Washington D.C. Travel Forum

Hello,

I live overseas and will be visiting Washington DC from April 14-25, 2008, to attend a training course organized by the World Bank. This is the first time I'm visiting Washington and I don't know my way around.

Could anyone recommend a "reasonably priced hotel" near the course venue which is the Bank's headquarters at 1818 H Street, NW? By reasonable, I'm thinking of the US Dollar 100 - 120 range. Nothing fancy is required, just a clean and safe place.

Second, I want to use the opportunity of my visit to purchase a Sony laptop. A new model is coming out in a few days. Can anyone recommend a store which offers a very large selection of Sony laptops in Washington DC? Circuitcity may be good but the store selector on their website gave a listing of over 30 in the DC area. Is/are any of these on the list especially recommended for laptops? Can anyone recommend any other stores?

Thanks for any advice.

Regards, Aurangzeb

Wow, The World bank is right in the thick of the expensive area. I would expect you would have difficulty finding under $300/night within 1 mile. For your budget you may have to look quite a ways out or hostel like accomodation, not something I know. I see the Red Roof Inn at 500 H St is an average of $207/nt. I'm not sure of that area, hopefully someone can help there. Also check the Washington Plaza Hotel 10 Thomas Circle, again I don't know the area.

For the computer check www.bestbuy.com

The World Bank is located right in the middle of the area known as The Golden Triangle and its very expensive there. You might need to stay out of the city and use the Metro or MARC train to commute into DC. What airport are you using?

Larry

Thanks for the replies Dave and Larry. Yes, judging from my web search the area where the course is taking place does seem to be quite pricey! The course organizers have reserved rooms for all participants in the Quincy hotel but the cost works out to about USD 200 per night (including 14.5% tax). My daily allowance is fixed by my Government (the visit sponsors) at USD 223,-. That leaves hardly anything for food, transport etc. I'll figure something out. Still have time.

If you know any big store selling laptops in Washington DC do let me know. I checked the websites of Bestbuy and Circuitcity and they have plenty of stores in the DC area but I will only have time to visit a few stores at most and it should be one that has a large, diverse and modern range of Sony laptops to choose from. I suppose some of the stores on the list will be better stocked than others.

Really look forward to visiting the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian museum. The experience of a lifetime probably.

Thanks again for the prompt responses.

Aurangzeb

I worked at the Library of Congress until I retired last November. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Washington DC and is over looked by many people traveling through Washington. The Library is located right next to the Supreme Court and directly behind the Capitol Building, so you have two more things you can see right in the neighborhood. Use the Metro and get off at Capitol South on the Orange line.

Larry

Thanks, I'll do as advised. By the way, I don't know yet what airport I'll be flying into. Another department is working on this and will be purchasing the return ticket for myself and my three accompanying colleagues. Regards, Aurangzeb.

I suspect the Cherry Blossoms should be out by then also, that will be a spectacular sight.

I just wanted to warn you about Washington Dulles International Airport. It is a good distance from the city and the Metro does not go out the airport making it a little difficult to get into the city. If you arrive at BWI (Baltimore Washington International) you can catch the MARC train or the Amtrak to Washington. Its about a half hour train ride. However the MARC does not run on the weekend.

Larry

1. Order of preference for airports: DCA-BWI-IAD. BWI's bus service to the Metro operates more frequently than IAD's.
2. There are Sony stores at the Pentagon City Mall (accessible through the Blue and Yellow line) and the Tyson's Corner Mall (it's not metro-accessible; you have to take the bus). see http://www.sonystyle.com. Best Buys are also located by the Metro(Red line Tenleytown and the new one at Columbia Heights)
3. Do you have to stay by the World Bank? Days Inn by Connecticut Avenue is near the Red Line metro, and you can take the Red line to Farragut North, and it's less than 1/2 mile walk to the World Bank. I usually have people visiting me stay there, and it cost around $130 per night.

Let me know if you have other questions...