Philadelphia

Cherry Blossoms and Capitol Hill Hotel Stay – Washington DC.

April 7, 2016 by HughE Dillon

Late last month Mike and I headed to Washington DC to experience the Cherry Tree’s in bloom. Something that had been on my bucket list for a bit of time. We stayed at the Capitol Hill Hotel, in Capitol Hill. We usually stay in Dupont Circle, so this was something different for us. We loved it. It’s much more like a quaint neighborhood feel, with cute shops nearby. The hotel is amazing. Each room has ample seating, you know that’s high on my list of wants, and a kitchenette with frig and microwave, which was perfect for my Snap Kitchen meals.

The hotel as an excellent location only a few minutes walk from Union Station
Close to the Metro, and within walking distance of all the sights. Saturday I walked all the way from the hotel to the

Tidal Basin, passing many of the great Smithsonian Museums, which were only minutes away from the Capitol Hill Hotel. See the red bikes next to the hotel in the above photo. Free to the guests. Over the weekend I saw a lot of guests use them. The staff was really amazing. Everyone seemed to be checking in at once, 7PM, after making the drive down from the North. Traffic was a nightmare, people were cranky, but the staff was amazing, really they were.

 When you arrive at your room make sure you pick up the Capitol Hill Hotel “bible” with all the details of the hotel, times of the buffet, the wine night, info on the exercise room, 
and Mike really like it. It even had free weights. It was a fairly large size too.
 Until the election the hotel is running a Red/Blue campaign. Meaning you can stay in a red – GOP room or a blue – Democratic room. They also have combined rooms, which this one is. First of all, I want the drapes. I love them. Oh and that Ronald Regan pillow, another want. He always photographed so well.  
As did these two love birds. 
Can you say presidential suite?
Everyone who books under the red/blue room campaign also receives this nice package of an apple cobbler, that was delicious, flag lapels, a beer and soda, popcorn water, a gift certificate to dinner and delicious capitol candies.
 The books must stay but you can read them. I didn’t tell Mike about the room before we went. He was delighted, he’s such a political fan. 
 Everyday there’s a continental breakfast with cereal, eggs and a juice and coffee bar.
 There’s also a library to relax in, and the hotel has free wifi.

 Mike’s hanging near the smallest car in the world, we think. These are the houses across the street from the Capitol Hill Hotel. Very quaint.

 

 About a block away were cafes, eateries and pubs

 

 Within blocks begins lot of the tourist destinations that you want to see while youre in DC. How about the Capitol itself. This is the podium where the press conferences are held, and these electrical boxes are where the media plugs in their cameras and mic’s to record the pressers.

 Mike reading some of the newspapers from the Newseum, we also can’t wait to go check out the Spy Museum too.
 And to take the Big Bus Tour. I highly recommend that.

 The hotel is near the square above the word above, 
the Tidal Basin is on the left. The museums are between the hotel and basin, it’s a beautiful walk.
 Here’s the new African American Museum which opens in the fall.

 Holy crowded, but not so crowded you couldn’t enjoy yourself.

 Just one word of advice, there are not a lot of bathrooms along the Tidal Basin, and there is not a lot of food vendors. Bring water.
 But it is so worth it

 Bring your kite if you have one.

 Not within walking distance, but easily to get to by Metro, cab or car. The National Zoo. It’s free, it’s not crowded and you’ll get to see the Giant Panda’s. All in all I realized I need to visit Washington DC more. There is so much to do and see, and lots of attractions that are free, which is great on a families wallet. Another thing that’s great – The Capitol Hill Hotel – spacious, kitchens, closet space, ironing board, continental breakfast, wine happy hours, exercise room. valet parking $50 with in and out privileges – that’s huge, and close to eateries, shopping and bars.

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Thanks to the Capitol Hill Hotel for hosting me and letting me be an #IC_connoisseur for the weekend and taking over their social media to chat about my stay.

Check out my take over @CapHIllhotel. #intheneighborhood #IC_connoisseur” “Follow my trip to DC @CapHillhotel. #intheneighborhood #IC_connoisseur”