I am trying to pick between 2 hotels in Washington (both with similar rates): I can stay at the Marriott Metro Center or the Renaissance Mayflower. This will be in late March/early April. I have previously stayed at the Marriott Metro Center and JW Marriott and thought the location of both were very convenient. The Renaissance looks slightly less central to the Mall and touris attractions, but looks walkable to Dupont Circle and maybe Georgetown for dinner. I also have to choose between 2 weekends-- March 30-April 3 or April 7-10. The Marriott is not available at the rate I need for the March/April weekend, but I have a feeling the earlier weekend may likely be better if I want to try to have a chance at maybe seeing the cherry blossoms. So, I guess my question is, if I go and stay at the Renaissance is the area around there safe to walk to restaurants in the evening? And is the Farragut North Metro station likey to be deserted on weekends, as it is more of a business area? Thanks for any help.

The area around the Mayflower is just as safe to walk around at night as the area around Metro Center. The Farragut North station will be considerably less crowded on a weekend that Metro Center. I can't tell from your post whether you think that's a good or bad thing. You can walk from the Mayflower into Georgetown, but it's a long walk. I would feel comfortable doing it at night.

In terms of safety, I don't think there's much of a difference. Both areas should be fine. It's an easy walk to Dupont and a bit of trek to Georgetown.

If you do stay at the Mayflower, check out the National Geo museum next door.

I think the Renaissance is a far more elegant hotel, it is one of the US "grand dame" hotels (and we don't have a lot), and is worth a stay. The neighborhood is a good one. I would ask about room size at both, as I have heard that some of the rooms in the JW are quite small. I always go for a larger room if possible.

Yes, the Farragut area will be SOMEWHAT quiet on weekends. There ARE eating places in the Mayflower area open on weekends - it's just some of the sandwich chains (Potbelly, Cosi', etc.) that cater to office workers may be closed. However, it will be perfectly safe to walk the 5 blocks to Dupont which is very lively on weekends. I suggest you eat in Dupont if you choose the Mayflower (I can think of six stellar places just on P st. between 20th & 22nd).

Georgetown is not a "walk" from the MAyflower. Also, Georgetown has a lot of restaurants, but not many good ones. Good for shopping, though.

You've already stayed at Marriot Metro Center, so I won't comment other than to say both hotel locations are good.

Whatever you do, don't eat at the Mayflower. You can get the same high quality at half the price at many establishments nearby.

I also vote for the Mayflower. It's lovely, and the location is great (I work 3 blocks from there). It's about 5 blocks to the White House.

Do have a martini in the bar downstairs (called Town and Country). The bartender's name is Sam and he is from Cambodia - he's been at the Mayflower for over 25 years. Martinis aren't cheap but they come in big glasses and they have 101 different kinds for you to choose from. And they have nice lounge-type seating.

Farragut North won't be deserted. I have used FN and Farragut West by myself late at night many times, and I have never felt unsafe - there are always some people around.

Karen

Miramar...I am also going to be in DC during the times you mentioned..April 2 through 5 for me. You might want to go the the www.nationalcherryblossom website and then click on hotels. You can get a rate at the Willard for $269 and a choice of upgrades there. I guess it is the cherry blossom hotel-or something like that. Other hotels are there too-for less. That being said-what are the opinions of others about the walk to the metro from the Willard after dark(but not real late) and the walk to Ebbitt grill and other restaurants if it's dark but not late-say 8 p.m. or so. Thanks.

Okay, thanks for all the replys. Sounds like I may try the Renaissance this time. Just curious-- since some say Georgetown is a farther walk, about how far is it? Approx how long would it take to walk from the Mayflower to Georgetown?

laurelee,
The area around the Willard is extremely safe and well treavelled at night. The Old Ebitt grill is 1 block away, Metro 2 is blocks.

Miramar,
It's 1.4 miles from the Mayflower Hotel to the heart of Georgetown (Wisc. Ave & M st). A taxi is cheap, convenient (both at your hotel and all over Georgetown) and recommended.

laurelee,
As Metro to Willard is an easy safe walk. It's not much over a block -- depending on what exit you take.

You need to get the exit on F Street near 12th (Metro sales office) -- then it's just down F and across 14th to the upper entrance (back, but very nice -- the Lincoln bill and Grant note are in a side hallway near there).

There are also nice restraurants right in that area. Oceannaire is across the street from the Metro entrance, Tosca is down the street toward 11th, Red Sage is on 14th. Chef Geoff's is right there.

Plus there's plenty of less formal stuff -- a Corner Bakery is right at 14th and F, there's fast food, sandwich shops and the aforementioned Old Ebbitt's.

It might not work for you and your mom, but for others reading this thread, one of the best bargains in DC is the Old Ebbitt's Express. Great takeout meals. Unfortunately, it's lunch and early afternoon only.

Can you recommend a place to go for breakfast near the Willard that's within walking distance and open on Sunday morning-not brunch, but a good breakfast?

Wow, kind of a tough one because it seems hotel restaurants seem to monopolize that market. Early Sunday morning is about the deadest time of the week there.

The Corner Bakery serves breakfast, but I'm not sure of their Sunday hours.

I think you can have either brunch or breakfast at the Old Ebbitt's, which is just a hop, skip and jump away.