$350 a night during Cherry Blossom time in the top hotels in DC doesn't surprise me one bit. I don't understand the comment that one would never pay $350 a night for a hotel room in DC. DC isn't a cheap city for hotel rooms during many popular periods, it's a very big business city. It is the nation's capital, after all, it's one of the major US cities. Room rates are very high during May, also, and October.

Now hotel rates can be less than $200 at other periods, like maybe August or perhaps right now, actually. They are usually cheaper on weekends, of course, except in July-August, as business people aren't here. The Churchill seems to available at around $250, but not a whole lot less than $300 during those dates.

While we like Kimpton properties too, our last few stays in DC have been at the Fairfax at Embassy Row. (We drive in from NJ and they offer a AAA rate that includes free parking which I realize does not interest you for this trip). Very traditional feel with doorman, excellent front desk personnel, and excellent housekeeping. We were not impressed with the breakfast we purchased there one morning; we'd much rather do a Starbucks run.

For your dates in April, I see they have a king suite for $287 if you can use a AAA or AARP discount. Other room choices may be higher or lower.

The hotel is a few blocks from the DuPont metro station and all the restaurants at the circle. We have used taxies to museums on the mall and to Penn Quarter; fare was about $10.

I've also stayed at the Fairfax Embassy Row (and many other hotels in DC) and agree with k_marie's description. I will add that the one thing we liked about it a lot was being an older hotel, our room was very large (it was not a suite, but it had the large area where the bed was, an alcove for a desk, and a large bathroom),

Thanks for the recommendation of the Fairfax Embassy Row. Looks like nearly $700 lower than JW Marriott for our dates. What are the subway connections like for our preferred area of sightseeing?

It's 2 blocks from the DuPont Circle station, where you get the redline that goes to the White House/mall area. Let me reiterate, this is NOT a fancy hotel - it probably once was. Now, it's traditional, comfortable, with large rooms and in a good location.

Fairfax Embassy is a very nice hotel and the quoted rates sound great.

<i>What are the subway connections like for our preferred area of sightseeing?</i>

As mentioned you'd be w/in minutes walk of the Dupont Circle Metro station. Your preferred area of sightseeing is more than 2 miles in length. This hotel is farther away from the National Mall than the hotels you originally named. But it's a couple of stops away from Metro Center which will either put you in walking distance of your destinations or enable you to transfer to another line to get closer.

this is NOT a fancy hotel

Agree, it's not the Hay Adams but price wise, IMO, it's a fair tradeoff from the Marriott if you want a quoted lower price, a nice neighborhood but slightly farther proximity to the mall. The qualities Doug was describing.

Do you prefer a hotel over a bed and breakfast? Asking because several years back we stayed near DuPont Circle at the Embassy Circle Guest House, which we tremendously enjoyed. Cost is the same or less than your quoted hotels and includes breakfast.

I’m not sure of your exact dates, but there are two double bedded rooms in the house. The hosts could not be nicer, and they often spontaneously serve hours d’oeuvres or even dinnners. We had fascinating conversations with fellow travelers, many of whom were in government positions, over breakfast at the big dining table. Would definitely stay there again if in DC.


https://www.dcinns.com (the Embassy Circle option)

Iwan2go: Thanks to your recommendation for the Embassy Circle Guest House. We booked it. Seems much friendlier and with breakfast included than the JW Marriott. Same price. This is why I love Fodors!

Oh I’m so glad!! We had the most fascinating discussions there. Someone from the State Department was discussing their work in Togo, someone else was preparing for a Senate hearing -the most interesting people!

Have a a wonderful time.

Bookmarking. The Guest House sounds great.