| one4gatr |
I know we have a few members in and around the DC metro area. The family and I will be spending 3 days or so seeing the sites in DC in early June. I was hoping to solicit some suggestions regarding lodging for a family of 4. The party consists of mom, dad, and 2 kids one 3 one 11. I would like to stay relatively close (1hr or so) to the sites in DC so maybe MD or VA. Hotel with suite type arrangement would be nice but not mandatory. Obviously looking for something reasonably priced in a decent area. I would love to hear your suggestions as well on sites to see in DC and sites to avoid. We already have 2 of the Smithsonian museums on the schedule (air and nat history). I would greatly appreciate any input whatsoever.
Thanks |
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| midnightMDX |
Not sure about lodging, maybe a local can chime in. I stayed out in downtown Arlington, Va the last time I was out there. It was pretty good with alot of restaurants and shops along the main streets. The Old Town Trolley Tour is pretty cool. It has 17 stops at all the major monuments and sites. You can get off at any stop, and get back on later.
http://www.trustedtours.com/store/O...olley-C212.aspx |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by midnightMDX
Not sure about lodging, maybe a local can chime in. I stayed out in downtown Arlington, Va the last time I was out there. It was pretty good with alot of restaurants and shops along the main streets. The Old Town Trolley Tour is pretty cool. It has 17 stops at all the major monuments and sites. You can get off at any stop, and get back on later.
http://www.trustedtours.com/store/O...olley-C212.aspx
I stand corrected about the local thing... rather anyone is welcome to provide input and it would be greatly appreciated. That trolley thing looks pretty cool. It appears to cover the high spots and might be worth spending a day on. Thanks for the advice. |
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| dj-mdx2 |
Our family stayed in DC last month at the Madison Loews in downtown. The hotel was nice enough but expensive - our suite was $285 a night:eek: :eek: :eek: and the valet parking (which is unavoidable) due to the location cost $35/day. If it weren't partially paid for by my wife's MBA program, we would NOT have chosen to stay there due to cost. We did stay a few days at my friend's house in Chantilly, VA, which is only 40 minutes away from central DC and has less expensive lodging I'm sure. I guess you can try priceline or hotwire. We've had great success with priceline on numerous trips, including a Paris vacation. We can usually tell which hotel priceline is offering based on price and location but you'll have to do your research on sites like expedia and TripAdvisor.com to get a feel for the hotels.
As for places to go, the good thing about DC is that most museums are free. The ones you picked out are a good start. It will take more than one day to finish the Natural History museum. Air and Space is doable in a day - don't forget they have an annex in Virginia. We used Fodor's Guide and Around Washington with Kids to our advantage.
Of course, you'll want to see the White House but unless you're a VIP or part of a tour group that's scheduled way in advance, you won't be able to go in. The best approach is through the park between it and the Washington Monument. On the latter, if you get there early enough (8 a.m. or so) you can go all the way up for one of the best views of DC. Parking is not bad on weekends but ugly on weekdays.
The Capitol Building is actually walkable from the Air and Space Museum. Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson memorial are doable in a half day. There's even a "Goodnight, Mr. Lincoln" pajama party for kids on certain days. The Jefferson Memorial is best seen at sunset, when you can gaze across the Reflecting Pool. Check out the International Spy Musuem - very educational if a bit too complicated for the preschool set.
Georgetown is more for the campus and fashionable crowd - small kids may not appreciate what it has to offer. We did eat at the Paparazzi there - a converted fire department station.
Also had fun at the ESPN Zone near the Spy Museum with the kids. The food was OK but their Lower Level arcade has a lot of novel machines, including a simulated coaster-type ride. There's even a small bowling alley for the wee ones. I must confess we spent close to a hundred bucks playing there all night.
We wanted to go on DC Ducks but the weather wasn't favorable at the time.
You'll still be able to see the cherry blossoms on the Basin I guess, although I think you will miss the actual festival.
Parking is horrendous but not impossible, so I suggest you get a place where you can walk to the attractions that interest you the most or just take a cab. I drove our 07 Odyssey and it was a nightmare parking in Georgetown. DC does have minivan cabs and we even saw an 08 Toyota Highlander being used as a cab.
Have fun! |
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| wasjr |
We did the spring break trip with my son in 2001. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on 14th. Reasonable rates (in 2001 anyway), fridge & microwave in room, etc. The McPherson Square Metro station is across the street and the hotel is walking distance to White House area. This was a great place for access via the Metro anywhere.
Don't know about access to sights now, but check with the office of one of your senators. We went through Bill Frist's office. His office set us up with White House, Capital, National Cathedral, FBI, and Bureau of Engraving tour tickets (these were all at set times so minimal waiting). At the Capital, someone from his office showed us around.
