Which hotel in D.C.?
Oct 13th, 2003, 01:09 PM
#1
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Which hotel in D.C.?
I have decided to go to D.C. the weekend before Thanksgiving, and can't decide between a few hotels around the Dupont Circle Area. What I need is something close to the Metro, close to good restaurants and nightlife. My price range is up to about $165 a night which seems doable as this seems to be a dead tourist weekend in D.C.
So far I have reserved:
Omni Shoreham for $99 a night (800 #)
Wyndham City Center for $139 on Concierge level (through the website)
Hamilton Crowne Plaza for $119
Since I can afford it on this trip, I would like something sort of upscale without going into the $200 a night range. I have read reviews and did the research, and all seem about the same caliber.
Which of these hotels is the best choice, or is there another hotel I missed out on? Also any recommendations on tours that are available over the weekend (as opposed to weekday) would be appreciated! Thanks!
So far I have reserved:
Omni Shoreham for $99 a night (800 #)
Wyndham City Center for $139 on Concierge level (through the website)
Hamilton Crowne Plaza for $119
Since I can afford it on this trip, I would like something sort of upscale without going into the $200 a night range. I have read reviews and did the research, and all seem about the same caliber.
Which of these hotels is the best choice, or is there another hotel I missed out on? Also any recommendations on tours that are available over the weekend (as opposed to weekday) would be appreciated! Thanks!
Oct 13th, 2003, 01:59 PM
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Check out Jury's, it is in Dupont, off of Connecticut near Embassy row. Also, Hotel Mocanco, not in Dupont, but on the Red Line at Gallery Place Metro stop is supposed to be beautiful. Enjoy your trip.
Oct 13th, 2003, 07:19 PM
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None of those hotels are in the Dupont Circle area, except rather broadly defined. I would choose the Omni, then the Crowne Plaza, probably. I don't find the location of the Wyndham as good and it's not as near a metro stop, if it's the one I'm thinking of. It depends what kind of nightlife you want, but the Omni is very close to a good selection of small ethnic restaurants and a short walk over the bridge to Adams Morgan with lots of nightlife. It's also only about a block from a metro stop.
I haven't stayed at them, but there are several new-ish boutique hotels by the Kimpton Group that all sound pretty good and upscale, and generally have good bars: Rouge and Topaz. They are both fairly near Dupont Circle and have different styles. I think they own the Hotel Monaco which I think is what kelly is referring to. That's near the Penn Quarter area which would be okay, too. They are easy to find with a Google search and seem a little more exciting than the ones you've selected.
I haven't stayed at them, but there are several new-ish boutique hotels by the Kimpton Group that all sound pretty good and upscale, and generally have good bars: Rouge and Topaz. They are both fairly near Dupont Circle and have different styles. I think they own the Hotel Monaco which I think is what kelly is referring to. That's near the Penn Quarter area which would be okay, too. They are easy to find with a Google search and seem a little more exciting than the ones you've selected.
Oct 13th, 2003, 08:58 PM
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We were in DC this past July on 3 separate occasions. Stayed at the Omni two separate times. The first room was HUGE and quiet. The second room was much much smaller and we payed more. It is close to the metro which we found convenient and easy to use. The neighborhood is a nice ethnic mix and we found good places to eat very close by. It was also very easy to bicycle through the park next door to the monuments.
We also stayed at the Topaz ( a Kimpton boutique hotel...). It is in a residential/embassy area. For the money, the Kimpton hotels are always excellent with well appointed rooms and toiletries. The Hotel Monaco would be a great choice if you can get a room.
Of the hotels you listed I would opt for any of the Kimpton Hotels. They remind me of the "W" chain of hotels but not quite as pricey.
We also stayed at the Topaz ( a Kimpton boutique hotel...). It is in a residential/embassy area. For the money, the Kimpton hotels are always excellent with well appointed rooms and toiletries. The Hotel Monaco would be a great choice if you can get a room.
Of the hotels you listed I would opt for any of the Kimpton Hotels. They remind me of the "W" chain of hotels but not quite as pricey.
Oct 14th, 2003, 10:07 PM
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The Crowne Plaza is right in downtown DC walking distance to the White House, The Mall, and quite a few restaurants, etc. The McPherson Metro stop is one block away.
I have provided a link to reviews of the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Washington DC from Tripadvisor. It seems to be getting excellent ratings.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Columbia.html
I have provided a link to reviews of the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Washington DC from Tripadvisor. It seems to be getting excellent ratings.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Columbia.html
Oct 24th, 2003, 06:47 PM
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HI ..while not on Dupont Circle we spent Thanksgiving in Dc a few years ago and the city was dead on the day. We got a special deal from the Hyatt called home for the Holidays of about 89 a night. We stayed at the Hyatt Capital HIll and it was great we had the hotel to ourselves and a view of the Capital from our room and everyone was so nice. Try the websites for the hotels as many run specials at that time of the year
Oct 28th, 2003, 05:38 AM
#10
missjanna,
I agree with Christina that of the 3 hotels you list, the Omni best meets the metro, dining, nightlife criteria. The Crowne Plaza has a metro and some good restaurants but it's very business by day and pretty quiet at night.
