Weekend in DC
 

My husband and I have a trip planned in DC in November. Have reservations at the Fairmont in Georgetown. Is this in close proximity to DuPont Circle? I read that DuPont is the best place for nightlife and restaurants but I don't know where to stay to be within walking distance. Any help would be appreciated.

I'm not sure exactly where in G'town the Fairmont is, but G'town is a long walk from Dupont--30 min or more depending where you start from and where you're headed. Of course, you could take cabs or buses, or walk to a Metro station and take the train. But Dupont is definitely better for nightlife than G'town, so I'd suggest you stay in Dupont. What is your price range? I and others here could recommend hotels in Dupont Circle. (Or you could do a search here, too.)

The Fairmont website gives directions from Foggy Bottom and Dupont Circle Metro stations which suggests it's probably not that close to either since they are a good walk apart.

If you want the restaurants and nightlife of Dupont Circle which was one of my reasons for staying in this area then I suggest you get somewhere much more centrally located in Dupont Circle. You can always go to Georgetown for an afternoon/evening if you choose.

I stayed at the Radisson Barcelo in Dupont Circle which was in a perfect location for me. It was very near the Metro stop for sightseeing in the day and had plenty of bars and restaurants nearby for the evening. I would recommend the Radisson but can't say how it compares to the Fairmont you have reserved.

Thanks for the information. The Fairmont is what used to be the Monarch, I believe. Price range is $170ish per night. Yes, I guess we could take a taxi, but would love to walk. Any suggestions on hotels closer to Dupont would be appreciated.

Radisson Barcelo and Jury's are both in Dupont Circle and have gotten favorable reviews here; I like the Dupont at the Circle B&B (www.dupontatthecircle.com). Some have gotten $99 rates at the Barcelo and Jury's, so even if that's not available now, they're still in your range. Have a great trip!

Why DuPont Circle? When I lived in D.C. as a 20 something I partied in Georgetown after doing so in VA too.

Thanks for the quick responses. I think we'll stay at the Fairmont. We'll just take the Metro or taxis to any place outside of Georgetown that we might want to go. Thanks again.

The Fairmont really isn't IN Georgetown, but instead in the West End. It is about a 10 minute walk to Dupont Circle, and about the same distance (maybe, a little shorter) to G-town. There are also loads of nice restaurants in the West End.

It's a fine neighborhood.

Ah, if it's in the West End, you'll be fine, MikeT is exactly right about the walking time. You'll be roughly equidistant from G'town and Dupont. Have a great time!

We just booked a trip to DC, 11/14-11/17 for a next to nothing rate. I've been reading message boards on several sites and have read some pretty bad reviews on this hotel. Now after perusing Fodor's boards, I hear this hotel is in a not so good area. Anyone have first hand experience with this hotel? How bad will this be?

Thanks for any help.

Which hotel are we talking about? If you are referring to the Fairmont, it is a very nice hotel in a very nice part of town.

Sorry about that. It's the Sheraton National in Arlington. I wish it was the Fairmont.

Ahhh.

The Sheraton National is in an odd neighborhood for tourists, although I wouldn't describe at as bad. In fact, I could call it "home" since it is about a mile from my home.

I've been in the rooms and they are fine. The downside is that there isn't much within walking distance in terms of dining or nightlife. It is in an odd position between the Pentagon, Ft. Meyer, Navy Annex and Marine base and a residential neighborhood.

The upside is that they have a shuttle to the very close metro stations at Pentagon and Pentagon City, as well as city buses that go past the hotel quite frequently and get you to the Metro in about 5 minutes.

Thank you for all the information on the Fairmont. We are sticking with it and are really looking forward to our visit. I lived in Northern VA quite some time ago and remember Georgetown as a very nice place, but wanted to make sure things hadn't changed.