WHERE TO STAY IN ALEXANDRIA?
 

We are planning a trip with our two kids to D.C. this summer - we've got reservations at the Capitol Hilton in downtown D.C., but everybody says not to stay in town, that Alexandria is much better. Problem is, no one has given me a name of a good hotel! Help! Thanks! Jean

I work just up the block from the Capitol Hilton, and am curious who is telling you not to stay in town and why Alexandria is much better. Staying in town is probably the most convenient thing to do. The Capitol Hilton is just two blocks from the White House and is in walking distance to the Mall, the museum and monuments. If you are concerned about safety, I can assure you that the Hilton is in an excellent area. You will be about two blocks from the Farragut North Metro (red line) and about three blocks from Macpherson Square (blue and orange lines). Nearby Connecticut Avenue has some excellent restaurants, and you are just one metro stop away from Dupont Circle which also has excellent places to eat. Additionally, it is very hot here in the summer. You will be closer to your hotel if you choose go back midday to relax for awhile. Having been in this area for almost 12 years, I would definitely recommend staying in town. Email me if you want any more information on visiting DC. <BR>

I'm not sure I would trust "everyone" on this. Yes, Alexandria is nice, but it's a fairly long Metro ride to get to the sights of DC, and it isn't really all that convenient to get to the Metro in the first place. <BR>Ilisa (works for an association and knows oodles about DC logistics), are you out there?

Oops--I got interrupted mid-message, and while i was out, Ilisa lived up to my expectations.

Thank you, Martha. That was the nicest thing I've heard all day. <BR>

As an about-to-be-former Alexandrian, let me try to put a slightly different spin on the question. First, Jean, you ought to know that Ilisa may well be the single most knowledgable person posting to any website on the subject of Washington D.C. When she offers to help, take her up on it. <BR> <BR>Now, as to where to stay. I can argue both sides of the issue. Staying in the center of Washington makes it easy to go back to the room to drop off packages, rest, etc. It's the rule most people follow when they go to Europe; it also should make sense when visiting Washington D.C. <BR> <BR>The other side of the coin is that a) Washington is blssed with a superb subway system; b) most of the "centrally located hotels" in D.C. are still a hike from the sights; c) Alexandria is a delightful place to stay, with a very lively evening scene; and d) Alexandria is a destination in and of itself. <BR> <BR>Let's start with "a" and "b." You can stay at the Embassy Suites - Alexandria (Diagonal Road), be directly across the street from the King Street Metro station, and be on the Mall in 16 minutes from the time you board a train. That's about the same time as it will take to walk from any hotel other than the JW Marriott or L'Enfant Plaza. Other nice places to stay in Alexandria: Holiday Inn King Street, and Morrison House (Alfred St.). The latter two hotels are roughly half a mile from the King Street Metro but offer continuous shuttles. There are other, more economical hotels and motels, and I'd be pleased to supply a list if you wish. <BR> <BR>"C" is a slam dunk. Washington has some great restaurants, including the ones around Dupont Circle Ilisa alludes to. There are also some excellent ones in Adams-Morgan that are different from anything you'll see back home. But... they're all a subway ride or a cab ride away, and most people, after spending all day seeing the sights, aren't in a mood to set off on another journey just to go eat. That's where Alexandria comes in. King Street, from the Potomac River to the Metro Station a mile and a half away, and Washington Street are wall-to-wall restaurants. Moreover, they're restaurants that cater to residents; they depend on repeat traffic rather than the one time a tourist will dine there. King Street is lively -- and safe -- from sundown to the early a.m. during the summer months; Dupont Circle has some of that character, though once again there's a subway ride to contend with. <BR> <BR>Which brings me to "d." Alexandria is a wonderful place to explore on foot. It's an old port city that still looks today much as it did 150 years ago. The "southeast quadrant" (south of King, east of Washington) is a beautiful distillation of small town America, with gracious buildings built to a human scale. <BR> <BR>So, Jean, stay where you like. Washington is a fantastic city for visitors; truly a national treasure. The Capitol Hilton is a nice place; and the (I think) Farragut North Red Line station is just a block away. <BR> <BR>But do make some time for Alexandria. The friends we've hosted during our years here have universally thanked us for introducing them to the town. IfI may be of further assistance, please email me directly.