Washington, DC experts.....
 

Hi:<BR>Planning to go to DC for Christmas weekend. Staying at the Sheraton Four Points....any good? Looking for a great restaurant for Dinner on Christmas Eve. Money no object...(just recently begam saying THAT!)<BR>Anything special going on that I should not miss?? Thanks for your help!

Is that Sheraton at 12th and K St? Never stayed there, but it looks ok. That location has improved significantly over the past several years. <BR>As for the restaurant, I'm not sure, but you can check out Washingtonian magazines web site, or washingtonpost.com for some ideas. I'd call ahead to make sure that they'll be open on Christmas Eve.<BR>Have a great time!<BR>

Thanks Spider,<BR>Yes thats the address for the Sheraton.<BR>I'll check those websites.

Any one able to help AC?

I believe I always heard Christmas Eve inner at L'Auberge Chez Francois was unbelievable ... but they had a fire last year; are they open? Plus reservations might be needed months in advance ...

Where are you, Washington experts??

Chris-they did reopen. And that's a great suggestion.<BR><BR>Also, try 1789 (but not sure if they're open that night). Great food, service, romantic setting, and I love the location (just a few blocks from G'town Univ).

Sorry for incomplete response, but a new restaurant in that area just got a great review a couple months ago in the Wash. Post.

OK, OK<BR>There has got to be more advice than this.....Come on you DC experts help me out!!

AC, maybe us DC people are just tired of talking about restaurants ... or we don't go out on Christmas Eve, so we can't make a recommendation ... "money no object" is quite a statement to make in this area, too. That could mean a $200 limo ride and a $400 dinner at Inn at Little Washington, you know. Instead of "money no object," tell us a little more about what would be a perfect Christmas Eve dinner for you -- fancy schmancy? cozy, logs on the fire? super modern? entertainment? privacy? meat? ethnic?

Well, Sorry I asked....

Hit the button too quick....Ann, I will take your suggestion and yes they are open Christmas Eve<BR>DC ites tired of talking about restaurants and their great town? Wow, Everytime anyone asks anything about NYC no matter how often, the question gets answered....<BR>Thanks anyway.

Sorry, AC. I just don't know the answers to your questions.<BR><BR>Have a nice visit.

I don't know if I'm an expert but I live here and I didn't respond because your question was too broad and I don't go to really expensive restaurants, so I had no good suggestions--the only one I might have thought of was already mentioned. You could get better advice than I could give by looking at restaurant reviews or guidebooks as you know what you want and I don't (you mentioned no type of cuisine, style of restaurant, etc.) Try www.washingtonian.com or www.washingtonpost.com or www.zagat.com, they all have plenty of restaurant info. As for the Sheraton, since I live here I haven't stayed in too many hotels, but I'm sure you know that is their budget priceline; that hotel used to be something kind of crummy (Days Inn or something like that) and I personally would never stay in that area as it is inconvenient to metro and not that safe IMO in comparison to other places. There are plenty of other hotels in better areas where I would prefer. I gave suggestions of some Christmasy things going on in another post just a few minutes ago, DC is in the header as I recall. Have fun here, I think it's a good city to spend Christmas.

AC, I've never been to L'Auberge Chez Francois (out of my budget range), but I know plenty of fortunates who have eaten there and they all say it's the best place they've ever been. DC Coast is another highly recommended (out of my budget, too) place. I understand your surprise at the lack of 'restaurant talk' among Washingtonians. Personally I think the restaurants here, in general, aren't that great. Overall I've had MUCH better experiences in Baltimore. In NYC there are tons of awesome places so I can see why restaurant chat is popular there. Also, glad to hear I'm not the only one who has taken to splurging lately. Don't know about you, but my "new attitude" is a direct result of Sept. 11. We live but once, so do it right! Enjoy your visit here.

Me again. As for hotels, The Mayflower is very elegant...has afternoon tea and is close to the Red and Orange subway lines, but that part of town is heavy duty business, so on the weekends it's pretty dead. I would stay at the Sheraton in Woodley Park. It's right near the Red line and is in a cute neighborhood; lots of restaurants and little shops. Very nice hotel. Good neighborhood. I personally wouldn't stay around 12th & K. Kinda sketchy. Good luck!

If $500 is a drop in the bucket for you, Galileo's might be fun. 12 course dinners.

Thanks to all of you!<BR>Yes Bedi...9/11 has changed my perpective forever...<BR>Well, the reason for the "extravagance" is the man I have been dating for awhile (and realized after 9/11 that I never want to be without him) are getting engaged that weekend.<BR>I have changed my reservation to the St Regis where I got a great rate and feel it would make the weekend "extra-special". Thanks again for the recommedations. I look forward to my stay in DC.

Had dinner at McCormick's and Schmik (SP?) in Tysons. Tysons isn't too exciting but there are multiple restaurants in this small chain although I can't remember the other locations. The seafood was best I've had and the oyster selection platter named the oysters and explained them like wine--really unique and excellent fresh quality. If you want seafood, this is the place.

AC, I'm off to 1789 this weekend. DC's having its Restaurant Week--3 course dinner for $30 (plus tax and tip). Can't beat that with a big stick at 1789!!

I would suggest the Old Angler's Inn for a very romantic and excellent Christmas eve dinner. It is about a 30 minute drive outside the city so if you have a car, it is great. It has pretty fireplaces and it is almost as old as Washington itself. It has fantastic food and great atmosphere.<BR><BR>If you cannot leave the city due to transportation reasons, I would also recommend 1789.<BR><BR>My favorite restaurant in the city is actually Two Quail in Capital Hill, but it would only be $150 or so for two and you said money is no object so go for Old Angler's Inn.<BR><BR>By the way, Washington has tons of great restaurants but you have to pay for them. So Bedi, if you went to some of DC's high quality restaurants, you would never ever say Baltimore has better choices.