AMG 2012 Washington D.C. Hotel Proposals

[Dennis]

Here are a few proposals I was able to secure yesterday. These rates are for July 26th - July 31. These rates are just preliminary and are subject to change once we are ready to choose a property.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
1917 Bladensburg Rd.
Washington, DC

$121..50 plus 14.5% tax (includes breakfast)

http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/washington/wasny/hoteldetail

Sheraton National
900 South Orme St.
Arlington, VA 

$109.00 plus 10.25% tax

http://www.sheratonnational.com/

Capitol Skyline
10 I St. Sw
Washington, DC 

$159.00 plus 14.5% tax

http://capitolskyline.com/

[Miss Philicia]

I'd be careful with the first one listed -- that used to be a very seedy section off New York Avenue in the Northeast quadrant, not to mention it's rather far off from anything.  But if you want to be surrounded by straight strip clubs go for it.

The third one listed is near the new Washington Nationals stadium (take in a game!). That area used to be sketchy too but probably has improved greatly in the last four years as the whole area is under development revitalization, plus it's near two subway stations and kindasorta within walking distance of the US Capitol building (say six city blocks south, blocks being rather long in DC). This is the wiki entry for this neighborhood:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_Yard/Near_Southeast

[Dennis]

I'd be careful with the first one listed -- that used to be a very seedy section off New York Avenue in the Northeast quadrant, not to mention it's rather far off from anything.  But if you want to be surrounded by straight strip clubs go for it.

Thanks for the feedback.  Are you familiar with the Sheraton National?

[Miss Philicia]

Thanks for the feedback.  Are you familiar with the Sheraton National?

I'm just going by the neighborhoods, I don't stay in hotels in DC because my parent's live there. That Sheraton is directly south of Arlington Cemetery (you know the huge military one w/Robert E. Lee's house) and across from the Pentagon, so it should be quite safe. May be a little loud due to overhead air traffic flying into National, but at the same time it would be VERY easy for folks flying into the airport. It's also near the Pentagon City shopping mall, well that is if you can figure out how to walk across eight lanes of highways because there's a massive interchange there. I think people would feel rather isolated and stranded in this hotel.

So location wise I'm a bit iffy on recommending this for a group of people who will not have a car. If you want to do Arlington the only area I would recommend looking in is Rosslyn, because it's directly over the Key Bridge from Georgetown, plus there's a subway station easily accessible and it has more of a "downtown" feel. If you need to locate Rosslyn on google maps key in "1100 Wilson Blvd Arlington VA" and look around for some hotel names.

ps: look back at my previous forum post as I edited it after you replied.

[buginme2]

L'Enfant Plaza Hotel is very central , close to all the touristy things, and there is a metro stop directly under the hotel. 

Otherwise I would stick to the NW sections of town.

[Dennis]

L'Enfant Plaza Hotel is very central , close to all the touristy things, and there is a metro stop directly under the hotel. 

Otherwise I would stick to the NW sections of town.

Nice hotel, but $329 per night.

[buginme2]

Sorry I didnt check, had stayed there awhile ago and was just commenting on its ease of location.

[WillyWump]

Capitol Skyline has a free shuttle to the Metro station (or at least they say they do on the website). So that might negate the "isolated, no car" issue. Although we would need to determine f it is an on demand shuttle, or something ridiculous like runs only every 2 hours, also how late it runs.

-Will

[Dennis]

Looking at the map closer, I think I agree with Miss P and buginme2. I think something on the other side of the Freeway would be more ideal.  I'll keep looking.

[Miss Philicia]

Capitol Skyline has a free shuttle to the Metro station (or at least they say they do on the website). So that might negate the "isolated, no car" issue. Although we would need to determine f it is an on demand shuttle, or something ridiculous like runs only every 2 hours, also how late it runs.

