[Dog]

Ping.

[muawiyah]

Better yet, just get a room at any one of half a dozen hotels in Springfield Virginia and catch the Metro to the Mall, etc.

In the evening you can dine in any one of several dozen exotic and ethnic restaurants. Dragon Sea Buffet comes to mind ~ for a start.

[1LongTimeLurker]

It's a decent area, you should be fine.

However, I'd highly recommend looking at the Roslyn Marriott, it is a much better location, within walking distance to metro and georgetown.

[Gunrunner2]

I always stay at the Crystal City Marriott or the Gateway Marriott. Both are outside the "bad" side of DC and both are on top of a metro stop, so you can walk to a metro stop without even leaving the hotel. Very nice. You get around DC by metro and it is safe and easy and clean (wonders).

No need to stay in DC, just stay in Arlington/Crystal City. . .you will be fine. . .and safe.

Just me talking.

[CitizenM]

??? I am not sure if you meant to say ...two nine year olds going out day and night but if you did, there is no place in Washington DC that I would let any children go in and out (on their own?) day....and especially, night.

[bonfire]

Sure glad you asked this question. Saving this thread in my favorites!

[Vigilanteman]

I don't know what you are paying for that hotel, but my own recommendation would be the Harrington Hotel, kitty corner from the FBI building. I stayed there with my daughter once-- I was on a business trip; she was on her way to spend the summer with relatives. As I recall, the price was a reasonable (for DC) $100/day and the location was superb-- nobody likely to try anything with the FBI Hq so close.

While I spent the day on business, my daughter got tickets for the White House tour and a number of other errands done so we could enjoy the town together when my business was done.

The Harrington is an older hotel, but is kept in good order and is probably the best location/price value in DC.

[ken5050]

Off topic, but make sure ASAP you contact your congresscrittr and senators' offices..especially if you voted for them..LOLtell them you're bringing your two kids..they love that stuff..you may get a tour pass, or a bump on the WH tour, or an invite to some event..even asked to drop by the office for pics..doesn't hurt..

[freedom4ever]

My family and I have stayed there a few times. It was ok for us. We would use the Metro, get off at Dupont Circle station and walk the 3 or 4 blocks to the hotel. McPherson Square Metro Station may be a little bit closer, I don't know. We never had any trouble though, except trying to catch a cab at 4:00 AM to get to Union Station.

[DTogo]

The fam & I stayed at the Hamilton over the 4th of July: K & 14th. A few bums in Franklin Square, but a refreshing walk down to W's house, and a great restaurant in the 1F:
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-388458-crowne_plaza_hamilton_washington_dc-i

[farmfriend]

I always stay at the Club Quarters

839 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006

It's right on top of the White House and easy to walk down to all the monuments.

[UB355]

When my daughter was married in 1998 in DC my family stayed at this location. She got married at St Matthews Cathedral which was close by. No problems at that time although it was in November.


http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc57.htm

[freddiedavis]

try this http://www.washingtonhotels.com/clubquarters.html

[SoftballMominVA]

I'll second some really good advice--Stay in Springfield VA, just make sure you are close to the metro--and ride that sucker in. You will save money and feel a bit safer. Springfield Mall is nice and a good place to catch a movie if you hit a rainy day.

Whatever you are paying in DC will be much more than in Springfield. Enjoy!

[FairfaxVA]

You should be fine at any hotel in NW.

[BlueCat]

That hotel is just fine. Looks clean and is a safe location.

[montag813]

Henley Park Hotel...has one of the best restaurants in DC, Le Coeur de Lion, which has a simply indescribable Maitre D. Voted est M-D in Washington like every year.

[F105-D ThunderChief]

Gaithersburg has several nice studio type hotels, and very reasonable prices. It's a safe place with convenient access to the metro. I would encourage you to visit some of the DC restaurants (Chinatown) and the Smithsonian.

[mombonn]

No advice, except to say glad you didn't book Howard Johnson's.

Worst experience of my life when we attended the House Manager's Dinner.

I'd die before ever booking a room with them again.

[Fledermaus]

If you can afford upscale, the Loews L'Enfant is a nice place. Great views and a subway terminal below the hotel in the mall area. And it's only 2 blocks from the main Smithsonian buildings.