Have you looked into the Hotel Rouge? I haven't stayed there but have heard wonderful reports. It's 3 blocks from Dupont Circle among the embassies.
Also you mentioned tours. What are your interests?
I agree with Christina that of the 3 hotels you list, the Omni best meets the metro, dining, nightlife criteria. The Crowne Plaza has a metro and some good restaurants but it's very business by day and pretty quiet at night.
Have you looked into the Hotel Rouge? I haven't stayed there but have heard wonderful reports. It's 3 blocks from Dupont Circle among the embassies.
Also you mentioned tours. What are your interests?
Oct 28th, 2003, 06:19 AM
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Thanks all for the suggestions, I think I'll be going with the Omni.
As for tours, I was reading about the tour buses for about $27. The Duck Tours looked good, but they end this month.
Was looking into checking the usual suspects (Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian, White House, etc.) and maybe a few things off the beaten path by metro.
I was told to check Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Georgetown for nightlife options, and I have a good map and travel guide so far. Just looking for options or opinions that may not be in any travel guide!
As for tours, I was reading about the tour buses for about $27. The Duck Tours looked good, but they end this month.
Was looking into checking the usual suspects (Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian, White House, etc.) and maybe a few things off the beaten path by metro. I was told to check Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Georgetown for nightlife options, and I have a good map and travel guide so far. Just looking for options or opinions that may not be in any travel guide!
Nov 5th, 2003, 06:41 AM
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Just to follow up.....
I am a hotel program member hog, so I joined Omni's Select Guest program. In the mail they sent me 2 coupons, one for a room upgrade, and the other for 50% off a weekend rate! So I called to see if I could use the 50% off towards my current reservation, and they said yes! So now my rates for the Omni are $49.50 for Friday and Saturday. Since I now saved $100, I decided to come in a day earlier, (Thursday) and pay the regular $99 quote they gave me for Thursday.
As for tours,I've heard of the tourmobile, the tour buses and also getting taxis by the White House. Which would be the best option? I am considering taking 2 tours, maybe one on Friday and one on Saturday. (One being a day tour the other a night)
Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
I am a hotel program member hog, so I joined Omni's Select Guest program. In the mail they sent me 2 coupons, one for a room upgrade, and the other for 50% off a weekend rate! So I called to see if I could use the 50% off towards my current reservation, and they said yes! So now my rates for the Omni are $49.50 for Friday and Saturday. Since I now saved $100, I decided to come in a day earlier, (Thursday) and pay the regular $99 quote they gave me for Thursday.
As for tours,I've heard of the tourmobile, the tour buses and also getting taxis by the White House. Which would be the best option? I am considering taking 2 tours, maybe one on Friday and one on Saturday. (One being a day tour the other a night)
Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
Nov 9th, 2003, 08:47 AM
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wow -- that's a very good deal on the Omni, what a good choice that turned out.
I live in DC so have never taken a tour, but my casual impression is that the tourmobile is best. It is smaller and you are closer to seeing things. The tour buses are just huge megabuses like a large Greyhound. From what I know, I think you can hop on/off the tourmobile when you want, but a bus tour would be a rigid schedule. They may do them fine, I don't know, but unless you are going out into VA or somewhere (like Mt Vernon), I don't think you'd need a bus tour of DC. Some of those can be enjoyable and relaxing for an overview, I'll admit, so it might depend on time and cost.
I wouldn't take a taxi for a tour of Washington myself. I don't take taxis that often in DC, and while they are cheap enough, I am never that comfortable in them for various reasons (both the cabs themselves can be in horrible condition and the drivers strange, shall we say). I would not trust a cab driver to design a tour of DC for me, that's for sure.
I live in DC so have never taken a tour, but my casual impression is that the tourmobile is best. It is smaller and you are closer to seeing things. The tour buses are just huge megabuses like a large Greyhound. From what I know, I think you can hop on/off the tourmobile when you want, but a bus tour would be a rigid schedule. They may do them fine, I don't know, but unless you are going out into VA or somewhere (like Mt Vernon), I don't think you'd need a bus tour of DC. Some of those can be enjoyable and relaxing for an overview, I'll admit, so it might depend on time and cost.
I wouldn't take a taxi for a tour of Washington myself. I don't take taxis that often in DC, and while they are cheap enough, I am never that comfortable in them for various reasons (both the cabs themselves can be in horrible condition and the drivers strange, shall we say). I would not trust a cab driver to design a tour of DC for me, that's for sure.
Nov 9th, 2003, 09:24 AM
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One of my favorite things to do downtown in DC (I'm a suburbanite) is to visit the Folger Shakespeare library and the Library of Congress. Both are near the Capitol, so if you are in the area, do check them out. While on "the Hill" a fun place for lunch or a beer, is the Hawk n' Dove. They do a great broiled crabcake sandwich, as well as burgers and typical "pub" fare. Have a great time. The Omni is a wonderful hotel.
