Washington DC hotel/restaurant recommendations

Originally Posted by Douglas

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Lee, where do you live that you're driving to DC to meet up w/Chan?

D,

I PM'ed you.

For restaurants in the DC area, I've had good meals at

West End Bistro
Komi
Minibar (probably not good for kids)

We're missing something here... what's your budget? The Four Seasons and whatnot may not be ideal here, guys (also considering how far it is from the Metro).

Weekdays are substantially more expensive than weekends here, but there is more to do. The Grand Hyatt would be my choice, it's a resort, all the rooms are suites so the kids aren't fighting over space, you and your wife would have your own room and it's equal distance between Chinatown and Metro Center metros.

If price is an object, the Melrose in Foggy Bottom West is one of the best options in the city. It's walking distance to Georgetown and the NW Waterfront, a few blocks away from the Foggy Bottom metro, it's in a very safe, upscale neighborhood and the suites are about $130-$150 a night (with multi-bedrooms). You'll also find street parking around there too on the weekends.

The hotels around Union Station/New Jersey Ave., on the Hill, are really cheap on the weekends. My dad stayed at the Cap Hill Hyatt for $35 on a weekend, the weekday rate was $275. They tend to be business-traveler oriented but are in walking distance to the Mall, Capitol, Circular bus and tour buses/ shuttles. The Hill is also pretty quiet on the weekend.

My advice to you, and all tourists, would be to hit the museums during the day. Buy a day pass on those tour buses around the mall... it's cheap and the make stops often (they're more shuttle than tour bus). This will save you from walking around the Mall (which has no shade) on a hot day with little kids.

At night, go to the monuments then. They're open all night and are beautiful lit up. There will be fewer people out and you can actually enjoy them in relative peace. The kids can run around too. Believe it or not, the Mall is a very safe place even at night. This will save you from the heat too.

Originally Posted by cchen

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For restaurants in the DC area, I've had good meals at

West End Bistro
Komi
Minibar (probably not good for kids)


If he's bringing his kids whom are under 5 to restaurants with him, I would say none of those are good choices. If he's planning to get away from the kids for a dinner or two, then absolutely get your reservations in to the Minibar, Komi, or Restaurant Eve a month ahead.

west end bistro is completely fine. its a very casual place

Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser

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The zoo is on the red line, and the Smithsonian museums are on the blue/orange lines, so you will want a hotel with easy access to all these lines. I second the recommendation for somewhere around Metro Center. The Capital Hilton is pretty easy to get to, so there's no need to stay there if you find somewhere better. Check out Trip Advisor to narrow your search.

I think the J.W. Marriott is close to Metro Center. Also, don't try driving around D.C. take a cab.

Originally Posted by cchen

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west end bistro is completely fine. its a very casual place

It's also not that good.

Actually, it depends when he goes, because the bar area can be packed most weeknights, but the dining area always seems empty. The only time I've been there when it was full was during Inauguration Week. Although, I'm not sure there's anything on the West End menu that might be appetizing to kids 5 and under.

westin in foggy bottom is pretty nice

also you should eat at ray's in arlington

Originally Posted by Teger

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westin in foggy bottom is pretty nice

also you should eat at ray's in arlington

I would 2nd Ray's. You can also try Zaytinya or one the Jaleo near Chinatown. Since they serve tapas, it might be easier to find something kids like, and being a tapas restaurant, they tend to be louder, masking any loud children you might have.

make sure you visit the american indian museum too, very cool

IMO.. I would skip the zoo. its going to be 120 degrees and packed wall to wall with tourists.

^
seconded that. the museum restaurant is also very good, and not too expensive. i'd take the fam there if you eat at any of the smithsonians.

Originally Posted by Teger

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make sure you visit the american indian museum too, very cool


And it has the best food of any of the Smithsonians which means one less place to find for lunch.

Originally Posted by ctrlaltelite

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^
seconded that. the museum restaurant is also very good, and not too expensive. i'd take the fam there if you eat at any of the smithsonians.

next dc meet up???

Originally Posted by Teger

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IMO.. I would skip the zoo. its going to be 120 degrees and packed wall to wall with tourists.
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.

Originally Posted by Teger

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next dc meet up???

haha sf x mall sweat.