Downtown D.C.
Hampton Inn
This has upscale features for a great bargain when you get a deal. Contemporary rooms offer family-friendly amenities like a fridge, microwave, iron and board, coffeemaker, safe, cable TV, video-on-demand (for a fee). Also free are a hot buffet breakfast, local calls, and high-speed Internet. There's an indoor pool with spa, a laundry room, and an exercise room.
Holiday Inn Capital at the Smithsonian
Location, location, location. This newly renovated, 529-room hotel is a block away from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, the most popular museum in the Smithsonian Institution, as well as the other Smithsonian museums and the National Archives. Rooms are designed in traditional hotel-chain style, with hair dryers and irons available. There's a rooftop pool and a health club. On-site dining includes Smithson's Restaurant, the Shuttle Express Deli, and a hip and trendy lounge for cocktails. Kids under twelve eat free, and it is serviced by Pizza Hut Express and Starbucks. Published room rates are as much as $329 per night, but Internet specials often list rooms for under $100, so ask how you can get a room at that price. Parking is an additional $22 per night. All major credit cards are accepted.
The Quincy
Formerly the Lincoln Suites Downtown, this is an all-suite, tenstory hotel with ninety-nine suites. Many guests stay for weeks or longer when doing business in the city because it is only five blocks from the White House and central to most of the capital's attractions. Great for families, about one-third of the suites feature full kitchens; others have microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Other amenities include video games (fee charged), a wet bar, hair dryer, complimentary milk and cookies in the evening, and an expanded continental breakfast in the morning. There is a “DC for Kids” package deal, which includes the above room amenities plus a Metrocard, a bag full of snacks, and a coloring book. There are two restaurants on site. Recession II is a secluded, hideaway, and Mackey's Pub serves traditional Irish food and drink. Suites are listed at $89 to $250. Major credit cards are accepted. Parking is an additional $22 per day in the adjoining garage.
Here's some D.C. trivia: The classic movie
Red Roof Inn
A newly renovated, ten-story hotel in the heart of the capital's Chinatown, right across the street from one of the best Chinese restaurants in town (Full Kee), the Red Roof is also within walking distance of many of the city's major attractions, such as the Verizon Center, Ford's Theatre, and the Convention Center. Rooms are spacious and decorated in contemporary hotel decor, with pay-per-view movie service, as well as Nintendo for children (fee charged). The hotel's restaurant serves an inexpensive breakfast and lunch, and there is a washer and dryer on the premises, as well as a health club and sauna. Weekday rates are $120 to $170 for a double, and weekend rates are considerably less. Outdoor parking is $20 per day. Major credit cards are accepted.
Swiss Inn
This is an affordable hotel in a former brownstone within walking distance to almost everything you'll need, but it's a small hotel, so book in advance. Rooms are simple, in the traditional European tradition, but nicely decorated with a kitchenette in each room. Pets are allowed. Room rates are $89 to $139. Most major credit cards are accepted. Parking is available at five nearby parking facilities ranging from $9 to $25.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Another great find if you can get one of the Internet deals (or ask on the phone). Upscale amenities abound in this elegant but homey downtown hotel with 175 two-room suites and fully equipped kitchens. There is a free hot breakfast buffet and evening manager's reception (salad bar, entrées, beverages) every Monday to Thursday, as well as grocery shopping, fitness room, high-speed Internet, and more.
