Washington DC hotel/restaurant recommendations

[Roikins]

Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser

The zoo has plenty of indoor spaces to cool off. It's not like the OP is taking the kids to Arlington National Cemetery, which would be a bad idea.

I think the kids would also enjoy a boat ride down the Potomac River from Georgetown to Old Town Alexandria.


The zoo is doable in the summer if you go early, like before 10am, and know what animal exhibits you want to see.

 

[lee_44106]

Guys, good suggestions and thanks.


Looks like I'll be staying at the Grand Hyatt on H street. Most of reviews are positive and it seems to be close to the Metro and within walking distance of tourist stuff.

-Is the Zoo really that hot in July? I'm taking my kids to see the pandas most important.
-What's the availability of restrooms on the Mall for walking around tourists?

 

[dfagdfsh]

yes the zoo will be very hot. it is listed at 84 for the day but will probably seem much hotter once you factor in humidity. if you are going to go do it smart: go EARLY, go fast and don't dawdle. don't drive.

restrooms are a crap shoot. I always end up going to a restaurant or something.

 

[JoeWoah]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

Guys, good suggestions and thanks. Looks like I'll be staying at the Grand Hyatt on H street. Most of reviews are positive and it seems to be close to the Metro and within walking distance of tourist stuff. -Is the Zoo really that hot in July? I'm taking my kids to see the pandas most important. -What's the availability of restrooms on the Mall for walking around tourists?
Glad my suggestion on the hotel was useful, but it books up really quickly! Better call ASAP. Yep, it's hot. You can always drive there, plenty of parking in that neighborhood. Eh, restrooms are tough, there are port-a-johns around there but I would use the bathrooms in the museums. Restaurants and shops are too far away from the mall to be useful. You guys might like Firefly. Google it. The kids will think it's cool too. The food is awesome too!

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

The zoo is at a higher elevation than downtown DC, and catches a steady breeze in the summer. The main reason to go in the morning is to avoid crowds, not to avoid heat.

 

[brittain]

Lee- I'll also be meeting with Patrick on the morning of the 18th, maybe I'll see you there.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by lee_44106

Looks like I'll be staying at the Grand Hyatt on H street. Most of reviews are positive and it seems to be close to the Metro and within walking distance of tourist stuff.

-Is the Zoo really that hot in July?
I've had good experiences at the Grand Hyatt, so I think you made a good choice.

Yes, the zoo is really, really hot in July.

 

[bankboss]

Originally Posted by JayJay

I've had good experiences at the Grand Hyatt, so I think you made a good choice.

Yes, the zoo is really, really hot in July.

Ive stayed at the J.W (pleasure) Courtyard(business) and the Donovan House 2x(pleasure) within the past year. All were well worth it for me.

 

[marin]

+1 on the St Regis, although it is pricey and more business- than family-oriented. I stayed there for 4 weeks last fall and enjoyed it very much.

I recommend checking on the Hotel Monaco -- walking distance to the Mall and many restaurant choices in the immediate area. Jaleo, mentioned above, is a block away.