Jump to content

Trip Recommendations for Washington, DC

Guest xumelanie
Guest xumelanie
in City Life

Featured Replies

Posted

In a few months, my husband and I will be taking a short trip to DC.  :)  We decided to give Amtrak a try, and we have booked our trip.  Neither of us have riden Amtrak before, so we're looking forward to that. 

 

It's been nine years since I've been in DC, and this will be my husband's first trip.  I'm looking for recommendations for a hotel there.  Because we won't have a car, we need a place with easy access to the Metro.

 

In a few months, my husband and I will be taking a short trip to DC.  :)  We decided to give Amtrak a try, and we have booked our trip.  Neither of us have riden Amtrak before, so we're looking forward to that. 

 

It's been nine years since I've been in DC, and this will be my husband's first trip.  I'm looking for recommendations for a hotel there.  Because we won't have a car, we need a place with easy access to the Metro.

 

 

Well I'm not sure what you want to do while in DC, but here are my suggestions.

 

I'm biased as I LOVE W Hotels & Westin's or cool boutique properties.

 

My Top choices

1  Park Hyatt DC (100% top to bottom reno - the place is fabulous!)

2  Ritz Carlton - GT (the interior is like a W Hotel - thumbs up!)

3  Hotel Palomar

4  Sofitel

5  Hotel Helix

6  Hilton Embassy Row - Solid property, excellent location*

7  Westin Arlington - Good if you need to be in VA

8  Crown Plaza - Solid property, beds are comfy and in a great location

9  Westin Embassy Row - Older tired property, but the location is excellent *

10  Mandarian Oriental - Great Views

11  4 Points - Good property for mid level brand

12  St. Regis - Old school propery, kinda blah to me

 

*Westin and Hilton are accross from one another

You don't say how much you're willing to spend!  I could recommend the Hay-Adams, but you might not have $500 a night for a room.  "In a few months" is kind of vague, too.  It sounds like you'll be here during peak tourist season, so you're going to end up shelling out more money for a room.  More info, please.

 

Most hotels in the District or in north Arlington are within a couple blocks of the Metro.  There are also a few bed and breakfasts here-and-there, which might be worth checking out.  Just steer clear of any properties, especially in the suburbs, that advertise "shuttle to the Metro"--it's just a big waste of time, and you won't have the freedom you would if you can stay in a walkable location.

 

Good move on taking Amtrak--I don't have a lot of sympathy for tourists who insist on bringing their cars to DC.  You would only spend half your time trying to find your way around, and the other half finding a place to park. 

 

 

 

The Hay-Adams, St. Regis, Willard are old boring floral print uptight joints!

 

I would recommend use the Hay-Adams, Phoenix Park, L'Enfant Plaza, the Fairmont, Four Season, the Renaissance or ANY Marriot.  I reluctantly included the St. Regis - which I might delete.

 

I agree with Dan, you don't need a car in DC. During the day the metro is fine and at night get a cab, albeit expensive.

 

When are you going?

What do you want to do while in DC?

 

I hope you have a better time than my wife and I did when we took Amtrak to DC...it was miserable.  It was three hours late picking us up, four or five hours late arriving, and (while this isn't the train's fault), all the rocking and jumping and starting and stopping made for an awful, awful night of trying to sleep.  The cost was the same as round trip plane fare, more expensive than renting a car and paying to park it in DC for a week would have been, and we spent half again as long in transit for our trouble.  I will NEVER take Amtrak on a trip again, I'm very sorry to say, unless the cost makes the hassle and extra time worth it...but I honestly really, really hope your experience is nothing like ours was!

 

Oh, and walking around DC, taking cabs and the Metro - it was a phenomenal trip!  We loved every second of that city, once we actually got there and recovered from the travel!

 

Thanks for the suggestions so far.  We are going in mid-May.  We are looking for something not too expensive.  We do plan on checking out some of the museums, and we are open to suggestions for restaurants and bars.

 

We got AAA rates for Amtrak.  THe cost for both of us is $212. 

 

 

In mid-May, the cheapest room you'll find in-town will be at least $150/night. 

 

As far as food goes, what interests you?  There is some decent ethnic cuisine to be had, if you know where to look.  Thai, Vietnamese, and Ethiopian are fairly solid.  I've always enjoyed the Old Ebbitt Grill, although it can get very busy due to its location.  Depends on what you're looking for.  You definitely won't go hungry.  If you have a little cash to burn, some of the Southern-style cuisine places like Vidalia and Georgia Brown's are very good.