If the 11 yr old is a boy, dad & son will love the FBI. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by wasjr
We did the spring break trip with my son in 2001. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn on 14th. Reasonable rates (in 2001 anyway), fridge & microwave in room, etc. The McPherson Square Metro station is across the street and the hotel is walking distance to White House area. This was a great place for access via the Metro anywhere.
Don't know about access to sights now, but check with the office of one of your senators. We went through Bill Frist's office. His office set us up with White House, Capital, National Cathedral, FBI, and Bureau of Engraving tour tickets (these were all at set times so minimal waiting). At the Capital, someone from his office showed us around.
If the 11 yr old is a boy, dad & son will love the FBI.
The 11yo is a girl but would love the FBI thing. Never thought to check with one of our Senators office. Will follow up on that. Thanks |
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| one4gatr |
midnightMDX....
I had a better chance to look at that trolley thing last night and that definately looks like the way to go given the issues with parking etc... quick question though.... i saw that they had a "centralized" parking area if you didnt have your tickets upfront or if you had bought them online you could board at any station. Which way did you guys do it? Also do the trolleys operate in their own seperate lane or are they just a part of the normal traffic? I was wondering that because if they are "seperate" from the rest of the traffic than it definately makes sense. Thanks again for the tip. |
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| matt03acura |
| Lived in DC for well just about forever. If you have not been here at all before and don't like getting used to traffic patterns etc, then you would be advised to pony up for a hotel in the city near a metro station. Convenience is a major factor and you can enjoy all the sights you want and not drive at all. Driving in the city can be hard on the out of towners. Another option is Arlington. Neighborhoods such as Clarendon and Ballston are excellent locations for hopping on the metro for a quick ride downtown. Still no driving (which I recommend). The upside to Arlington (where I live) is the local night life and shopping. Just my 2 cents. --Regards--Matt |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by matt03acura
Lived in DC for well just about forever. If you have not been here at all before and don't like getting used to traffic patterns etc, then you would be advised to pony up for a hotel in the city near a metro station. Convenience is a major factor and you can enjoy all the sights you want and not drive at all. Driving in the city can be hard on the out of towners. Another option is Arlington. Neighborhoods such as Clarendon and Ballston are excellent locations for hopping on the metro for a quick ride downtown. Still no driving (which I recommend). The upside to Arlington (where I live) is the local night life and shopping. Just my 2 cents. --Regards--Matt
Thanks for the advice Matt... will definately check you the areas you recommended for lodging. Any thoughts on the trolley suggested earlier? The "parking" area for the trolley is listed as "Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave." do you know if that is a safe/secure place? |
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| hammermdx |
| Here's a link to a color map of the DC Metro System, there is an icon by each station that has parking available: http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm You don't want to park at Union Station, it will be expenisve.......find a hotel either in Virginia or Maryland that is close to these Metro stops. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by hammermdx
Here's a link to a color map of the DC Metro System, there is an icon by each station that has parking available: http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm You don't want to park at Union Station, it will be expenisve.......find a hotel either in Virginia or Maryland that is close to these Metro stops.
Thanks Hammer will do. I do have a ??? regarding the metro system however... I have been to some cities where the rail system left alot to be desired (i.e. dirty, security issues, etc...) Is the DC rail system pretty good? I mean does it make sense to pack a family on and ride? Or should I just bite the bullet and pony up for either parking or lodging in DC?
Thanks again.... |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Thanks Hammer will do. I do have a ??? regarding the metro system however... I have been to some cities where the rail system left alot to be desired (i.e. dirty, security issues, etc...) Is the DC rail system pretty good? I mean does it make sense to pack a family on and ride? Or should I just bite the bullet and pony up for either parking or lodging in DC?
Thanks again....
It's one of the best and safest around in my humble opinion.......... |
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| matt03acura |
| The trolley is good way to get around to all the sights in one or more days. You can get off and back on any time during business hours. I would call them for any questions and if you like the idea, just buy an e-ticket and you can board at any of the stops. You still need to get to the mall and museum destinations before hopping on the trolley and this is where the Metro system is invaluable. And yes, the Metro is safe and I would feel comfortable taking my almost 3 yr old daughter on the Metro. Regards--Matt |
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| midnightMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
midnightMDX....
I had a better chance to look at that trolley thing last night and that definately looks like the way to go given the issues with parking etc... quick question though.... i saw that they had a "centralized" parking area if you didnt have your tickets upfront or if you had bought them online you could board at any station. Which way did you guys do it? Also do the trolleys operate in their own seperate lane or are they just a part of the normal traffic? I was wondering that because if they are "seperate" from the rest of the traffic than it definately makes sense. Thanks again for the tip.
