Washington D.C. which hotel? 2007 onward [Master Thread]
 

Will be doing vacation to DC this summer. Imagine will be mainly around Smithsonian plus other touristy stuff. Will have family of four (kida ages 5 and 7).

Which Westin is best? (newly remodeled, closest to museums, etc)?


Appears teh St. Regis will not be ready froms its makeover.

Take a look at the Westin Arlington. It's close to metro, and probably the nicest ( certainly the newest if i'm not mistaken ).

Would prefer DC proper.

Anyone knwo anything abot the yet to open Westin Washington, DC City Center?

Is it the new modern Westin like all the other new ones?

Haven't stayed at any of the DC properties
 

But the DC City center is probably closest to the museums. It is, however, fairly far for young kids who are going to be walking all day around the museums (it's probably 1.5 miles to Air and Space). Given the fact that DC can be unbearably hot in the summer I'd suggest a cab just to keep your sanity.

If you're taking a taxk Westin Grand isn't that much farther away (M & 23rd rather than M & 14th). If you want to do Georgetown for dinner at night you're only a few blocks away. Also I've walked past the hotel at night and it appears to be in good shape. With young kids Georgetown may have 0% interest for you but just thought I'd mention it. Also if you have marriott points the JW Marriott's location is tough to beat.

I actually like the 4 Points by Sheraton in downtown. Relatively new property, nice rooms, 3 blocks to Metro and easy walking to the Mall. Certainly not a luxury property, but meets many other requirements.

I'm hoping the new DC City Center Westin turns out nice, but I wouldn't want to be the guinea pig. Service was terrible and physical plant deteriorating in its waning days as a Wyndham. And who can forget that this was where Marion Barry was videotaped smoking crack? Personally I'd wait for some credible positives about the property before booking it myself.

I wonder if there will be a historical marker?

Here's hoping his room can be had by special request. That would make for one heckuva StarwoodLobby Trip Report :p

I would concur. Decent rooms - try for Club level if possible as the rates can be sometimes quite decent. The breakfast in the Club lounge was quite good. Rooms on that level appeared to be a good size with fridge and microwave (if I remember) which is handy with little ones. Moreover, good for kids with regard to breakfast. There's a decent little store/restaurant with good granola/yogurt about a block towards the Mall. IIRC, there's also a Starbucks in the lobby if that helps. There's a few pizza places within walking distance (1-3 blocks). As the other poster said, easy access to Metro. I had my kids (ages 8 and 2 at the time) there last May and the location was excellent; never rented a car yet managed to see all of the sights including the Mall area, Arlington Memorial, the DC Zoo etc.

Singlepoint

I'll put in a word for the Embassy Row Westin - Great hotel in a beautiful area with great restaurants around DuPont Circle. Short walk to the metro. That said, you will need to take the train to most of the things you'll probably be doing with the kids.

I concur with the Westin Embassy Row for an all-around convenient choice. The area is one of the more safe within the DC limits. There are tons of shops and restaurants around. The subway is 2 blocks away.

The Westin Grand is nicer, but it's a walk to any subway.

The Four Points is "decent", I wouldn't rate it higher than that. Plus, there's a certain "element" around that area after dark. It depends on how late you will head back to the hotel. It's not my favorite area to walk alone at night.

One other convenient location - Sheraton Crystal City. It's a decent hotel, there are many good restaurants within walking distance, the metro is right around the corner, literally. Plus, the ride in to the Smithsonian area is very direct. You also get a great view of all of the monuments by the water as you come over the bridge on the metro.

Have fun!

2,000 points a stay bonus isn't bad

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...ING_WI_1750_VA

Wow, nice find! Just signed up for the 2k bonus and 99 rate myself. ^

Thanks!!!

You guys are the BEST!

it's $79 this weekend

Is the internet only, non-cancelable, pre-paid rate booked at spg.com eligible for the 2000 bonus points promotion?

William (Starwood Lurker), can you clarify?