Washington DC on Sunday 2/14/10 - How is it looking for visitors?
Feb 12th, 2010, 05:47 PM
#1
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Washington DC on Sunday 2/14/10 - How is it looking for visitors?
We have booked 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency - Capitol Hill starting Sunday. We would like to walk and take the Metro to museums, Capitol, LOC, the Whitehouse, etc. We have tickets for the Whitehouse and Capitol on Mon & Tues. We would like to walk at night to get a bite to eat, etc. We like Indian food, Ethiopian, Italian and a good burger or pub type fare. Would like one night at a "nice" white tablecloth kind of restaurant and the rest whatever. How is the neighborhood around the Hyatt? Friends suggested we have a drink at the top of the W - Hotel. What about the trolley tours or the DC walking tours? Is it too cold and slushy? We are driving from Boston - husband, and 11 yr old. Any tips, suggestions? thx.
Feb 13th, 2010, 04:27 AM
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It is going to be tough. You might consider parking at the BWI Train Station - take Amtrak from there into DC and a taxi to your hotel. Your hotel is very close to the train station.
Many of the main streets such ast 14th, 15th and 16th only have one lane available each way. Creates huge traffic jams. We tried to take a taxi from 14th and T to the W Hotel last night for dinner. Usually a 7 minute ride. Took 40 minutes to go about 8 blocks. We got out and walked the rest of the way. This was at 7:00pm. At 10:30 when we left the hotel it was just as bad.
Melting will help over the days but the slush/water is bad. Be sure to wear waterproof high boots whereever you go. You don't know how deep the puddles are you are stepping in.
Dinner - nice place - Bistro Bis in the Hotel George near your hotel.
Hope that helps.
Many of the main streets such ast 14th, 15th and 16th only have one lane available each way. Creates huge traffic jams. We tried to take a taxi from 14th and T to the W Hotel last night for dinner. Usually a 7 minute ride. Took 40 minutes to go about 8 blocks. We got out and walked the rest of the way. This was at 7:00pm. At 10:30 when we left the hotel it was just as bad.
Melting will help over the days but the slush/water is bad. Be sure to wear waterproof high boots whereever you go. You don't know how deep the puddles are you are stepping in.
Dinner - nice place - Bistro Bis in the Hotel George near your hotel.
Hope that helps.
Feb 13th, 2010, 06:17 AM
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Last night was an especially bad night that was out of the ordinary, especially with closures around the Metro derailment. Things can only get better.
We need tourists. I say still come and driving into the city will be fine, although not necessarily smooth. You can take New York Ave. in from 95 to your hotel and it's going to be clear.
We need tourists. I say still come and driving into the city will be fine, although not necessarily smooth. You can take New York Ave. in from 95 to your hotel and it's going to be clear.
Feb 13th, 2010, 06:18 AM
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Don't cancel! Getting in on the main roads should be ok on a Sunday. Park your car at the hotel and don't try to drive until you leave though.
Boots yes.
What route are you planning to drive? How is New York Avenue, Fodorites?
Boots yes.
What route are you planning to drive? How is New York Avenue, Fodorites?
Feb 13th, 2010, 07:28 AM
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Thanks for all the info. We have packed our boots and are heading out. I think we'll park the car at the train station. Don't have a laptop for the road but will let you know the results when we return.
Feb 13th, 2010, 09:12 AM
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Please do let everyone know how it goes. Main roads should be fine. I'd say try to get to DC. Parking at train station, waiting for train etc. is going to add just as much to your trip. Plus, when you are ready to leave DC, it will be nice to have your car in the hotel parking lot.
Feb 19th, 2010, 12:41 PM
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We had a great time ... yeah, there was snow, but the major tourist areas had clear or mainly clear sidewalks. Also, the museums and historic attractions weren't as crowded so that was nice. My husband did park the car at long-term parking and took the Metro back without a problem -- we paid $48 for 5 days as opposed to $40 a day for a car that we were not interested in using. It was very cold and windy but not unusual for us New Englanders ... our daughter even skated at the Sculpture Garden and loved it. DC obviously is not equipped to handle snow and we were amazed at all the cars (even a couple of cop cars) that were still completely buried in the snow and hadn't been moved in over a week. I experienced the blizzard of 78 in Boston and we weren't that slow in getting our cars dug out. All in all, a great trip. glad we went.