 

If you can get away from the monumental core for a bit, I would recommend checking out some of the neighborhoods, especially Dupont Circle, which has lots of art galleries, Capitol Hill, and Georgetown (on a weekday afternoon).  When in Rome, do as the Romans do!

 

Drinks on the roof at Hotel Washington are a MUST in the springtime.  Score a table around 6 or 7, order some wine and appetizers, and enjoy the views as the sun goes down.

 

 

 

 

 

I am a big fan of Thai, Indian, and Italian food. 

 

I do remember being Dupont Circle nine years ago, and I would like to go back, especially if they have art galleries.  I also remember eating at a neat little restaurant in Adam's Morgan.  Is that still an area that is worth checking out?

 

I looked at the taxi fares.  It looks really confusing with too many variables involved! 

XUMelanie:

 

In DC I used to go for AIA events and stayed a few times at the St. Gregory Hotel & Suites.  It is about mid way between the Foggy Bottom subway stop and Dupont Circle stop.  I think I always just cabbed it from Reagan National but you could take the subway to Foggy Bottom and walk the few blocks (if you don't have a lot of luggage). It is fairly reasonable and in the middle of a lot in my opinion.  I just checked and Exzpedia had some deals of like and average of $180.00 a night.  I also love their lobby bar "M".

 

I also have stayed at the Melrose.  It is even closer to Foggy Bottom stop and right on Penn. Ave before you get to Georgetown.  It is pricier than St. Gregory but the rooms are a notch above. 

 

As a side note we really had fun at The International Spy Museum.  The nearby renovated National Portrait Gallery is supposed to be nice and as an architect I always recommend the National Building Museum!

^I second the National Building Museum (disclaimer:  I'm a member).  They usually have some fantastic exhibits, which even lay persons can enjoy.  The interior space is among the finest in DC, if not the U.S--they always hold an inaugural ball there.  Tours of the building are offered.

 

Contact your Senator/Congressman to take a tour of the Capitol, and see if you can get gallery tickets to see the House or Senate in session.  Depending on the timing of your visit, you can also check out a DC United match or Nationals game at RFK Stadium.  Don't forget to stop at the National Zoo to see the pandas!

 

As a first timer, it is essential that your hubby sees the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Go for a walk on the Mall at night, and see the memorials, including the WWII and the FDR Memorials, which were not here the last time you visited.

 

I always like catching a show at Ford's Theatre, as well.  You can get half-price day-of-show tickets at Ticketplace on 7th Street.

 

Museum of American History is currently closed, but the Museum of the American Indian is pretty neat. 

 

As far as hotels go, I've heard wonderful things about the Hotel Monaco, which is located at 7th and F (diagonally across from Verizon Center).  It's located in the historic Postal Service building.  Even if you don't stay there, they have a pretty nice bar called Poste, which is worth stopping at after a visit to the Spy Museum or Portrait Gallery.  Near there are a couple very good tapas restaurants:  Jaleo (Spanish) and Zaytinya (Middle Eastern). 

 

For Thai food, Bangkok Bistro in Georgetown is good, as is Thaiphoon in Dupont Circle.  Personally, I prefer the Old Siam in my neighborhood--directly across the street from the Eastern Market Metro station.  There are a couple decent Indian places--Aditi in Georgetown comes to mind.  Italian is hit-or-miss in DC, and nothing like what you can get in Boston, New York, or even Littly Italy in Cleveland.  I highly recommend Dukem at 11th and U Streets NW for Ethiopian, as well as the historic Ben's Chili Bowl for chili half-smokes and milkshakes. 

 

Just a couple things off the top of my head.  Feel free to send me a personal message if you have any DC questions!

Thanks for the suggestions so far.  We are going in mid-May.  We are looking for something not too expensive.  We do plan on checking out some of the museums, and we are open to suggestions for restaurants and bars.

 

We got AAA rates for Amtrak.  THe cost for both of us is $212. 

 

 

 

Mid May on a weekend should be good.  Just make sure you're there before memorial day weekend. 

 

Dan..I forgot about the toor.  That is a wonderful idea.  the spy museum is a MUST!