We parked at the Union Station parking lot, it was free. Then got tickets there. The trolleys drive on regular roads. Most monuments you cant street park anywhere near and have to walk pretty far. I am sure you can buy the tickets online and just get on at any stop. |
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| one4gatr |
| wow... cool... thanks for all the input guys... so it almost sounds like a good way to go will be a metro/trolley combo.... metro in... trolley around... metro out.... i am so psyched to be going and really appreciate the invaluable input.... |
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| one4gatr |
| figured I would bump this thread one last time before I make my reservations... been doing alot of looking online and it really doesnt seem to matter whether I stay in MD or VA. Anyone else have any suggestions on lodging? We have decided to Trolley 1 day, Nat History museum 1 day (will drive in and park for that one), and the 3rd day is up in the air... thanks |
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| midnightMDX |
| What price range or star rating are you looking for? Which dates? |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by midnightMDX
What price range or star rating are you looking for? Which dates?
Ahh... about $150 per night (or less)... after talking to an attorney at my work today I am sold on riding the "tube" in and out... from what I have just heard from him its a minimum $40 to park near any of the sites... and most likely it will be booked... so I guess I am looking for a room very near a metro station (walk or short drive)... a nice area, convenient to "decent" family eating... maybe i want too much... let me know your thoughts...
Thanks |
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| midnightMDX |
http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm
Heres some hotels I found near the Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington Virginia.
Hyatt
Holday Inn
Residence inn
Courtyard by Marriot
Wilson Blvd is full of restaurants.
I actually stayed at the Courtyard a few years back They had a secure underground parking lot. |
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| one4gatr |
Ok... we have decided to stay in Woodbridge, VA. Found what appears to be a nice place (Country Inns & Suites) at a reasonable price $135. About 16 miles from the closest metro station (Huntington). Per the metro info there is about 3300 parking spaces at that location. Anyone know how quickly those fill up?
Thanks |
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| matt03acura |
16 miles from the nearest Metro station? IMHO you are doing yourself a disservice by your choice of location on several fronts. You have other choices and Midnight is on to something. Arlington is the way to go my friend with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, shopping along the Rosslyn to Ballston corridor which is only a few miles long and has at least 4 Metro stops along the way. Take it from this poster who has lived in the DC area since 1971 and is a resident of Arlington. You will be able to walk to Metro, walk to restaurants, walk to some cool shopping (in Clarendon especially)!
Conveniece is a major factor in travelling and I think you might be happier with being closer to the city and a Metro station.
BTW, the Courtyards by Marriott mentioned by Midnight has an indoor pool and the views from the rooms are killer. Parking on site and an easy walk to the Metro. The prices for rooms may be a bit highter than you mentioned by IMHO, worth it in spades.
Good luck --Matt |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by matt03acura
16 miles from the nearest Metro station? IMHO you are doing yourself a disservice by your choice of location on several fronts. You have other choices and Midnight is on to something. Arlington is the way to go my friend with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, shopping along the Rosslyn to Ballston corridor which is only a few miles long and has at least 4 Metro stops along the way. Take it from this poster who has lived in the DC area since 1971 and is a resident of Arlington. You will be able to walk to Metro, walk to restaurants, walk to some cool shopping (in Clarendon especially)!
Conveniece is a major factor in travelling and I think you might be happier with being closer to the city and a Metro station.
BTW, the Courtyards by Marriott mentioned by Midnight has an indoor pool and the views from the rooms are killer. Parking on site and an easy walk to the Metro. The prices for rooms may be a bit highter than you mentioned by IMHO, worth it in spades.
Good luck --Matt
+1, there are plenty of hotels that are within walking distance to the Metro stops in VA and MD. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by matt03acura
16 miles from the nearest Metro station? IMHO you are doing yourself a disservice by your choice of location on several fronts. You have other choices and Midnight is on to something. Arlington is the way to go my friend with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, shopping along the Rosslyn to Ballston corridor which is only a few miles long and has at least 4 Metro stops along the way. Take it from this poster who has lived in the DC area since 1971 and is a resident of Arlington. You will be able to walk to Metro, walk to restaurants, walk to some cool shopping (in Clarendon especially)!
Conveniece is a major factor in travelling and I think you might be happier with being closer to the city and a Metro station.
BTW, the Courtyards by Marriott mentioned by Midnight has an indoor pool and the views from the rooms are killer. Parking on site and an easy walk to the Metro. The prices for rooms may be a bit highter than you mentioned by IMHO, worth it in spades.
