I am traveling to Washington D.C with a 15 yr. old and 11yr. old. What is a good area to stay at that you can walk to a majority of the sites? I am willing to take the Metro to other areas, but would like a centrally located hotel so we can travel around by foot. Thanks for any help.
2006-09-19 11:47:42 · 7 answers · asked by NANCY C 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
It depends on your budget! I would not recommend staying too close to the monument areas as the downtown area becomes a real ghost town at night; you'll be safe, but if you want a bite to eat after 8pm or are just looking for something to do, your options will be pretty well limited. Once those office buildings close up and the commuters leave the city, it's like tumblin' tumbleweeds! Also, I know you mentioned that you don't mind taking Metro for some trips but you wanted to get around on foot--- the only reason I will throw some other suggestions out there is the downtown hotels tend to be pretty expensive, which sometimes is a concern for folks travelling with kids.
If you don't mind taking Metro, I would recommend the Days Inn in about the 4400 block of Connecticut Ave NW. It is a very safe, quiet neighborhood, about 3 blocks from Metro, with a small but well-rounded selection of restaurants that are open till 10 or later. It's also a very affordable choice, at least as far as DC hotels go. Even though you would be making a daily round-trip on the train, you would be saving a nice little chunk of money, so it might be worth it to you.
If your budget is a little higher, I would recommend the Beacon House (formerly the Governor's House) on 17th and Rhode Island NW. This location is about 3 blocks from DuPont Circle and lots of activity--- great shopping, tons of restaurants, you name it. It's located on a very quiet block, though, so you don't feel like you're sleeping in the thick of it. It is about a 5 block walk to the White House, 3 blocks to the Metro, and I've always gotten super service there.
Finally, I'd recommed the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill for its location which is pretty convenient to lots of the attractions as well as Union Station. Most of this area is safe for walking around at night but I would definitely check with the hotel conceirge when checking in to see if there are any blocks you should avoid. This is a strange little corner of Capitol Hill where the immediate area will be pretty well deserted after 8pm or so but if you walk 2 blocks you'll find restaurants and shopping and lots of people.
2006-09-19 14:59:25 · answer #1 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Old Town Alexandria would be a great place to stay. Very safe area. Sights and nightlife you can walk to and there is a metro station for getting into DC and Arlington National Cemetary. You can do Potomac River Tours from there.
DC - as mentioned - basically rolls up the sidewalks at night.
Georgetown area might provide some nightlife, but I find it to be a very 'college-y' area.
You can also head out towards Fairfax and McLean, but you won't be within walking distance of the Metro.
I actually landed a great deal in the Rosslyn area of Arlington, VA. But fair warning, the sidewalks roll up at night when the business people go home. But for the priceline.com rate I was within 3 blocks of the metro and happy with the accomodations.
2006-09-20 14:13:18 · answer #2 · answered by nova_queen_28 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay in Dupont Circle. There are tons of B&B style places that are great as well as regular larger hotels (such as Jury's). You'll be right by the Dupont Circle Metro, you can walk to Georgetown (or take bus) and take the Metro to the Smithsonian and all other sites. Dupont Circle is safe and there's lots of convenient stuff within walking distance. If you really want to be walking distance to the Smithsonian, then you're best to find a hotel that indicates it's within 1/2 mile of the "Mall".
2006-09-20 00:52:51 · answer #3 · answered by Maren2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you want to be in downtown DC. There's a Marriot at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW that will put you in walking distance of the White House, the National Mall, the Old Post Office (the Pavillion), and other tourist attractions. This hotel is also metro-accessible.
2006-09-19 18:59:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i like the omni shoreham - right by the zoo and a nice spot to walk around without concern. you would have to take the metro in to all the downtown attractions but the metro is right across the street. it's the only place i stay -at night - you can actually walk around and things are open!
2006-09-21 21:42:18 · answer #5 · answered by Marysia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should stay in towns near DC. DC is not the best place to live... maybe Arlington or Alexandria. you just catch the metro to one of the stations and just walk the rest.
2006-09-20 05:50:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay in Alexandria Va. which is just across the bridge from DC. Better area and nice place to visit too.
2006-09-19 21:09:58 · answer #7 · answered by Nana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