Thanks everyone for your help.  So far, I have checked the hotels mentioned here.  Unfortunately, everything is either booked for our dates, or it is $300 or more per night.  :(  I'm going to keep looking, though. 

Thanks everyone for your help.  So far, I have checked the hotels mentioned here.  Unfortunately, everything is either booked for our dates, or it is $300 or more per night.  :(  I'm going to keep looking, though. 

 

Keep looking closer to your dates, rates always fall.  book a hotel to get in, then in the two weeks before your departure, check rates again, you'll see that they will go down.

There's nothing to see in that shitty-ass town. ;)

As a first timer, it is essential that your hubby sees the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Go for a walk on the Mall at night, and see the memorials, including the WWII and the FDR Memorials, which were not here the last time you visited.

 

As far as I'm concerned the only way to enjoy the mall is at night, especially the FDR Memorial.

I have stayed near Chinatown once...and in Crystal City once.  Both were fine...although I prefer more urban locations, so the Chinatown location gets the nod.  Pricewise though I would expect for cheaper rates out in Crystal City, and it has good access to the Metro (as did the other location)...check it out and good luck.

 

Oh, and as for Amtrak.  I took Amtrak to DC once and loved it.  Sure it is a slow ride, but it is a gorgeous ride there.  I got picked up on time, and was only slightly behind schedule thanks to some inclimate weather.  I would recomend Amtrak for the simple case that it is worry free (no need for directions, parking, or actually driving yourself).  Greyhound would serve this same purpose, but Greyhound just sucks plain and simple.

I am a big fan of Thai, Indian, and Italian food. 

 

I do remember being Dupont Circle nine years ago, and I would like to go back, especially if they have art galleries.  I also remember eating at a neat little restaurant in Adam's Morgan.  Is that still an area that is worth checking out?

 

I looked at the taxi fares.  It looks really confusing with too many variables involved! 

 

Adams Morgan has great food, so does U St. Gerogia Brown's is great food/enormous portions. Old Ebbitt is OK, but it's more of a place to be seen than a good food joint. It's not much different than your Cheesecake Factory. Mind you, d'town DC is not like Manhattan in terms of food. If you want great Italian, you ain't gonna find it in DC. If you want great Thai, you gotta head up to Wheaton and the north central Maryland burbs where alot of the Thai folks live. I don't each much Indian...I know of a pretty good place on Conn. Ave. near the Scientology center/Dupont Metro. And Chinatown isn't like NY's Chinatown. That damn Verizon Center is changing that area into one giant TGI Friday's.

 

Just a few pointers too, if you go in the spring the museums are a zoo (depending on the weather). If you want to go inside the Washington Monument, I would call now for tickets. Be cautious on the Mall, there were some schmucks that went on a stealing spree last summer, just keep your eyes open. Also the cab zone fare is lunacy, and while most cab drivers are half decent, make sure you know where you are going. Some of these guys try to drive out of the way to go through 3 or 4 zones so they can jack your rate up. Also if you plan to go to VA to see the Cemetary or shop at Pentagon City....take the Metro, avoid a cab.

 

Also, I stayed at the Hay-Adams once for a wedding maybe 5 years ago, it's a beautiful hotel. The only detrement is that DC police set up spotlights around the area due to it being a bit of a red light district. But the area has changed alot, it's much better now. Also, the air conditioning didn't work and it was 100 degrees the day of the wedding. But I digress. ;)

I have stayed near Chinatown once...and in Crystal City once.  Both were fine...although I prefer more urban locations, so the Chinatown location gets the nod.  Pricewise though I would expect for cheaper rates out in Crystal City, and it has good access to the Metro (as did the other location)...check it out and good luck.

 

Oh, and as for Amtrak.  I took Amtrak to DC once and loved it.  Sure it is a slow ride, but it is a gorgeous ride there.  I got picked up on time, and was only slightly behind schedule thanks to some inclimate weather.  I would recomend Amtrak for the simple case that it is worry free (no need for directions, parking, or actually driving yourself).  Greyhound would serve this same purpose, but Greyhound just sucks plain and simple.

 

There are cheap hotels on NY Ave heading out to Bladensburg. That's EconoLodge/Days Inn living out there and getting the city is a bit more time consuming. Also, if you are looking for cheap hotels by a Metro (but a long ride into the city) you can look at Rockville or Gaithersburg....most hotels have busses that run to a Red Line station. But be advised it's 40 minutes to over an hour to get to DC depending on the day.

