laurelee

Thanks to all...I think I'll end it there! Now, if you could just tell me how to get those cherry blossoms to bloom while we are there and get a front row seat the fireworks on Sat. April 2!!!

repete

Scarlett: Thanks for the head's up. This poster is worse than a troll because he posts information that sounds plausible, but is incorrect. It's easier to spot the ``what color sweater for my dog in NYC?'' trolls.

As for the difference in elevation between The Metro Center Marriott and the Hyatt, there is none. It's a level walk -- and even the street numbers decline -- as you head toward Chinatown . . . for whatever that's worth.

That's one problem with the JW Marriott for older folks who want to use the Metro -- it's an uphill climb to Metro Center access unless you wind your way through the basement through the yet-to-be-reopened National Place mall. Still, there are some nice restaurants in that area as well.

laurelee

I've been thinking about these posts since very early morning..and now I can't decide what I should do. It wouldn't be all that important except that I am taking my elderly Mom with and I want it to nice, convenient and the kind of place that is pleasant to come home to after a day of sightseeing. So...I'm looking at rates for many hotels around there-they are getting really steep. Some of you seem to work in that area-would you recommend the location of the Hamilton Crown Plaza or Capitol Hilton? Or am I better off with the original choices. Thanks so much!

johncharles

If I were bringing my elderly mother to a vacation in DC that I wanted to be really special, of the hotels mentioned above, I would definitely choose the Willard Intercontinental if it were within my budget. And laurelee, if you are considering the Regency Club and the Grand Hyatt, then it may be within yours.

It is the #1 ranked hotel of all in Washington on tripadvisor.com.
As the traditional place Presidents used to stay the night before their inaugurations (as well as other distinctions, such as that Julia Ward Howe wrote "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and Martin Luther King his "I have a dream" speech there,) it is historic, architecturally distinctive, and nineteenth century ornate, yet luxurious and well maintained by the distinguished Intercontinental group. I think the Willard Room is one of the most spectacular dining rooms I have ever seen. The other hotels discussed are more modern and generic.

The Willard's location in the center of everything couldn't be improved upon, and it appears to have just about every amenity inside.

My elderly Mom lives in suburban Washington and hasn't needed a hotel in the city, but she, and visiting friends and relatives of her generation, have all loved the view from the Sky Terrace at the Hotel Washington right next door to the Willard. Among other reasons to enjoy it, the visitors like being able to go home and tell their friends what really is on the roof of the White House.

repete

Yup, the Willard is wonderful. I like the Lincoln pre-inaugural bill and the note to U.S. Grant that they don't have room for his uncle ...

If money were no object, it'd be one of the places I'd stay (although I'd like to check out the new Mandarin.)

In winter, the Willard has great packages that makes it competitive with Regency level of the Grand Hyatt, but those packages often vanish when the cherry blossoms bloom. Sometimes those offers extend to April and include breakfast (but not the evening snacks -- you could feed on the snack mix at the Round Robin bar).

It's not as convenient to Metro -- nearly two blocks.

As for the Capitol Hilton and the Hamilton CP, both are close to some pretty good restaurants (especially DC Coast) and relatively close to Metro, but not right on it.

Here's a suggestion that might work, now that we know the Regency is on your high end. I'd book a room for the period at a fall back hotel (the Marriott MC or a bargain option might be the Hilton Garden Inn, right across the street from metro), then hunt out the best possible bargains right before the trip. If you did the Marriott, you could take a chance of bumping up to concierge when you arrive.

If your comfort level is OK with this, you might luck out.

One caution on the 14th and K area, late at night, it's worked by the ladies. During the day and the early evening, the area's fine, however.

laurelee

Thank you-everyone is helpful. I have talked to the Willard and at the end of Jan., they will have a cherry blossom package. I doubt that the package will include a view of the Washington monument(which would be wonderful), but perhaps a "city view." Right now, it is probably more than we should be spending. The
Regency Club is stretching it but may be worth if for convenience with my Mom.
I'll think about these suggestions and try to make a decision-I'm comfortable booking one and waiting it out. If there is anything else-I'd love to hear.
Thanks.

johncharles

If you need something less pricey than the Willard (as most of us would), among the other places mentioned in this thread I'd tend to steer you and your Mom away from the Grand Hyatt and the Capital Hilton and towards the Crowne Plaza Hamilton. I make the caveat here that I haven't stayed at any of these hotels (I'm a DC area resident)but am judging on having experienced the exteriors, lobbies, and neighborhoods, and reading some of the Tripadvisor.com reviews.