-Will

You misread my commentary, the 'isolated' comment was not for the choice near the ballpark, it was for the one in Arlington. The ballpark one is IMO the better choice of those three. They're all isolated in some way, but this one is the lesser isolated. The reviews for this selection left something to be desired, but I didn't take time to look at on line reviews for the others and I don't know how much stock to put on them... I'll leave that to the rest of you to research.

You'd like the ballpark choice, Wumpy, because there's a McD's across the street.

ps: for some reason when you Capitol Skyline comes up on google maps the rates show $66 on the low end. Not sure how accurate that function is but thought I'd throw it out there. Also in the general are are things like a 7-11, Wells Fargo bank, CVS pharmacy and a *gasp* Five Guys.

Yes, there's also a freeway next to it like the other one I mentioned, but it's just the Southeast Freeway and I know it's elevated and all of the cross streets you should be able to walk on underneath it to the Capitol Hill neighborhood to the north.

The bottom line is that 1) DC is very expensive, especially in the last decade and 2) it's very linear city because of building code heigh restrictions, so hotels in amenity rich areas where you can stroll out the door and find a sidewalk cafe and nice bars is going to be much more expensive than all of you are willing to pay.

[phildinftlaudy]

There is a Hyatt in Arlington - almost directly across the street from the Roslyn Metro and just across the Key Bridge from Georgetown --- not sure what the rates would be - I will check online and see - and try to make a phone call there next week. 

I am off work from 12/16 - 12/28, so that should free up some time to look into some additional properties to go along with the one's that Dennis has checked into.

[Lou-ah-vull]

If memory serves, there are several hotels clustered around the Rosslyn metro stop.  This is most likely our best bet for affordability and accessibility.  The downtown hotels will be prohibitive and knowing our group, we will not like being dependent on a shuttle to get to the Metro.  As long as we are close to the Metro, all of the tourist places will be easily accessible.

I moved away in 1994, so the new development near the National Stadium is not known to me.  It is an up and coming part of town.  It may not be, however, what our group is looking for.  DC will be a challenge but it is well worth it.  I absolutely loved the five years I lived there and am eager to spend some time there again with my AMG family.

Gary

[Assurbanipal]

I wonder if you might get a good deal from Kimpton? -- they are SF based, LGBT friendly and the only hotels I've ever been in that have (once or twice) used the elevator placard advertising space for AIDS related fundraising. 

They are up to about 10 hotels in the DC area now, mainly but not exclusively downtown.  Here's a link to the web rfp for meetings, but it might be worth talking to a human about the nature and purposes of AMG to see if they'd do better.

http://www.kimptonhotels.com/meetings/meetings-group.aspx

While the rack rates are pretty high they often run specials that are very considerably lower if reserved in advance -- last year there were rooms in DC from $109 in one email from their "frequent sleeper" club and from $112 in another.  Also there are usually deals when they open or take a new hotel under management-- and they've been opening a lot of them.

[aupointillimite]

If this is happening in DC, I'd actually like to try to come since I live in Richmond.

It's only about an hour and a half away, and I'd be interested in helping people get around DC and northern Virginia if anyone would be interested.

[Robert]

Maybe we could piggyback on the IAC Hotel List

The following are the category E hotels which range from $100 - $160 single and $100 - $175 double.  The times mentioned I assume involve the distance from the hotel to the conference center.
   

    Comfort Inn Dulles
    Approx. 1h 20 minutes by public transport   

    Comfort Inn Uni MD
    Approx. 50 minutes by public transport   

    Comfort Inn Union Station
    Approx. 30 minutes on foot and by public transport   

    Crown Plaza SS
    Approx. 45 minutes on foot and by public transport   

    Holiday Inn Express
    Approx. 35 minutes on foot and by public transport   

    Old Colony Inn
    Approx. 35 minutes on foot and by public transport   

[minismom]

When family and I went to DC this past summer, we stayed in Crystal City - a few blocks from Roslyn Metro.  We stayed in the Hampton Inn which had reasonable rates and a wonderful free breakfast buffet that changed offerings every morning.  There is an indoor pool that was being renovated.  The rooms were super nice.  They also offered a free shuttle to and from the metro (although it was about a 10 minute walk, in the heat, I defer to the shuttle with a/c).  The hotel was within walking distance of all manner of restaurants (fast food, diners, and sit-down fancy), shopping centers, pharmacies (think sunscreen and forgotten toothpaste), bars, and clubs. 

