Hi, we're visiting DC soon and have narrowed our choices to two hotels - JW Marriot or the Renaissance Washington. JW is about $50 more per night. We plan to visit the museums. Any suggestions which hotel would be better?

Thanks.

You'll get far better responses (and more of them) if you repost with DC in the header.

I'd pick the JW Marriott despite the $50 price increase. Location can't be beat!

we got a room at the jw marriott on priceline this past labor day weekend (before 9/11) for $75/night. It was great although, we found in the immediate area, restaurants were limited (many places are closed during non-work days/hours). It was very convenient to sites, museums, etc. and a very nice hotel.

I planned a trip to DC this fall, which was unfortunately cancelled, and one of the regular posters from DC also suggested JW Marriot because of its convenient location.

Here's another option...
We stayed at Loews L'Enfant Plaza in August, which was very nice. I believe the standard rate is rather high, but we got a "summer special" for $99 a night. Only two blocks from Smithsonian; however, there didn't appear to be any "nightlife" within walking distance, but that didn't bother us.