The perfect spot to explore the Smithsonians
Always wanted to visit the Smithsonian and finally booked the trip. Figured we'd spend a day at the Air and Space Museum, a day at the History Museum and a day at the Natural History Museum and ½ day looking at the monuments so we knew where we'd be. Wanted to avoid the crowds of cherry blossom time so picked the week before celebrations started. Hotel rates were higher than our comfort zone so husband saw "cherry blossom specials" in NY Times article. Since $43 per night parking was ridiculous, we were going to do this trip without a car so closeness to Metro station was a must. Rates here were reasonable but a little higher than what we're used to paying (AVG $250/night). Didn't want to spend an hour a day commuting to get a lower rate to stay at Tyson's Corner, etc. so it was between this hotel and hotel in L'Enfant Plaza – both had similar rates and standards, were close to a Metro station and had a pool. Free hot breakfast at Residence Inn, free wi-fi and full kitchen tipped the scale. Boy were we glad we picked this one! Not many food choices in the neighborhood but usual manager's "reception" actually was full dinner M-W and for no additional charge they'll grocery shop for you at local Safeway and add the grocery bill to your room. After we had exhausted the food options available – the only reason the pizza guy next door is in business – we figured out there was loads of food choices 2-3 Metro stops away. Air and Space Museum is a short walk away and other museums we wanted to see were close to Smithsonian Metro stop two stops away. Found bike rental rack on 4th so ended up exploring monuments after church on Sunday (a little pricey for 2 people 4 hrs but it was good weather). Ended up that cherries peaked early this year after all so we had the perfect trip.