Crystal City is also VERY close to the airport and a short drive to Arlington.

Hope this helps a bit.
Mum

[Dennis]

Residence Inn Arlington Rosslyn
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasrr-residence-inn-arlington-rosslyn/

$109 plus 10.25% tax

1.5 blocks from Rosslyn Metro

All rooms are studios or suites which include 1 queen bed and full size sofa bed.

Includes buffet breakfast

[Miss Philicia]

For safety, proximity to downtown DC (without being in downtown) and subway access IMO you won't find better than what Dennis just listed in Rosslyn.

Also if you fly into Dulles Airport instead of National I think there's a low cost express metrobus ($6, bus 5A) that goes direct to Rosslyn, though maybe the hotel also offers a free shuttle. (the subway doesn't go to Dulles yet though it's being constructed).

[bocker3]

Residence Inn Arlington Rosslyn
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasrr-residence-inn-arlington-rosslyn/

$109 plus 10.25% tax

1.5 blocks from Rosslyn Metro

All rooms are studios or suites which include 1 queen bed and full size sofa bed.

Includes buffet breakfast

I think we have a winner here!  great rate, free breakfast and 0.1 mile to the metro.

Mike

[RAB]

I think we have a winner here!  great rate, free breakfast and 0.1 mile to the metro.

Mike

I agree!   

Close to the metro was something Gary said was important.  The rooms look nice.  The rate is one of the cheapest we've ever had.

So it gets my vote!

Thank you Dennis!
RAB

[WillyWump]

I love it. You've done it again Dennis 

-Will

[Lou-ah-vull]

Clearly an excellent choice!  I am surprised it is available at this rate during the summer season. 

[aztecan]

It is an excellent choice. Dennis, you've done it again!

Also, I have already checked and it is an easy Metro ride to Union Station.

Yes, I am already checking the Amtrak schedule.

HUGS,

Mark

[mikeyb39]

great choice!  sounds good to me.

[aupointillimite]

That is an awesome location!

If the weather's nice, and you're feeling up for a bit of a walk- Georgetown is just across the river from there too!

[Jody]

The Arlington Rosslyn sounds great to me, thanks once again Dennis for your efforts and all those who took the time to write in their ideas.  We have been so fortunate with our hotel choices at every gathering for overall safety, convenience, cleanliness and transportation and all the perks they offered. 

Keep on truckin'

Jody  

[Basquo]

Subway is only $1.85 from Reagan International. That's hard to beat!

[RAB]

Residence Inn Arlington Rosslyn
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasrr-residence-inn-arlington-rosslyn/

$109 plus 10.25% tax

1.5 blocks from Rosslyn Metro

All rooms are studios or suites which include 1 queen bed and full size sofa bed.

Includes buffet breakfast

Hey Mr. D

Hope all is going well for you and that the holiday was good.

Question:  is this a group rate?  If so what group name are we to use.  If it's not then do we just book our own reservations and we'll get this rate?

Once again, great job buddy.

RAB

Edit to ask:  Can someone clarify what the dates are?  The 27th - 31st got the most votes, but I thought I read somewhere that the 25th - 29th were going to be the dates.  I'm confused!   (doesn't take much to do that to me!  LOL)

[wolfter]

Edit to ask:  Can someone clarify what the dates are?  The 27th - 31st got the most votes, but I thought I read somewhere that the 25th - 29th were going to be the dates.  I'm confused!   (doesn't take much to do that to me!  LOL)

I'm also confused, just waiting for prevailing minds.   When I looked at the rates, the published rates were twice what are listed here.  I also checked airline flights but also need the dates.  There isn't much advantage to booking early for DC I guess.  Costs more to fly there than all the way to Seattle.  Doesn't make much sense to my simple mind.  Maybe I'll just drive.  At least that way, I don't have to limit my wardrobe.

