I'm planning two nights in Washington DC in the spring to see an exhibit at the National Gallery. The trip will be a surprise for my husband's birthday, and I'd like to stay in a fun area that's also accessible to the museum.

We love dining at non-stuffy places with great food/wine and atmosphere, and generally getting an authentic, non-touristy feel for a city.

Having never been to DC, I'm a little confused by all of the different districts, and I could use some help in choosing a base location. I think we would like Georgetown/Dupont Circle, but is that too far from the Gallery and other attractions?

The National Gallery of Art is located on National Mall between 3rd and 7th.

http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/index.shtm

The Hotel Willard Intercontinental is one of the top rated hotels in the city. It's on PA Ave. and 14th or just about 7 blocks away. Enjoy yourself.

http://washington.intercontinental.com/

A fun and somewhat unusual place near Dupont Circle is Hotel Rouge. It is not for the traditionally minded, but it was a unique experience.

http://www.rougehotel.com/

Georgetown and Dupont are somewhat different from one another. Dupont Circle would offer better Matro connections to the Mall than would Georgetown since the nearest Metro stops for G-Town are Foggy Bottom or across Key Bridge in Rosslyn, VA.

The "problem" with places like the Willard or the JW Mariott (directly across the street) are they are downtown..certainly within walking distance of the White House and the Mall but the area isn't quite as lively at night as would be Georgetown or Dupont.

Georgetown isn't so isolated anymore, since the Circulator Bus started; the yellwo route serves Georgetown and also stops near the National Gallery.

http://www.dccirculator.com/routemap.html

Thanks for all of the good info. I think the Hotel Rouge looks great. I think we would really be happiest in Dupont Circle, so I'm glad to hear there is easy transportation to the Mall.

Any dinner/cocktail suggestions for this area? Trendy places are ok as long as they have good food and aren't snooty.

I'm glad you are going with Dupont Circle. If you like Chinese, I suggest City Lights of China. I have also eaten at the Grill at Ipanema which I enjoyed which was about 6 yrs ago but I would think it is still good.

My brother went to law school in DC a few years ago and lived in that area and we often went to Chi Cha's Lounge for a drink.