DC with Kids

I have spent hours scouring these great posts and appreciate all the information that I have learned but I am now overwhelmed!

I am traveling with husband and 2 kids ages 7 and 9. My husband thinks we need to find a hotel with a pool for the kids to have some down time. Me on the other hand think we will be so busy that we won%26#39;t have time. So, my questions are twofold. Is the pool option worthwhile? Our trip is April 4-8 during Cherry Blossom festival and of course the rates are higher. I%26#39;ve been looking at the Embassy Suites which is $305/night but would rather spend less. That said it does include breafast, microwave etc and has a pool.

Would we be better off staying closer at the Marriot Crowne for under $200? Any comments on either property or other considerations? Thank you!!

DC with Kids

';Marriot Crowne';?? Don%26#39;t know of any such place. There are several dozen Marriott%26#39;s around. And at least one Crowne Plaza, but it is not a Marriott property as far as I know.

DC with Kids

Having a pool is, of course, a personal preference. I must say that when our kids were young, we often enjoyed having a hotel with a pool as we generally stayed in after dinner and all had a swim. However, if you plan to be ';out and about'; until bedtime, there%26#39;s probably no need for a pool because, as you state, you%26#39;ll be too busy sightseeing to use it.

As I am sure you are already aware, if you opt for a pool, make sure it%26#39;s an indoor pool. It%26#39;s much too cold here in April to swim outdoors.

My twins are 9 and we are arriving in DC on April 7. After extensive research (and having talked to 2 locals whom I know), I have been told that the Omni Shoreham is a great location and you can easily get to the tourist spots quickly by metrorail. It is within walking distance of the zoo if you plan to do that. What I also liked knowing was that the area is safer at night, therefore if you are venturing out to a nearby rdinner estaurant, you shouldn%26#39;t need to worry. (Plus, they say that the hotel and grounds are beautiful, so that is great.)

Travelzoo has a great rate of $109 if you can get it. We combined it with the Omni%26#39;s Spring Forward rate of $209 (on our dates) for the first 2 nights with the 3rd night free.

Like Darrell I%26#39;m confused about your other option for $200 per night. If you clarify which hotel you%26#39;re referring to, we can offer opinions as to whether it%26#39;s worth the savings. In general, I%26#39;d say it%26#39;s worth saving $100/night, but it really depends. I don%26#39;t want to say switch if the other hotel is in an unsafe or inconvenient part of town. Is the pool really worth $100 to your husband? Also, if you end up at the Omni (as suggested by the other poster), they have a goodie bag for kids at check-in and they have board games you can borrow. (if the info I read is still up to date...) Other hotels may offer similar amenities.

I am sorry. I thought it was the Marriott but it is The Hamilton Crowne Plaza. Opinions on the property?

It is The Hamilton Crowne Plaza. Sorry!

Considering the reviews of the Hamilton Crowne Plaza, I would definitely say it%26#39;s worth saving $100/night to stay there. However, I%26#39;m very frugal and would forgo a couple swims for my kids to save that much. Apparently, one family that stayed at the HCP negotiated a ';kids under 12 eat free'; deal there so if you can work that in, it would also help you save (since the Embassy Suites includes breakfast and evening snacks.)

Good luck with your decision!