[mimes1]

Hi Everyone,

We are planning a significant family trip to the east coast in June. We are starting in Charlotte for our dear friends wedding, then to the coast, Chincoteaque Island, then to DC. I have made hotel reservations in VA, but am now feeling a little daunted about DC. Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions for where to stay in DC? Or where not to stay? I am planning on two nights there. We would like to do a night tour of all the monuments, then see them during the day, see the War memorials, Arlington, Newseum, Holocaust Museum, and Belle has a specific gift shop she wants to go to. And now after watching some channel on TV the other day there is a cupcake shop I think we need to go to also. Oh, and the zoo. We have to go to the zoo.

I would like to find a family friendly, budget oriented hotel to stay, that is somewhere near all the places we want to see, in a safe area.

Can anyone give me some direction?

Thanks so much!

[Belle]

Sounds like you need a week. Hope you enjoy your holiday.

[Sara Arell]

I don't have any suggestions or advice, Amy but I do hope you enjoy your vacation - Charlotte is only two hours from here so if you have a long layover would love to hear from you and meet you if it's possible!

[AggieB]

Can't help with the hotel, Amy - it's been a long time since I was there. I do remember that the hotels outside the center are cheaper and tend to have shuttle service to back & forth. Sounds like a great vacation. Enjoy. I'm looking forward to the layouts, especially Chincoteaque .

[CRS]

We stayed in a Holiday Inn in Crystal City. It wasn't too far a walk to the metro and from there we could get anywhere. But, D.C. is a lot of walking, so make sure you are ready for that!

[Jeanne Lee]

How exciting you get to come over to the east coast!
I am only 45 min away from DC we have never spent the night there, sorry.
One suggestion, the great thing you have here is the Metro(subway) to use to get around instead of driving. So look on a map to find Metro stops around where you decide to stay.

[BarbaraC1977]

Amy, I've stayed in Alexandria a couple of years ago. It was great; it's an interesting old city in its own right, and the Metro is convenient to all the downtown sights.

[kerryveale]

A few years ago, we found the best priced hotels in the suburbs and then rode the Metro into the city. A very long time ago, we stayed in a B & B in Chevy Chase, it was a beautiful home and reasonably priced and a medium walk to the Metro.

[Smiles]

Anywhere you stay that's close to the Metro will be convenient. I worked in Roslyn for a couple of years and then Crystal City - both are convenient and have lots going on. And yes, bring a couple of pairs of good walking shoes!

Unless things have changed in the last 6 years, you can get a day pass on the Metro that's a good deal. There was also a business hours pass (that wasn't good during rush hours) that was an even better deal. Otherwise, the more stops you go through, the more the fare.

If you are going to Arlington National Cemetery, do check out The Women's Memorial - it's right at the gates.

[mimes1]

Thanks for the suggestions Gayle, Kerry and everyone! We will be going to Arlington. Last year, Belle was chosen to be one in her class to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier! She is very excited to take us there. I have never been to DC!

I will look into Metro passes. And look at some hotels. Even having the names of some suburb areas is a big help.