Washington DC --hotel advice
 

We are planning a trip to D.C. to visit the Smithsonian. Which airport is the best to fly into. Also, can anyone recommend some reasonably priced hotels that have suites?

Thanks for your help.

Bob

You could spit from the Smithsonian and hit Reagan National Airport. Ok maybe that's a bit of an stretch but it is definitely the closest. There is a portion of the Air and Space Museum that is right at Dulles but I think you probably are looking at the Smithsonian at the National Mall.

montereybob,
It depends on how you define "best". Is location more important to you the a cheaper airfare?

So, if you are interested in the closest, most convenient, it is Reagan. There is also a metro stop there, so a car may not be necessary depending on where you end up staying.

A resonably priced hotel that has suites including a small kitchen is the Washington Suites Georgetown. The hotel is dated but the location is excellent, the suites are large, and parking, if needed, is available at the hotel and also at garages nearby. The price includes breakfast. I'm not an expert on Washington but I got the impression that the neighborhood was a safe one for the city. Enjoy.

If you're going specifically for the Smithsonian you can't beat the location of the L'Enfant Plaza--it's right across the street. We stayed there a few years ago when we did a few days at the Smithsonian and it was perfect. Check the reviews at Tripadvisor.

The Harrington hotel is reasonably priced and only two blocks from the W.House and Mall.Paul

We stayed at the Embassy Suites on 10th and K. It was very nice and only a few blocks from the Metro. Quite a walk to the Smithsonians, but we did it several times.

thought the marriot convention center was good and well within reasonable walking distance to the mall.

Husband and son just spent 3 nights at Marriott Convention Center (mentioned in above post). Weekend in summer 2 bed room was only $139 and they reported hotel was great - metro is less than a block away but also walking distance to much.

We have also stayed at Washington Suites Georgetown several years ago for family trip. The suites are almost like real apartments - real LR, dining table, full kitchen. Aboput 3 blocks to Foggy Bottom metro stop - not really Georgetown but close enough to edge of Georgetown to walk into for dinner.

As far as airports - closer is expensive - but it also depends on from where you are flying. For the same weekend SWA flights Manchester, NH to BWI cost one-third what several other airlines into National cost. Price to Dulles falls in between for some origination cities.

For us, cost of flights drop dramatically on weekends versus weekdays.

You will pay a premium to stay in a hotel in DC. My advice is look in northern Virginia with easy access to the Metro. You will still be very close to DC and see a considerable price drop with a larger room. If it was me, I would stay in the Crystal City area. All mojor hotel chains are there.

Ditto...stay in Crystal City...the Marriott is right above the Metro and my choice is the Hyatt Regency...it is wonderful ( but about a 10 minute walk or a 2 min. free shuttle ride to the Metro) Both of these places also have free shuttle to and from Reagan. The DC metro is very easy to use.