 

Rando, Crystal City is pretty urban.

In Adam's Morgan I like going to Chief Ike's Mambo Room.  It is an experience for a little music, beer, etc.

 

The last time I was in DC, my favorite restaurant was "Dish".  It was in Foggy Bottom in a very cool space.  Food is contemporary American comfort food.  It has been a few times back but I also recommend Jaleo (Spanish) which someone else also mentioned.  Been to Vidalia probably 3 years ago and it was good too.

 

I like the Old Ebbitt Grill for the scene.  We did a "power breakfast" there and the food was good.

try to catch a live show at madam's organ (in adams morgan), look for something blue grass themed.

 

Maybe DaninDC knows which nights are bluegrassy.

^Wednesday nights, Big Hillbilly Bluegrass performs, beginning around 10.  You have to love any bar that proclaims "Sorry, we're open." 

I have stayed near Chinatown once...and in Crystal City once.  Both were fine...although I prefer more urban locations, so the Chinatown location gets the nod.  Pricewise though I would expect for cheaper rates out in Crystal City, and it has good access to the Metro (as did the other location)...check it out and good luck.

 

Oh, and as for Amtrak.  I took Amtrak to DC once and loved it.  Sure it is a slow ride, but it is a gorgeous ride there.  I got picked up on time, and was only slightly behind schedule thanks to some inclimate weather.  I would recomend Amtrak for the simple case that it is worry free (no need for directions, parking, or actually driving yourself).  Greyhound would serve this same purpose, but Greyhound just sucks plain and simple.

 

There are cheap hotels on NY Ave heading out to Bladensburg. That's EconoLodge/Days Inn living out there and getting the city is a bit more time consuming. Also, if you are looking for cheap hotels by a Metro (but a long ride into the city) you can look at Rockville or Gaithersburg....most hotels have busses that run to a Red Line station. But be advised it's 40 minutes to over an hour to get to DC depending on the day.

 

Rando, Crystal City is pretty urban.

 

Sorry I should have been more clear....Crystal City is quite urban...just not as much as the area surrounding Chinatown.

When my partner and I went to DC a few years ago, we got a really great rate (I'm talking like $60 a night) at the Hotel Rouge on Priceline, but Priceline can be pretty hit or miss.  We had a great experience with the hotel and it was even better because it was just a short walk from Dupont Circle and the Metro station there.

When my partner and I went to DC a few years ago, we got a really great rate (I'm talking like $60 a night) at the Hotel Rouge on Priceline, but Priceline can be pretty hit or miss.  We had a great experience with the hotel and it was even better because it was just a short walk from Dupont Circle and the Metro station there.

 

The Rouge is owned by the same folks that own the Palomar and Helix.  I never suggest people use priceline, or any other "opaque" booking agent, always book directly with a hotel.

 

 

 

 

Sorry I should have been more clear....Crystal City is quite urban...just not as much as the area surrounding Chinatown.

 

When I returned to Chinatown after a four year absence, the area had gone (is going) condo/apartment/gentrification crazy.....

I have stayed near Chinatown once...and in Crystal City once.  Both were fine...although I prefer more urban locations, so the Chinatown location gets the nod.  Pricewise though I would expect for cheaper rates out in Crystal City, and it has good access to the Metro (as did the other location)...check it out and good luck.

 

Oh, and as for Amtrak.  I took Amtrak to DC once and loved it.  Sure it is a slow ride, but it is a gorgeous ride there.  I got picked up on time, and was only slightly behind schedule thanks to some inclimate weather.  I would recomend Amtrak for the simple case that it is worry free (no need for directions, parking, or actually driving yourself).  Greyhound would serve this same purpose, but Greyhound just sucks plain and simple.

 

There are cheap hotels on NY Ave heading out to Bladensburg. That's EconoLodge/Days Inn living out there and getting the city is a bit more time consuming. Also, if you are looking for cheap hotels by a Metro (but a long ride into the city) you can look at Rockville or Gaithersburg....most hotels have busses that run to a Red Line station. But be advised it's 40 minutes to over an hour to get to DC depending on the day.

 

Rando, Crystal City is pretty urban.

 

Sorry I should have been more clear....Crystal City is quite urban...just not as much as the area surrounding Chinatown.

 

That's my bad, Rando.

