DC - District of Columbia - Maps, Weather + Washington DC Travel Guide

Travel Notes: North America: Washington DC Travel Notes

The District of Columbia is named after Christopher Columbus; the 'Discoverer of America'.

The city of Washington extends alongside the District of Columbia (D.C.), the federal district of the United States.

Quick Links

DC Accommodation, DC Tours, DC Travel Guides, DC Travel Tips, Destination Washington DC, The Federal District, Tourist Map of Washington DC, Washington Museums, Washington Politics.

Washington DC Weather.

District of Columbia Map - with TravelNotes Hotel Guide

Zoom in on the map to travel around the state and find where to stay.

About Washington, DC:
Find out more about Washington, DC before you travel there. Order tourist brochures and look at where you'd like to stay.

The Federal District

The location of the federal district, at the head of navigation of the Potomac River, was chosen by George Washington - after America gained independence from Great Britain and needed a capital.

French engineer, Pierre L'Enfant designed the large boulevards of the original Federal City, which was later named after America's first president.

Defense Link:
The Secretary of Defence, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the National Guard and the Armed Services together make up the Department of Defense in The Pentagon.

The Pentagon is actually across the river in Virginia.

Washington Museums

Museums, monuments, and misuse of power are a magnet for tourists to the nation's capital.

Smithsonian Institution:
Washington's museums and organisations.

Washington Politics

The US Capitol sits on a hill, and is probably the first place you'll see on leaving Union Station.

Pennsylvania Avenue leads to the White House, or amber down The Mall and take in the museums on your way down to Washington Monument.

The White House:
On every visitor to Washington's agenda. Get briefed on the past and present at the government website.

Washington Scandal:
Washington's other side; a list of homes, and offices that are unique to American politics.

Diplomatic Missions in Washington, DC

Embassies:
If you are going to Washington, and you're not too interested in the museums or politics, then maybe you're looking for another country's Embassy.

Destination Washington, DC

The Dupont Circle and Adams-Morgan districts can also be safely visited.

The metropolitan subway system also extends into Maryland and Virginia.

Washington, DC:
Explore America's cosmopolitan capital city at Washington.org.

Washington DC Restaurants:
DC restaurant guide with menus, ratings and reviews.

DC Travel Tips

Think about travelling to Washington, D.C. in the Spring or Autumn, because in the Summer the tourists outnumber the residents.

DC Accommodation

Book Washington hotels online to save yourself time and money.

Sort Washington Hotels by: Hotel Price, Hotel Rating, Hotel Name.

Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport: Arlington, VA.
1480 Crystal Drive. Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Hotel Video. View Map. Official Website: Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport.	This Crowne Plaza is located approximately three miles from the White House and one mile from Ronald Reagan National Airport (complimentary shuttle). One mile from the hotel are the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon City Mall, Crystal City Metro Station, and Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, and FDR monuments. The Veranda Cafe, Potomac Bar, Starbucks, and room service are available for on-site dining. Guaranteed Best Hotel Rates Online Book a Room at the Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport Recreational facilities include a fitness center and seasonal pool with sundeck. All guestrooms are equipped with dataports and high-speed Internet access.
Fairmont Hotel: Washington, DC.
2401 M Street Northwest. Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Map. Official Website: Fairmont Hotel.	Located in Washington's fashionable West End, The Fairmont Washington, D.C. surrounds you with comfort and luxury. With its open, light-filled lobby, sun-drenched loggia and central garden courtyard, the Fairmont is a residential oasis. In addition, Fairmont Gold, an exclusive hotel within a hotel concept featuring 48 rooms and three suites on the entire 9th floor of the hotel brings the highest levels of service and pampering to the most discerning traveler. Guaranteed Best Hotel Rates Online Book a Room at the Fairmont Hotel The Juniper Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner specialising in mid-Atlantic fare from the Chesapeake Bay. The Colonnade offers an extensive Champagne Brunch on Sundays, and in room dining is available 24 hours a day. On the premises is a fitness center voted one of America's best hotel facilities. A pool, extensive workout equipment, and a host of spa services aim to meet the needs of each and every guest.
Four Seasons Washington: Washington, DC.
2800 Pennsylvania Avenue. Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Map. Official Website: Four Seasons Washington.	Unequalled attentiveness and elegance attract business and leisure guests, dignitaries and celebrities alike to this legendary Pennsylvania Avenue retreat in prestigious Georgetown. Lush gardens and walls of windows create an airy, sophisticated setting for an exquisite dining experience. The award-winning restaurant showcases regional and seasonal ingredients, highlighted by a wine list that has consistently been ranked as among the best in the world. Standard Rates Book a Room at the Four Seasons Washington Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, offers 211 elegant rooms – including 25 suites – with a variety of views including Georgetown and the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood, the mid-rise brick building is composed of separate east and west wings, connected by a glass-enclosed garden walkway.
Hay-Adams Hotel: Washington, DC
800 16th Street Northwest Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Map. Official Website: Hay-Adams Hotel.	One the finest historic hotels in Washington DC, featuring luxury accommodations in a boutique setting. Conveniently located across from the White House (as close as one can get to staying at the White House - short of being invited by the president) and minutes away from government offices, shops, and museums. Originally designed in the 1920's as a residential hotel, the Hay-Adams has always preserved the ambiance of a distinguished private home on Lafayette Square. From the moment you walk into the intimate warm lobby you will experience a level of service not found in the larger, more impersonal hotels. The multi-lingual staff can cater to your every need whether it be limousine arrangements or Kennedy Center tickets. Guaranteed Best Hotel Rates Online Book a Room at the Hay-Adams Hotel The 145-room hotel features 20 suites, some with views of Lafayette Park and the White House. All guest rooms combine heritage and luxury with contemporary comfort and technology.
Hotel Monaco: Washington, DC.
700 F Street Northwest. Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Map. Official Website: Hotel Monaco DC.	The Hotel Monaco is in Penn Quarter, just blocks away from the White House, Washington Convention Center and the National Gallery of Art; while directly across the street is the Verizon Center. Hotel Monaco is surrounded by classical 19th-century architecture that houses the hip shops, art galleries, restaurants, and nightlife of this vibrant neighborhood. The Living Room lobby incorporates three distinct sitting areas for enjoying the evening's hosted wine reception. Poste Moderne Brasserie has a highly regarded American menu and a designer decor that flows out into the courtyard patio. Guaranteed Best Hotel Rates Online Book a Room at the Hotel Monaco DC The pet-friendly hotel welcomes pets with a treat and food and water dishes to use during their stay. Walking services are also available. The Monaco also affords guests with goldfish companions for the duration of their stay. Hotel staff cares for the fish, leaving guests to simply enjoy the company of their aquatic roommates.
Hotel Monticello: Washington, DC.
1075 Thomas Jefferson Street. Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Map. Official Website: Hotel Monticello.	The Hotel Monticello (formerly the Georgetown Dutch Inn) is an intimate, all-suite, luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Georgetown; on the street where Thomas Jefferson once lived. Since colonial times, when the fashionable Union Tavern opened nearby, Georgetown has offered fine accommodations in one of the world's most desirable neighborhoods. Today, at the Monticello Hotel, you will enjoy the excitement of Georgetown's superb restaurants, boutiques, a variety of night spots, the tranquility of its tree-lined streets, landmark brick mansions and the famous C&O Canal; while just minutes away from the business and tourist centers of Washington, DC. Guaranteed Best Hotel Rates Online Book a Room at the Hotel Monticello National Geographic Traveler Magazine chose the Hotel Monticello as one of the top weekend getaway hotels in Washington, DC.
Jurys Washington Hotel: Washington, DC.
1500 New Hampshire Avenue. Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Hotel Video. View Map. Official Website: Jurys Washington Hotel.	The Jurys Doyle Hotel Group's 4-star North American flagship is located in downtown Washington D.C., on the historical Dupont Circle. Offering an excellent base for both the business and leisure traveller, the hotel is within walking distance of business and cultural attractions and surrounded by a host of bistros, coffee houses and restaurants. Guaranteed Best Hotel Rates Online Book a Room at the Jurys Washington Hotel The Jurys Washington offers guests superior accommodations in its executive-styled bedrooms; a full service, mid-priced restaurant; one of city's most popular bars (made in and imorted from Ireland); a gym; business centre and versatile conference facilities.
Omni Shoreham Hotel: Washington, DC.
2500 Calvert Street Northwest. Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Hotel Video. View Map. Official Website: Omni Shoreham Hotel.	The Omni Shoreham is a renovated Art Deco/Renaissance hybrid building set on a hill overlooking Rock Creek Park and the arch of Connecticut Avenue Bridge. The Shoreham has hosted an inaugural ball for every president since FDR. It's located in Woodley Park, and a short walk from Adams-Morgan hotspots. One can walk up to the zoo or down to Rock Creek Park for the walking and biking trails. Guaranteed Best Hotel Rates Online Book a Room at the Omni Shoreham Hotel The hotel has a full fitness center, dry sauna, and separate mens and womens locker rooms with private showers and lockers available, outdoor heated resort pool surrounded by lush green landscaping (open May to October), and massages, facials, pedicures, and manicures available by appointment.
Washington Plaza Hotel: Washington, DC.
10 Thomas Circle Northwest. Hotel Details. Hotel Rates. Add Hotel Review. Read Hotel Reviews. View Map. Official Website: Washington Plaza Hotel.	The nine-story Washington Plaza Hotel is four blocks from the White House, five blocks from the MCI Arena, and approximately five miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This location is also a mile from the FBI Headquarters and the Washington Monument, less than two miles from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial, two miles from the Jefferson Memorial, and three miles from Washington National Cathedral. Guaranteed Best Hotel Rates Online Book a Room at the Washington Plaza Hotel Hotel amenities include the outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and business center. Number Ten Thomas offers American cuisine and daily fish specials.

