I'm not sure but I believe the OP meant $179/rt and Acela First Class one-way alone would cost that much, if not more. I do prefer the downtown-to-downtown aspect of the train but it seems the Metroliner/Acela is not price-competitive with the shuttles.

Both the FS and the RC in Georgetown are inconvenient to Metro, if that's your preferred mode of transport. The West-End RC in Foggy Bottom is much more convenient in that regard. The RC Georgetown is very hip indeed. The style and the decor is quite a departure from the traditional RC offerings. It's almost W-ish where one can hang out in the "living room"/lobby area in front of the fireplace and sip elegant martinis.

Agreed that Maestro at the RC Tysons is one of the best restaurants in the DC area but the hotel's location is less than desirable for city activities. Also note that the WWII Memorial will be closed 7/4 and most likely 7/5 as well as they are gonna put a huge tarp over it to avoid damage from the fireworks (which will start at 9:10pm this year).