I have a confession to make. I've never been to DC and my husband has been there once for business. Maybe it's time to go for a weekend.

Since we've seen nothing, proximity to the major sites is up there on the list. Knowing us, we'd spend the better part of a day in the Smithsonian. I have no desire to go to the White House.

For a weekend, which would you choose?
Are the RCs open on the weekend?
Upgrade probability?

Whew... I feel better getting that off my chest

I think you need to try the newly remodeled PH DC!

Of course, the Grand DC is very convenient, it's right on top of a Metro station. The problem is that I don't find it very romantic or that nice. The RC is open on the weekends though and they were busy with tourists when we've been there. We've always been upgraded to the RC even when visiting on PL rates. Parking is a problem, as sometimes even the valet parking gets full.

Suite upgrades are the Park DC were very easy to get for Diamonds, and even the old bathrooms were much nicer than the Grand. Melrose restaurant was very good, but a little too formal for our touristy weekend. Lots of people in evening gowns and formal wear. It is much more upscale for breakfast than anything at the Grand. Not sure what the new restaurant is like.

The big drawback for us as tourists at the PH, is that you'll be walking several blocks to the metro, or taking cabs to go sightseeing. As you know, it's very hot and humid in the summer there.

Thanks Tummy. It sounds like the GH might be best for us. We're definitely not looking for anything formal. As for romantic & nice, well, we can wait for Kauai for that .

Thanks again.

Park Hyatt is my first choice. I have a reservation using AAA for 315 a night for October, which isn't that bad for DC and premium hotel.

I really dislike the GH DC and on the weekend, it can be very loud with conventioneers, small children and drunken fools. The RC is nice, but not nice enough to make it worth it.

lala

Haven't tried the Park, but I dislike the Grand Hyatt DC immensely, even though it is really convenient when visiting since it's right on top of the Metro station.

I liked the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, but it's a bit out of the way (they will shuttle you to and from the Metro station, but the waits can be somewhat long).

I'd try the Hyatt Regency Bethesda if you don't mind being just outside of town. It's right on top of the Bethesda Metro Station and is one stop from Friendship Heights (with it's new Rodeo Drive type shopping), and Bethesda has tons of good restaurants that'll be walking distance from your hotel. About a 20 minute subway ride from downtown.

This hotel is also, IMHO, a dumpy hotel.

I would rather stay in Arlington.

lala

Mary,

I recommend the Hyatt Regency Washington. While it is not the most spiffy of the Hyatts, it is located close to Capital Hill and accross the road from Union Station - and therefore very close to a Metro entrance.

The Mall and most of the monuments are within walking distance and there are a bunch of OK eating places in Union Station and nearby.

Best of all, the weekend rate is $99.

Have fun

I agree, if you're going to spend time on the Mall, the Hyatt Capitol Hill is just fine. They did a complete room renovation a few years ago...and diamonds usually get a full suite. I don't know how you're getting to DC, but the hotel is just two or three blocks from Amtrak's Union Station.

And, as I'm sure others will tell you, you need more than "part of a day in the Smithsonian."

there are close to a dozen smithsonian museums scattered across the local area. Part of a day will barely let you see the best of one! If I had to pick one, I'm not even sure which one it would be!

http://www.si.edu/museums/

... havn't been to the new PH DC, but then again, I'm not hip on spending $300+ per night on hotels for a weekend night...

I've had good luck at many of the DC properties, last weekend had a stay at the Hyatt Capital Hill and was upgraded to a Capital Suite. That plus all the bonuses, I made ~6,000 points on a one night stay

My fave in the DC area is the HR Reston, which was renovated about 3 years ago. It's out near Dulles airport, but I've gotten upgraded to suites there most of the time and for a DC Do, scored the Presidential Suite. About 2 weeks ago was upgraded to the Pres. Suite at the Hyatt Dulles (tho not all that )

The rooms manager at the Grand Hyatt DC usually gives me a RC room, but the past few times have been able to score a Grand Suite (12 in the building).

Hyatt Bethesda is an ok property, as I've gotten suites most of the time there. They have nice "Terrace Suites" with a full 10'x20' terrace outside your room with table, umbrella and lounge chairs. Though no breakfast on the BREAKF rate here... they are the exception....

HR Crystal City is a bit out of the way, but I usually get upgraded to one of their Balcony Suites. Pool and jacuzzi are outside and I believe close after labor day.

It all depends on what you want, but I've had good luck with most of the properties around. Enjoy DC!

What would be a good place to stay for a reasonable price but convenient to the metro? I am wanting to take my husband on a surprise because he has always wanted to visit. He is a bilateral amputee but has prosthetics, he can walk great but not for long periods of time.

thanks for your help. I love this site.

mdnape - Welcome to Flyertalk and our Hyatt forum As mentioned, the Grand Hyatt is right above a metro station , the Capitol Hill Regency is pretty close, the Park Hyatt is quite a ways away from a station.

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt for a week in May and thought it was great. It's 4 or 5 blocks from everything if you are walking and has awesome metro and cab access. They treated us great and our room was a very nice Conference Suite. Unlike the typical business hotel, there are a ton of decent restaurants within a few blocks which is nice. I would definitely go back!

Thanks for the feedback, I am new here because of the Bey and Dov thread which is "out of this world" I cant imagine what all that is like.

I don't travel much but am going to try to see some of the world from now on. My kids are almost all grown and I am ready to start living for me and my man! Sounds bad I guess but raising 4 has been a challenge to say the least.

I am trying to learn more as i visit all your sites and see how things work.

Thank you everyone.

The PH, while lovely sounding, is more than we want to spend for 1 night if we're going to be out of the room most of the time.

Looks like it will be a toss up between the capital & grand, with the capital probably being a little closer to where we will mostly likely be.

Thanks again.