Traveling with wife and 13 mo. old son. Can stay at Omni for $114 per night or Willard for $153 per night. Doing the usual tourist stuff. Some thoughts on which place to stay? Thanks in advance.

I can happily recommend the Willard--great hotel, although some of the cheaper rooms can be small, and a great location.

As for the Omni, isn't there more than one in DC? Where is the one you're considering?

I have no experience with the Willard, but we really liked the Omni Shoreham. Nice grounds, user-friendly outdoor pool, walking distance to the National Zoo. Use part of the extra $40 to take a couple of cabs.

I thought the willard was one of the best hotels I have stayed in. Great location and at $153, great deal, even for a small room.

Good Lord - grab the Willard!!

It is one of the finest hotels in the city. The Omni (Shorham?), while quite nice, doesn't even begn to compare. I am surprised you can get a room for only $153 since rooms generally go for $400-$500. Also, it is an infinately better location - walking distance to the Mall and White House and three short blocks to Metro Center.

Bardo's right -- if you can get the Willard for $153 get it now. That's an outrageous rate for a far, far superior hotel in a great location.

Where did you find that great rate?

Stayed at the Willard a few weeks ago-wonderful people, room and location. Don't think you can go wrong.

Able to get the $153 rate because I work for the gov't

Piling on to agree for staying at the Williard especially at that rate!

The Omni is a nice property but not as upscale as the Willard. The neighborhood is also very plesant but not nearly as convenient to the Smithsonian, monuments, Capitol, and other mall buildings.

Definitely the Willard. It is so close to the monuments and museums that you can walk. Walking with a toddler in a stroller is much easier than taking the metro with a stroller (in my opinion). Plus there are several restaurant options is the vicinity, from cafes to upscale (Corner Bakery, The Old Ebbitt, Occidental Grill etc)

I want to say thanks to everyone for all the advice. We have decided to stay at the The Willard. One other question, should we take a cab or the metro from National airport? Keep in mind that we will have a carseat, stroller, and at least two large suitcases. Thanks.

Definitely take a cab from the airport. You don't want to haul all that stuff on the Metro, particularly if you're arriving during am or pm rush. I think the closest Metro is Metro Center, not too far from the hotel but it qualifies as a schlep with baby gear and large luggage.

Enjoy the Willard. It's a great hotel!

Cab for sure. Metro will be fine with just the stroller, but with all your other luggage, too, it's a bridge too far. Congrats on snagging the Willard--hope you enjoy your trip!

Take the cab. I got on the metro with my mother from the airport-and it was too much of a hassle with luggage and her age. Getting to the metro itself at the airport is even a hassle.
You'll love the Willard-I hope you get the orchids in the bathroom and chocolates on your pillow in the evening turndown. I think it's standard. You'll also LOVe the bedding!
Have fun!
Oh, if you can, you might want to request a room at the front of the hotel-you should be able to see the Washington Monument from there. And you'll enjoy beautiful pots of pansies and MAYBE the three huge fountains that they were putting in when I was there will be working in the courtyard!
Oh, I am jealous.

Cab it. Although it's just about two blocks from Metro Center to the Willard's F St. entrance, cabs from National are quick and easy. Arrive in style at the front door and celebrate a steal of a deal.