I just found the immediate surroundings of the Grand Hyatt pretty nondescript even before the convention center became a pile of rubble. That location just isn't where I'd want to take my Mom for a special stay. You may also want to read the decidedly mixed reviews of the hotel on Tripadvisor (and especially review #2's comments about the Regency Club) before deciding on it.

The location of the Capital Hilton and the Crowne Plaza Hamilton (they are very close together) is more exciting and attractive, I think. But the Capital Hilton has always struck me as one of the dreariest looking generic 60's-70's type boxes I have ever seen. The Crowne Plaza Hamilton, on the other hand, is a refurbished older building of dignity, charm and character, and has impressed me as a place I'd like to stay. When you read the mostly very positive recent reviews of it on Tripadvisor, it's hard to figure out why it isn't ranked much higher than it is on their list.

You might also want to check out the reviews on Tripadvisor and prices of the Sofitel Lafayette Square, if you think it might thrill your Mom to be across a block of park from the White House. According to Tripadvisor, where this Sofitel is the #5 hotel overall, prices start at $119, although it is clear they can run much higher, and may during the time of your stay.

Traveling with an elderly person, I think you might not want to put as much importance on your hoteel's having Metro access as some posters have. While I agree the Metro is usually wonderful for getting around DC for most of us, for the elderly it is less so. At times, not just at rush hours but sometimes unpredictable times if there's an event going on, it is hard to find a seat, and it's rush and crush getting on. I have found taxis to be cheaper and easier to hail in DC than in any other big city I've visited, and I think with an elderly companion you'd be wise to use them predominantly.

laurelee

I can get the Crowne Plaza for an excellent rate-compared to the others during Cherry Blossom time-so it is tempting to go there. I just wasn't sure what the area around there was like for restaurants, metro, etc. I am sure getting a lot of info.--Wow. So many opinions! I'm taking it all in.
Thanks.

repete

Johncharles makes good points about the area around the Grand Hyatt, not bad but not a lot of charm.

If needed, cabs are relatively cheap especially in the zone scheme, expecially when visiting most of the main tourist areas. If you do use Metro, you have to cross a wide K Street, but it's only about two blocks to McPherson Square.

The DC Coast restaurant is right across the street, Ceiba and others are nearby and there are numerous lunch options. The area quiets down quickly in the evening.

It's a quick cab trip to Dupont Circle, Penn Quarter and other neighborhoods.

Sofitel is intriguing. I'm sure I've walked by plenty of times and never paid attention to it.

laurelee

What intrigues you about Sofitel--and the area?

repete

Laurelee,

It's mostly that I haven't noticed it before. That's a great rate johncharles found for that area and Sofitel's are usually good hotels.

But I looked a little deeper, and as jc mentioned, rates at other times might be higher. For the first week of April, the hotel's site showed $199 on weekends and $300 during the week -- much more in line with what I'd expect. It only provided rates for rooms with one king bed. There might be new promotions or discount rates available elsewhere, however.

It's too bad the Hotel Washington isn't a little nicer. I stayed there years ago and it was nice, old style and just a bit musty. The location was good and the delicious full breakfast made it a bargain. But my wife stopped by a few years ago to see visiting friends and it was still a bit dark and musty.

Your mom might enjoy a stop at its Sky Terrace though.

The good thing is none of the places you're considering is bad. All are comfortable options just with a lot of different pluses and minuses that make the final call a hard one. Best of luck.

laurelee

Are those two blocks that you have to cross on K St. to the McPherson block okay for walking most reasonable times of day and evening. Usually lots of peoplel around.

JBC411

I would say yes. Now that the convention center is down, street traffic the area around McPherson Square and K St. will be busier day and night than around the Grand Hyatt.

By day, this area is teeming with people--it's in the heart of downtown. By night, it is much less populated, but no means deserted as there are a number of top hotels and restaurants nearby.

I have encountered verbally agressive panhandlers a couple of times at night in this area (and that only a very small percentage of the times I have been there at night), but have never felt particularly uneasy about the potential of actual crime.

Still, if staying in a hotel anywhere downtown, I would recommend that a party such as yours (two women, one elderly) travel by cab at night, as very many people do in DC. You will probably find them lined up in front of any major downtown hotel like the Crowne Plaza. If one wants to enjoy walking around the area of one's hotel at night, the places to stay are the Dupont Circle and West End/Georgetown areas, but these are farther from the big monuments and museums which I would guess are more interesting to your mother than the heavier concentration of restaurants and clubs which give the areas I just named more night time foot traffic.

laurelee

Thanks..lots to think about here. I'm anxious to hear what the Willards cherry blossom packages rates will be-they'll annouce that after the inaug. week.
Maybe that will be just the answer. Anything else--just let know. Thanks again.