Heading for Washington, DC

Packerjohn

Packerjohn

Packerjohn
Location
Canada
I'm all set to fly Delta and I'm heading for a full 10 days to spend some quality vacation time in Washington, DC. Yes, my flight was booked last week but the problem is booking the hotel.

I have spent the last 3 days looking at dozens and dozens hotels in the Washington and Arlington area. Yes, everything from "Foggy Bottom" to Maryland and Virginia. The problem are the comments which seem to be so negative for so many hotels. Everything from nasty employees to bugs in the bathtub and everything from construction noise outside to swimming pools that have been "under repair" for months.

Please help! I would love to hear from anyone and everyone who has ever been to Washington and had a positive experience with accommodation. Location near public transportation is very important. Thank you to one and all!
 

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Thanks for the advice and good wishes. I usually travel for months at a time. This full 10 days in Washington DC will be a short trip but I intend to make every hour count. Come rain or come shine!
 
Packerjohn said:
I'm all set to fly Delta and I'm heading for a full 10 days to spend some quality vacation time in Washington, DC. Yes, my flight was booked last week but the problem is booking the hotel.

I have spent the last 3 days looking at dozens and dozens hotels in the Washington and Arlington area. Yes, everything from "Foggy Bottom" to Maryland and Virginia. The problem are the comments which seem to be so negative for so many hotels. Everything from nasty employees to bugs in the bathtub and everything from construction noise outside to swimming pools that have been "under repair" for months.

Please help! I would love to hear from anyone and everyone who has ever been to Washington and had a positive experience with accommodation. Location near public transportation is very important. Thank you to one and all!
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I would love to go someday!
 
I've been there quite a few times, but not in 30 years. Sorry.

Keep your wits about you. There seem to be a lot of aggressive homeless there now.
 
Although this is a little ways from Washington, D.C. (1/2 hour train ride), it is a block from the Metro. It is called Bethesda Marriott Conference Center and is on 5701 Marinelli Rd. The hotel is nice and classy. They have their own restaurant with excellent food (I have eaten there many times). They also have room service. A block or two away are several restaurants (you go from the back of the hotel). It is quiet, especially if you ask for a top floor. A little pricey, but it's perfect if you don't want to be stuck in a downtown hotel. I have gone there many times in the recent past.
 
dilettante said:
I've been there quite a few times, but not in 30 years. Sorry.

Keep your wits about you. There seem to be a lot of aggressive homeless there now.
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I was talking to my brother this morning who told me about a guy he knew who visited Washington 40 years ago. He always talked about the homeless around the White House area and my brother wants me to check if they are still there. I told him I would "check it out."

Actually, I got a feeling the homeless are there and there are a lot more than there were there 40 years ago.

My brother and I had a good laugh about American movies: convertibles, large mansions, private planes, servants opening doors and swimming pools. I have traveled and wintered in the US enough times to tell you that "it ain't really like that pilgrim."
 
I stayed in an Airbnb a few years ago that was a few blocks east of the Library of Congress and was a block away from a bus station. Great experience. I checked Airbnb's site and that one is no longer listed but there are lots of other good choices.
 
Packerjohn said:
My brother and I had a good laugh about American movies: convertibles, large mansions, private planes, servants opening doors and swimming pools. I have traveled and wintered in the US enough times to tell you that "it ain't really like that pilgrim."
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Well, it's only like that in some places. Visit Beverly Hills and surrounds, for instance.
 
We stayed at the Greenbelt area 3 years ago, at Hilton Garden Inn.
Nice and reasonable, with transportation to the train station.
Got the train to D.C. proper and visited all the sites.
The Big Red Bus night tour was a big hit.

A trip I will always remember, from Arlington Cemetery, The Wall, etc.
 
I hope you'll have a tremendously fun time, John! I've loved every one of my visits there... even walking around Capitol Hill looking for breakfast at 5 a.m. Uh... but that was long ago and I wouldn't recommend it at this time. :giggle:

Don't climb up on Abe's lap or swim in the reflecting pool... they get cranky about those things. 🤭 I hope you'll share stories of your trip with us! @Packerjohn
 
Keep all valuables locked in your hotel when you go out. There are many places of interest to see. Monument Park is fascinating. Lots of history. Jump over to Arlington Cemetery as well. And, while you could spend a lifetime just going through it, The Smithsonian is not to be missed. Don't get jostled in crowds and be sure to avoid certain areas. The hotel concierge will help you out there.
 
I was in Washington DC many times years ago and always stayed close to the Mall. Forget what hotels. I took my daughter and her best friend from school to the Smithsonian- so Fabulous - to the Wall, Lincoln Memorial, to see the original Constitution and Declaration of Independence and to many of the incredible museums.

I was a Watergate "buff" and was able to take photos of the Watergate building.

The Mall had open air shuttles that didn't cost too much- and were always available for those who wanted to see more but were tired of the walking distances between the museums. Hope they still have shuttles.

I have been a member of the Smithsonian for many decades and they had a wonderful daily buffet in one of the museums at a very low price if you show your membership card.

On one visit I went to Arlington, JFK's grave, and saw the enormous bronze statute of Imo Jima.



I also went to the National Zoo by subway, o see the Pandas ---not far from the Mall.

I bet, however, Washington DC has changed a LOT since then.
 
Widow of Vietnam Vet said:
I have been a member of the Smithsonian for many decades and they had a wonderful daily buffet in one of the museums at a very low price if you show your membership card.
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I'll have to check into that membership... the Smithsonian (LOVE the place!) was where I had the most expensive burger I've ever had. I thought for the price, it would be huge and special, but nope, just a dinky little hamburger. 🍔

Had a good lunch with some of the senators at the Rayburn House building but that was quite a while ago. No idea if the building is still there or if members of the senate still eat there.
 
Packerjohn said:
I was talking to my brother this morning who told me about a guy he knew who visited Washington 40 years ago. He always talked about the homeless around the White House area and my brother wants me to check if they are still there. I told him I would "check it out."

Actually, I got a feeling the homeless are there and there are a lot more than there were there 40 years ago.

My brother and I had a good laugh about American movies: convertibles, large mansions, private planes, servants opening doors and swimming pools. I have traveled and wintered in the US enough times to tell you that "it ain't really like that pilgrim."
Click to expand...
If you truly want to make the trip memorable, don't just 'check it out'......help them.
Even if its the smallest way. find a veteran, let him know you 'see' him....Don't just stick a dollar in his hand, bring a couple fresh pair of socks, a winter shirt/jacket.....he will be grateful....
 
Thank you for all the timely and kindly advice. Good advice about leaving valuables in the hotel safe.

Good point about sticking out because I am a "whitey." I had the same problem while backpacking Africa. There "whities" can be seen from 1/2 mile away. There is no place to hide for "whities."
 
I live 2 hours north of D.C. My wife and I gave spent mucho weekends down there, especially during cherry blossom time. We like earring at Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse. Don’t be fooled by the name. They have quite a variety on the menu.

When it starts getting to dusk, it’s time to get off the streets. A lot to see and do. Suggestion is don’t miss not going to the Smithsonian. You probably won’t get through all of them.
 

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