving about 9am. Planning about three hours at Mt. Vernon. Then as suggested, we will take a cab to Alexandria and spend the afternoon in the old town. Perhaps about 6pm we will have dinner at Brabos and then Take the King Street Metro back to DC. Our last rip we walked everywhere. This trip we will use the Metro during on and off hours, sometimes in the outer districts, like Union Station or the Cathedral. But also downtown. [We walked everywhere last trip]. It seems like cost wise, the seven day pass works. Even for conveniencee, like not waiting in lines to buy an additional ticket if we had a limited pass. Suggestions welcome. Thanks Richard P.S. We are there for five days.

"Our trip is now about three months away, so I'm back with more questions. I am considering buying the all inclusive seven day metro pass. I think I saw it was $47 PP."


There are some fare changes coming soon.

http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/met...s.cfm?AID=1086

In addition to the above, the following is on the passes page"

"7-Day Fast Pass $47
Pass is valid for seven consecutive days of unlimited Metrorail travel. You can now load a 7-Day Fast Pass on your SmarTrip card at any Metrorail station Farecard & Passes machine or online by logging into your account. (Note: The 7-Day Fast Pass will no longer be sold as a paper fare card after August 31, 2012, and will no longer be accepted on a paper fare card after December 31, 2012.)"

http://www.wmata.com/fares/purchase/passes.cfm#rail

I copied and pasted it because I thought the Note in parens would be relevant.