Washington DC Hotel Reservations:
Save time and money when searching for DC hotel accommodation by booking online before travel.

The Melrose Hotel:
2430 Pennsylvania Avenue Nw, Georgetown, Washington DC.
The generously oversized rooms and brick wall interiors at the Melrose Hotel Washington, DC provide sophisticated travellers with a multitude of layouts, peaceful and quiet evenings and luxurious amenities.

Mariott Hotels in Washington, DC

If you're a fan of Mariott hotels you're not short for choice in Washington, DC:

Marriott Bethesda:
The Bethesda Marriott offers superior accommodations and facilities in suburban Maryland; ten miles north of Washington DC.

Marriott Bethesda North:
This stunning new hotel and conference center is located in the heart of fantastic shopping and dining as well as many flourishing business districts.

Marriott Crystal City at Reagan National Airport:
Conveniently located less than a mile from Ronald Reagan National Airport in Crystal City, the hotel connects to the Metro stop and underground shopping.

Marriott Crystal Gateway:
The Marriott Crystal Gateway is a mile from Ronald Reagan National Airport and easily accessible to the Metro, which reaches Washington, D.C.'s attractions and the airport.

Marriott Fairview Park:
This Marriott is located approximately nine miles from Arlington National Cemetery and 12 miles from Dulles International Airport.

Marriott Gaithersburg Washingtonian Center:
The 11-story Marriott Gaithersburg Washingtonian Center is located approximately one mile from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Marriott Georgetown University Conference Center:
This AAA Three-Diamond property is located approximately five miles from Washington National Reagan Airport.

Marriott Greenbelt:
The 18-story Marriott Greenbelt is two miles from Beltway Plaza Mall and 13 miles from downtown Washington DC.

Marriott Key Bridge:
The Marriott overlooks the Capital and Georgetown from the Virginia side of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Marriott Suites Bethesda:
Contemporary, all-suite, suburban Washington DC hotel offering easy access to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Marriott Tysons Corner:
This Marriott is located approximately 14 miles from Dulles International Airport, Washington Monument, and the White House.

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel:
Renovated in 2001, this air-conditioned hotel comprises a total of 1,348 rooms, set over 10 floors.

Marriott Washington:
The Washington Marriott is just steps from historic Georgetown's finest restaurants and shops, and minutes from the monuments, memorials and museums.

Marriott Washington Metro Center:
In the heart of Washington's East End business district, the Marriott at Metro Center is one block to DC Convention Center and four blocks to the MCI Center.

Marriott-The Inn & Conference Center:
The Marriott Inn and Conference Center at the University of Maryland is located approximately eight miles from downtown Washington, D.C.

DC Tours

Civil War:
Some of the most memorable battles were fought in the area. If this part of Americana interests you, then you will enjoy these pointers.

Washington DC Tours:
Find everything you need for a great Washington DC vacation. Attraction and show tickets, lodging, information and complete vacation packages are all offered to ensure that your visit to the nation's capital is both informative and interesting.

DC Travel Guides

More detailed travel destination information for:

Washington, DC.

Travel to Washington, DC:
Browse Amazon's best-selling list of books on travel to Washington, DC.

Washington On Foot:
23 walking tours of Washington's neighborhoods, complete with user-friendly maps and architectural illustrations. Familiar monuments and museums are all here, side-by-side with lesser-known historic residential neighborhoods. More than just a collection of tours, Washington on Foot offers history, culture, architectural information, background on urban planning in DC, and much more.

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