Good luck --Matt
I dont disagree with you Matt. I would love to stay in the Arlington area but given my budget I was unable to locate a "nice" hotel that was within reason. I checked the hotels mentioned and I am looking at a MINIMUM of $200 per night to stay in that area (assuming we all slept in the same bed..). My budget really only allows for $150 which from what I found would not put me in anyhting that I would want to take my family to that would be within "walking" distance of the metro and nice shops/eats. I guess if I am missing something in terms of the price and quality of hotels please fill me in but quite frankly I think given my variables I am out of luck in the Arlington area.
Thanks again! |
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| matt03acura |
| Well you may be out of luck if your budget is for two rooms...so I have two questions: Do you have exact dates that you plan to travel and is your budget for one room or two? The reason I ask is that the Holiday Inn in Ballston has special rates for weekend stays starting for $99 per night for Friday and Saturday and $159 for Sunday night. I asked for the first two weekends in June and there is availability. I don't know if the Holiday Inn is "nice" but it sure is convenient. The catch is that you have to "prepay" by credit card and is probably non-refundable. I called (sorry, I couldn't help myself) and their number is 703-243-9800. The prices jump for the rest of the week above $200. Good luck again and enjoy the sights--Regards--Matt |
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| dvilla |
Get a place (preferrably in Northern Virginia - Alexandria or Arlington) near a Metro station. It's not advisable to be driving in DC during weekdays. The Metro system in this area is very good enough and easy to follow.
Use the internet and there are lots of choices for different price ranges. |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by matt03acura
Well you may be out of luck if your budget is for two rooms...so I have two questions: Do you have exact dates that you plan to travel and is your budget for one room or two? The reason I ask is that the Holiday Inn in Ballston has special rates for weekend stays starting for $99 per night for Friday and Saturday and $159 for Sunday night. I asked for the first two weekends in June and there is availability. I don't know if the Holiday Inn is "nice" but it sure is convenient. The catch is that you have to "prepay" by credit card and is probably non-refundable. I called (sorry, I couldn't help myself) and their number is 703-243-9800. The prices jump for the rest of the week above $200. Good luck again and enjoy the sights--Regards--Matt
Maybe thats the issue... I will be in on 6/3 and leaving 6/6 Tues-Fri. One room but at minimum need 2 queen beds or 1 king with a queen pullout. Trust me I tried Holiday Inn first because I am a "rewards" member with them... every now and then I build up enough to get a freebie... I tried both of the HI's in Arllington and per their website I wasnt getting anywhere near $150 per night for the above dates / room requirements.
Thanks |
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| matt03acura |
| Anytime for a fellow MDXer and sorry you aren't able to get in any closer to the city and a Metro station. I still think you can do better than Woodbridge and 16 miles from the nearest Metro station but I won't push the issue :) Noticed your location of Jacksonville: Just came back from Amelia Island and went to the Shrimp Festival there. Fun time for the wife and almost 3 year old daughter. --Matt |
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| one4gatr |
quote:
Originally posted by matt03acura
Anytime for a fellow MDXer and sorry you aren't able to get in any closer to the city and a Metro station. I still think you can do better than Woodbridge and 16 miles from the nearest Metro station but I won't push the issue :) Noticed your location of Jacksonville: Just came back from Amelia Island and went to the Shrimp Festival there. Fun time for the wife and almost 3 year old daughter. --Matt
Ahhh yes the Shrimp festival... can be quite a zoo... I am glad you guys had fun. Did you stay on Amelia? I used to go up there about once or twice a year... been a while since I stayed but its still beautiful (the wifes grandparents and a couple of aunts/uncles live in Fernandina). Now THERE I dont mind dropping 2 bills a night.... There is actually a much more quaint Shrimp festival on Jekyll Island GA in the fall. If you have never been to Jekyll I would suggest that you try it if you get back down this way... |
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| dvilla |
quote:
Originally posted by one4gatr
Ok... we have decided to stay in Woodbridge, VA. Found what appears to be a nice place (Country Inns & Suites) at a reasonable price $135. About 16 miles from the closest metro station (Huntington). Per the metro info there is about 3300 parking spaces at that location. Anyone know how quickly those fill up?
Thanks
Huntington or the Springfield metro but the parking spaces on these stations fill up fast. More and more people are taking the public transport due to the high gas prices. I still suggest the Springfield metro. If the parking are full at the Metro station you can park around the Springfield mall for free and just walk a short distance to the station (just be careful at those cross walks).
In DC you can start from one end of the Mall (not shopping mall), the Lincoln memorial to the U.S. congress, or vice versa. In between those two you can see/visit all the important places, the Vietnam and World War II memorials, the White house, all the different museums, etc., etc.
Happy trails!!! |
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