Hotel and Area Question for Washington DC

I'm currently researching hotels for a trip that we are planning for May 2015, we will be staying for 5 nights after a visit to NY and Niagara falls.

A couple of people have recommended the "Du Ponte circle" area for great bars and restaurants.

My husband is a big fan of the Hard Rock Cafe chain of bar/restaurant, and tries to visit them in every town / city we visit, I've found that is one at:

999 E Street N.W

Is this area also a good area to stay at? looking at the small map on the TA Washington DC Hotel page it looks to be the east side of the White House area, compared to the "Du Ponte Circle" area that is North-West....

Is the surrounding area of the Hard Rock Cafe a good place to stay? If so any hotel recommendations? We are in our 40's and like good bars / Restaurants nearby where we are staying.......

I had look at the Grand Hyatt at 1000 H Street, and I quite liked the look of that Hotel ,and it is well within our price range (could maybe go a little higher)........ Is this in a good area for sight seeing and from a safety point of view? walking at night time?

It's a perfectly alright part of downtown DC, walkable to many of the main sites such as the Smithsonian, the White House etc. Around there tends to quieten down in the evening as its quite businessy but there are good restaurants nearby, for example Old Ebitt Grill is quite a landmark, Oceanaire seafood, and Bistrot d'Oc are recommended.

Also, the Hard Rock is across the road from the FBI and as you're near the White House et al security is high and I wouldn't be concerned about personal safety in that area. More likely streets will suddenly closed should the POTUS head out and about!

Thank you for your reply. I'm stuck as to which area to stay? we like a bit of a night life, a few drinks in nice pubs, meals nice restaurants, but not in to night clubbing as such, just like to have a few drinks winding down in places similar to the Hard Rock Cafe after sight seeing all day ..... I thought the Grand Hyatt looked quite ice and is budget, and got some good reviews on TA, but as its our 1st time in Wasington DC i'm a bit stuck....

If you like nightlife then check out Alexandria, it's a lovely place, great architecture, loads of boutiques and bars and restaurants. Have a look at the Morrison House hotel, it can be had for good rates and is a really nice place to stay. While it's not downtown DC, the Metrorail gets you where you want in 15 minutes ...

Sorry to latch on but I'm going to DC for 5 nights in march, we like the look of the willard. Slinky Is there much to do in that area of dc?

We stayed at the Park Hyatt which had great rooms and wonderful customer service. Although it's not that central. Take the Hop on Hop off bus for sight seeing it covers just about everything.

Further latching on (sorry), we are staying at the Fairmont end of September, and enjoy some nice eateries and bars etc., plus some decent shopping.

Is that in a (half) decent area for that, and walkable to the Whitehouse etc? I guess, is it in a nice area full stop?!

Thanks.

Sorry to latch on but I'm going to DC for 5 nights in march, we like the look of the willard. Slinky Is there much to do in that area of dc?

The Willard is a lovely hotel, although I prefer the W close by (which has a fun rooftop bar from which you can see over the White House). Being central yes there is a lot to get to easily by walking. It's not far from the Grand Hyatt that started this thread. I find Google Maps to be very good when checking out an area, have a look for yourself.

In general in DC you've got the centre of town (Willard, W etc.), Du Ponte circle and Alexandria as the best places to stay IMO. All have hotels, restaurants etc. although in the centre, as said, it can be quieter in the evenings and at weekends (other than visitors).

DC also gets very hot in summer, so Spring / Autumn are preferred but it's a much underappreciated place with loads to do. Avoid the May blossom time though, it's heaving with visitors. DC can also be very expensive at peak times, if you're on a budget you could look at places just outside like Washington Harbour or Repton, both of which are very pleasant and easy journeys into the city.

One last tip, if you're at Dulles check out the free shuttle to Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, it's swell (the one in downtown DC is great too, went there once for a party when the organizers hired out the whole place!).

Sorry to latch on but I'm going to DC for 5 nights in march, we like the look of the willard. Slinky Is there much to do in that area of dc?

The Willard is a lovely hotel, although I prefer the W close by (which has a fun rooftop bar from which you can see over the White House). Being central yes there is a lot to get to easily by walking. It's not far from the Grand Hyatt that started this thread. I find Google Maps to be very good when checking out an area, have a look for yourself.

In general in DC you've got the centre of town (Willard, W etc.), Du Ponte circle and Alexandria as the best places to stay IMO. All have hotels, restaurants etc. although in the centre, as said, it can be quieter in the evenings and at weekends (other than visitors).

DC also gets very hot in summer, so Spring / Autumn are preferred but it's a much underappreciated place with loads to do. Avoid the May blossom time though, it's heaving with visitors. DC can also be very expensive at peak times, if you're on a budget you could look at places just outside like Washington Harbour or Repton, both of which are very pleasant and easy journeys into the city.

One last tip, if you're at Dulles check out the free shuttle to Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, it's swell (the one in downtown DC is great too, went there once for a party when the organizers hired out the whole place!).

Great info, thanks

Level 9 at the Dupont Circle is a good bet too! The free in room bar is a fantastic bonus.