 

 

Sorry I should have been more clear....Crystal City is quite urban...just not as much as the area surrounding Chinatown.

 

When I returned to Chinatown after a four year absence, the area had gone (is going) condo/apartment/gentrification crazy.....

 

When I moved to DC is 1994, Chinatown was just another Metro stop along the way to Barryville. My wife worked in the area and we used to eat in Chinatown all the time. It was a divey neighborhood but definitely Chinese with a sprinkling of Thai and Korean. Now the Chinese influence of the neighborhood is being squeezed out by the $400K condos and the crap they're building for those people around Verizon. Most of the Asians have moved to the burbs where the housing is cheaper. In about 10 years it'll be Verizontown.

10 years?  You mean 10 minutes, right? 

 

It's pretty sad.  Chinatown has become a caricature of itself.  A lot of that happened when Douglas Jemal bought up most of the property near 7th and H, and multiplied the rents by 6, ensuring that only chains could afford to be there.  The District hasn't really done a lot to keep (or increase) the Chinese population in the area, either.

 

Thankfully, no one really lives near the location of the new baseball stadium.

 

 

Sorry I should have been more clear....Crystal City is quite urban...just not as much as the area surrounding Chinatown.

 

When I returned to Chinatown after a four year absence, the area had gone (is going) condo/apartment/gentrification crazy.....

 

When I moved to DC is 1994, Chinatown was just another Metro stop along the way to Barryville. My wife worked in the area and we used to eat in Chinatown all the time. It was a divey neighborhood but definitely Chinese with a sprinkling of Thai and Korean. Now the Chinese influence of the neighborhood is being squeezed out by the $400K condos and the crap they're building for those people around Verizon. Most of the Asians have moved to the burbs where the housing is cheaper. In about 10 years it'll be Verizontown.

 

Gordon Biersch and Hooters was the start of the "end" of ChinaTown.

10 years?  You mean 10 minutes, right? 

 

It's pretty sad.  Chinatown has become a caricature of itself.  A lot of that happened when Douglas Jemal bought up most of the property near 7th and H, and multiplied the rents by 6, ensuring that only chains could afford to be there.  The District hasn't really done a lot to keep (or increase) the Chinese population in the area, either.

 

Thankfully, no one really lives near the location of the new baseball stadium.

 

Except poor people.  I remember when that area was like clevelands warehouse district, tons of black bars.  however, the DC area's bars were located in low income areas.  that south capital area will never be the same.

Gordon Biersch is not in the historic Chinatown.  The beginning of the end was the strip of 7th between G and H, with Ruby Tuesday and Fuddruckers.  The Chinatown buses still make their stops, though.

 

The site of the new baseball stadium was not a residential area.  It consisted of the following: an asphalt plant, several gay nightclubs and bath houses, car repair and towing businesses, parking lots, empty lots, and vacant buildings.  The housing projects nearby aren't going anywhere for a while, and are actually being renovated. 

10 years?  You mean 10 minutes, right? 

 

It's pretty sad.  Chinatown has become a caricature of itself.  A lot of that happened when Douglas Jemal bought up most of the property near 7th and H, and multiplied the rents by 6, ensuring that only chains could afford to be there.  The District hasn't really done a lot to keep (or increase) the Chinese population in the area, either.

 

Thankfully, no one really lives near the location of the new baseball stadium.

 

I hear that. DC has had a lot of neighborhood success stories over the past 15 years, but Chinatown isn't one of them. Don't get me wrong, it's becoming an urban planners dream, but at a big cost by ruining one of the unique neighborhoods of the city. Talk to the folks that run the Korean shops in Annandale. They'll tell you how they tried to make it work in DC, but were pushed out by the movement started with Jemal and Pollin.

 

Columbia Heights/Mt. Pleasant is still trying to stay a very real Hispanic neighborhood with awesome restaurants. But block by block it's becoming one Starbucks.

 

The Nats Stadium is just like the Jake...it can only improve the area around it.

10 years?  You mean 10 minutes, right? 

 

It's pretty sad.  Chinatown has become a caricature of itself.  A lot of that happened when Douglas Jemal bought up most of the property near 7th and H, and multiplied the rents by 6, ensuring that only chains could afford to be there.  The District hasn't really done a lot to keep (or increase) the Chinese population in the area, either.

 

Thankfully, no one really lives near the location of the new baseball stadium.

