Washington DC Hotel : HOTEL PICKED, thanks for the help About This Page:

[poohmaine]

Can any recommend a decent hotel in a safe DC neighborhood for around $100? We will also consider a hotel on a Metro line.

Also: how hot is it there mid-August?

[mitchg]

I can't help you with the hotel, but I can tell you that the weather in August is not always predictable. It seems like during the last few years, mid-August has been fairly pleasant, with highs in the low 80s and lows in the 60s at night. But you never know when you might hit a week of mid 90s with high humidity, or mid-70s and rain.
I'm not sure that this helped at all, but I guess the thing is to be prepared for anything!

[zacksmom_1993]

I've stayed a couple of places in DC, and I think you should be able to find a decent hotel in Crystal City (near Reagan Airport and the Pentagon) for around that price. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency for about that rate, although weekends are usually cheaper at airport hotels. It was a nice hotel with a free shuttle to both the airport and the Metro line. I've also stayed at the Churchill Hotel in Dupont Circle. This is a beautiful, old hotel near all of the embassies. All the hotels nearby are nice, and you'd probably be able to find something in that price range. It's easy to get around DC from Dupont Circle. Or, if you want to splurge there's always the Willard and the JW Marriot across the street from the White House! Have a great time! I absolutely DC!

Karen

[Shadowfax]

I'd plan on hot and humid in DC in August. It may be nice (I cetainly hope it is!) but I wouldn't count on it.
The Capitol Holiday Inn has a great location (right behind the Air and Space Museum) and it is also 1 block from the Metro (which is really easy to use). It runs about $129.00 per night.

[poohmaine]

Very discouraging . . . very high hotel prices! I am not finding anything lower than $129 . . .

Has anyone stayed in Virginia or other surrounding areas and taken the train into DC? Any suggestions?

I can't believe it is cheaper to stay at WDW than DC!

[LisaJ]

You're kidding yourself if you try and get a hotel outside of the general DC area. You are not going to be happy and the inconvenience won't be worth the hassle and time lost, etc.

I would go online to one of the priceline-type of sites, and see what you can come up with. I'm not real sure of the map area, though, of these zones, so you might have to be careful in getting what you want.

I'll rack my brain and see what I can come up with for you. There has to be something! Maybe there are internet specials at some places?

[LisaJ]

Go to Orbitz.com and punch in your requirements. See what you come up with . The $129 Holiday Inn might end up being your best bet.

As far as the weather goes, generally August is like a sauna. Thick, hot, and muggy.

[Plannergirl]

Try hotels in Ballston, Rosslyn or Alexandria (all Va) many are walkable to the Metro or have shuttles to the metro.

[Plannergirl]

OH and yes WDW is cheaper in many ways that DC-meals etc just are cheaper even in the World than in DC.

[poohmaine]

Thanks to you all. I will just keep plugging away, and try those locations in Virginia . . .

[poohmaine]

What about the Omni Shoreham? Has anyone stayed there? They have a Panda Package for $129 a night (I guess they are near the zoo?)

Also, has anyone traveled to DC from the Baltimore airport? Are the trains okay? They are $6 versus $30 for a shuttle . . .

[mitchg]

My brother-in-law takes the MARC train from BWI to DC most days for work. He likes it - it runs well, it's convenient, and usually not too crowded. Definitely worth taking for the $$ savings!

[ariel14]

Hi,
The Omni Shoreham has a great location. It's about a half block from the red line metro. To me, the price sounds like a great deal. From Woodley park (where the hotel and zoo are located) you can walk to a lot of places like Adams Morgan (bars and great ethnic restaurants) and you can get around everywhere on the metro.
I have taken the train from the airport many times and it is VERY easy. I would say it would only be a pain if you have a ton of luggage. I'd take the train and save the $$$.
HTH,
Cindy

[poohmaine]

OKay, it's down to these two hotel choices: would someone help me choose, please?

Choice Number 1 is Holiday Inn on the Hill at $143 a night. 2 queen beds. Close to Union Station. Have heard the rooms are small but nice. Have read that location close to fire station makes for sometimes noisy nights.

Choice Number 2 is the DoubleTree Guest Suites at $159 per night. Suite with 2 queen beds plus a sofa bed in the living room and a full kitchen. Farther away from Mall in Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Have read it's an older place and can be isolated at night, with no restaurants nearby. But supposedly close to a Metro stop.

I am clueless as to what is better: smaller and closer OR farther but bigger. My kids are 16 and 11 so riding the Metro is not an issue.

If anyone knows these hotels and can give me an recommendation, I would love to hear from you! Thanks!

[poohmaine]

Got the Holiday Inn on the Hill for $119 a night with 2 queen beds. Thanks to everyone for their help, it was much appreciated!