Planning a trip to DC around Christmas time and wonder which location might be the best to see the monuments, museums and maybe a concert at Kennedy Center. Is Dupont Circle or Embassy Row a good area for this type of visit?

I think you would enjoy the Dupont Circle area. The first time I went to Washington DC, I made the mistake of staying near monuments, etc. It is far more enjoyable to stay where there is more diverse activity; boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. It's just far more interesting. The monuments and museums aren't that far away, but for a place to STAY, you want something with some real life and vibrance to it.

Just remember, in Dupont circle, you're going to be in a large gay area, and nobody tries to hide it, so make sure you're comfortable with that if you're spending a lot of time there. Great restaurants in DuPont circle, we just went to MiMi's, all the waiters and waitresses can sing, and take turns singing at the grand piano. I think Jury's hotel is right there, I have not stayed there, but it looks nice, and reasonable rates. You'll be on the metro line, so everything is a short ride away. Have fun!

We just came back from a stay at One Washington Square, which is a suite hotel. Loved it!
We had a full living room, TV in both living room and bedroom, full kitchen, etc. and all the amenities.
The location was great. Free shuttle to Kennedy Center, and right across from the Foggy Bottom Metro Stop. Walking distance of many sights.
We definitely plan to stay there again.
There were plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, but the dinner we had at the West End Cafe in our hotel was outstanding.

I would recommend Hotel Topaz on N Street..very serene and close to verything ...check out their website www.topazhotel.com

These other posters were very nice. Until you can come up with a better header, you can't expect to get a great deal of responses. "Where to stay". Could you get any more vague? Why make people open up a post that won't be pertinent to them, when you could have simply added "Wash DC" to your header and saved alot of people some time.

Not,

...and, gee, clicking a button to read a message is so much work, too...

Some people read the postings by state, not by the general listing and don't think of issues like the one you mention.

Well, I just opened a post I know nothing about because of the vague header.

Always a good idea to put a city/state.

Thanks.

May depend on your budget. One of my favorites (as a local), is the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel. Hotel is gorgeous and you often see famous people (ABC News is right next door). Walking distance to the monuments, White House, quick taxi to Duount (you could walk if nice out) and near many good restaurants.

Thank you for all the great advice and I apologize for the pain and discomfort I might have inflicted to some others.

Pierre, I have to agree with the poster who suggested the Mayflower, nice location and it is beautiful. Please ignore the "header police". They are always lurking behind a billboard waiting for the out of towner to drive by.