 

Except poor people.  I remember when that area was like clevelands warehouse district, tons of black bars.  however, the DC area's bars were located in low income areas.  that south capital area will never be the same.

 

There are some black bars, but "Dream" was always filled with white people. There were alot of gay bars down there too like Traxx. But even with the bars South Capitol was always about two steps away from becoming Brookpark Rd. between Engle and W. 150th without the charm of airplane noise every three minutes. :)

Gordon Biersch is not in the historic Chinatown.  The beginning of the end was the strip of 7th between G and H, with Ruby Tuesday and Fuddruckers.  The Chinatown buses still make their stops, though.

 

The site of the new baseball stadium was not a residential area.  It consisted of the following: an asphalt plant, several gay nightclubs and bath houses, car repair and towing businesses, parking lots, empty lots, and vacant buildings.  The housing projects nearby aren't going anywhere for a while, and are actually being renovated. 

 

I should have been clearer, I'm talking about the 80s and 90s...  Hell I remember seeing Queen and the Village People at Nation (it wasn't called nation back then though)...the good old days...

 

Dan, Where is the ball park going?  I think I've got my borders wrong.

 

I thought it was going in the area bordered by SE Capital, 8 Street, L Street & N Street (maybe O).  that area is just a former shell of it self.  It appears that the remaining black gay bars down there Like the bachelors mill or Edge/Wet are slated to be closed/condemned.

^The ballpark will be bounded by South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue, 1st and N Streets SE (just south of the Navy Yard Metro station).  When I moved here in 2001, that area was already pretty seedy.  The biggest loss, IMO, was the gay clubs (not that I ever went to any of them).  Unfortunately, relocation efforts to other parts of the city are facing neighborhood opposition and proving difficult. 

 

Renderings and "before" photos and such:

http://www.jdland.com/dc/stadium.cfm

 

Amrap, I laughed at your assessment of the area.  Although I think that with Malley's Chocolates and the Ramada Inn, 150th and Brookpark is a little classier.

^The ballpark will be bounded by South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue, 1st and N Streets SE (just south of the Navy Yard Metro station).  When I moved here in 2001, that area was already pretty seedy.  The biggest loss, IMO, was the gay clubs (not that I ever went to any of them).  Unfortunately, relocation efforts to other parts of the city are facing neighborhood opposition and proving difficult. 

 

Renderings and "before" photos and such:

http://www.jdland.com/dc/stadium.cfm

 

Amrap, I laughed at your assessment of the area.  Although I think that with Malley's Chocolates and the Ramada Inn, 150th and Brookpark is a little classier.

 

yes, I had my borders wrong.  Most of the "decent" gay bars were closer to mickey d's and wendys & KFC.  Well that Best Western isn't any prettier than any property on Brook Park.  You've only been in DC a hot minute...if you think that area was REALLY bad in 2001, you should have seen it (and most of DC) in the mid 80s and 90s.

The Ramada and Malleys I believe are between W. 130th and W. 150th closer to the GM Parma plant. That's a "higher class" neighborhood over there.

 

BTW, completely off topic, I believe driving the length of Ohio Rt. 17 Brookpark/Rockside Rds. might be the best highway to highlight suburban "planning" gone awry.

^The ballpark will be bounded by South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue, 1st and N Streets SE (just south of the Navy Yard Metro station).  When I moved here in 2001, that area was already pretty seedy.  The biggest loss, IMO, was the gay clubs (not that I ever went to any of them).  Unfortunately, relocation efforts to other parts of the city are facing neighborhood opposition and proving difficult. 

 

Renderings and "before" photos and such:

http://www.jdland.com/dc/stadium.cfm

 

Amrap, I laughed at your assessment of the area.  Although I think that with Malley's Chocolates and the Ramada Inn, 150th and Brookpark is a little classier.

 

yes, I had my borders wrong.  Most of the "decent" gay bars were closer to mickey d's and wendys & KFC.  Well that Best Western isn't any prettier than any property on Brook Park.  You've only been in DC a hot minute...that area was REALLY if you think it was bad in 2001, you should have seen it (and most of DC) in the mid 80s and 90s.

 

I agree with ya, MTS. The city looked alot different in 1994. Although, just like with Verizontown, sometimes newer and safer dosen't always mean better.

^The ballpark will be bounded by South Capitol Street, Potomac Avenue, 1st and N Streets SE (just south of the Navy Yard Metro station).  When I moved here in 2001, that area was already pretty seedy.  The biggest loss, IMO, was the gay clubs (not that I ever went to any of them).  Unfortunately, relocation efforts to other parts of the city are facing neighborhood opposition and proving difficult. 

 

Renderings and "before" photos and such:

http://www.jdland.com/dc/stadium.cfm

 

Amrap, I laughed at your assessment of the area.  Although I think that with Malley's Chocolates and the Ramada Inn, 150th and Brookpark is a little classier.

 

yes, I had my borders wrong.  Most of the "decent" gay bars were closer to mickey d's and wendys & KFC.  Well that Best Western isn't any prettier than any property on Brook Park.  You've only been in DC a hot minute...that area was REALLY if you think it was bad in 2001, you should have seen it (and most of DC) in the mid 80s and 90s.

 

I agree with ya, MTS. The city looked alot different in 1994. Although, just like with Verizontown, sometimes newer and safer dosen't always mean better.

 

AMEN to that!

BTW, completely off topic, I believe driving the length of Ohio Rt. 17 Brookpark/Rockside Rds. might be the best highway to highlight suburban "planning" gone awry.

 

Actually, headed eastbound Brookpark becomes Granger at Schaaf Road, then becomes Libby Road when crossing the Norfolk Southern tracks in Maple Heights.  In any event, it has its share of disasters--but Rockside/Snow has more than its share too!

BTW, completely off topic, I believe driving the length of Ohio Rt. 17 Brookpark/Rockside Rds. might be the best highway to highlight suburban "planning" gone awry.

 

Actually, headed eastbound Brookpark becomes Granger at Schaaf Road, then becomes Libby Road when crossing the Norfolk Southern tracks in Maple Heights.   In any event, it has its share of disasters--but Rockside/Snow has more than its share too!

 

That's my bad. My grandparents always went to that Brown Derby near the cloverleaf of 21 and Granger. Rockside/Snow is at least a little less run down...and the views of driving down Rockside into the valley are pretty nice. There's also some pretty funky views of d'town Cleveland in that suburban office mess of Rockside between I-77 and 21. It's pretty funny how western Cuyahoga and eastern Cuyahoga share the same road with different names. There's also Bagley/Pleasant Valley and Alexander.

I take it they were all seperated rds. at one point.

Has anyone heard of Windsor Park Hotel?  It's a few blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro stop.

Or the Days Inn on Connecticut Ave?  They claim to be one stop from the Metro, but there don't say which stop.

Tripadvisor.com ranks it #94 out of 112 DC hotels.  I find reading the reviewer comments a better guage and they range from bad to good.  I've stayed at hotels that got a less than stellar rating as I think some pople just are picky and expect too much for an affordable hotel.  Most comments centerered around "affordable, you get what you pay for" notions.  Take a look at the site and just type in the hotel name and city.  It should pop up.

Has anyone heard of Windsor Park Hotel?  It's a few blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro stop.

If I'm not mistaken, this property is further up Conn. and its an old school property, I wouldn't stay there!

 

I think the "closest" stop to the property is dupont, but its not within say a 5 block walk.

Woodley Park Zoo/Adams Morgan might be closer than Dupont for Windsor Park.  Strayed at the Wardman Park Hotel once for a conference which is right at that station.

Windsor Park Hotel:

http://www.windsorparkhotel.com/

 

It's a hoof to the Metro - 15 minutes or so to either Dupont Circle or Woodley Park.  It is a VERY nice area, though (think embassies), and if you want nightlife, Adams-Morgan is a short walk, as are the art galleries in Dupont Circle.  The walk to the Metro is doable, but you'd be walking uphill from Dupont at the end of the day, or across the bridge from Woodley Park (wonderful walk, but allow time!).  If you look on the "location" map on the hotel's website, note that the Dupont Circle Metro is at Connecticut and Q Streets.  Woodley Park Metro is just off the top of the map (a block north of Calvert Street).

 

The Van Ness area (North Cleveland Park) isn't a bad area.  It was built-up much later, so it's more modern architecture, and hence, not as "nice".  It's a bit removed from the fray, though, but access to the Metro is good.  It's a very safe area (still requires buck$ to live there), and has some stores, restaurants, and other basic amenities.

Create an account or sign in to comment

Go to topic listing

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.