Wolfie

[Dennis]

I'm also confused, just waiting for prevailing minds.   When I looked at the rates, the published rates were twice what are listed here.  I also checked airline flights but also need the dates.  There isn't much advantage to booking early for DC I guess.  Costs more to fly there than all the way to Seattle.  Doesn't make much sense to my simple mind.  Maybe I'll just drive.  At least that way, I don't have to limit my wardrobe.

Wolfie

I checked the dates of 27th - 31st since that is the time that received the most votes.  I believe Phil was going to check the other set of dates.

And yes, when you look at the rates online for the hotel they are twice as much.  Negotiated group rates are always cheaper. Now with this said, the rate is not confirmed until a contract is signed.

Dennis

[Ann]

Maybe I'll just drive.  At least that way, I don't have to limit my wardrobe.

Wolfie

I can just imagine you rolling up with your MacPherson struts groaning under the weight of all your lingerie and leather gear.

[wolfter]

I can just imagine you rolling up with your MacPherson struts groaning under the weight of all your lingerie and leather gear.

Now why would you assume all gay men are into leather?  Lingerie?  sometimes, but never leather.  I want my men looking at me, not at sex gear.

Wolfie

[denb45]

Now why would you assume all gay men are into leather?  Lingerie?  sometimes, but never leather.  I want my men looking at me, not at sex gear.

Wolfie

  Leather, Rubber Cowboy's Truckers, Bikers Daddies, Sons, Jocks/Toys, Hell when you get to be older than 50 it's all one big BLURR  to me anyway

[Ann]

Now why would you assume all gay men are into leather?  Lingerie?  sometimes, but never leather.  I want my men looking at me, not at sex gear.

Wolfie

Ah but chaps have such a nice way of framing a derrière.

[Miss Philicia]

If I reserve far in advance I can take Megabus to DC for $1... round-trip or $13 maximum

http://us.megabus.com/

[phildinftlaudy]

I checked the dates of 27th - 31st since that is the time that received the most votes.  I believe Phil was going to check the other set of dates.

And yes, when you look at the rates online for the hotel they are twice as much.  Negotiated group rates are always cheaper. Now with this said, the rate is not confirmed until a contract is signed.

Dennis

Hi Dennis:
The couple of hotels I have looked at for the other dates have not been able to come close to the rate that you found - of course, I am far from having your negotiating skills and don't even know if I phrased the question(s) right to the reps I spoke with -

I think we should go with the 27th-31st - with the hotel in Roslyn/Arlington - if you are able to get the contract with the rates previously quoted (but not yet guaranteed).

I will give you a call this week/weekend so we can discuss, if you would like -

Thanks!
Phil

[denb45]

WOOT 

http://washingtondc.gaycities.com/bathhouses/

[wolfter]

WOOT 

http://washingtondc.gaycities.com/bathhouses/

OH MY, if we're too old for tank tops, wouldn't we be too old tired for that?   

Wolfie

[denb45]

OH MY, if we're too old for tank tops, wouldn't we be too old tired for that?   

Wolfie

Well, Bob & I sure aint DEAD the 2nd one has 48 Glory Holes , if anyone is interested 

[odyssey]

Reminds me fondly of Seattle. If I recall correctly, I proposed a group bathhouse trip in Seattle. Steamworks was cool.

[Miss Philicia]

This isn't hotel-specific, but I thought some might find it interesting (it was published right before Christmas in the Washington Post):

40 dishes every Washingtonian must try

The Vietnamese pho dish in picture #15 is actually within walking distance of the hotel being discussed.

[Basquo]

This isn't hotel-specific, but I thought some might find it interesting (it was published right before Christmas in the Washington Post):

40 dishes every Washingtonian must try

The Vietnamese pho dish in picture #15 is actually within walking distance of the hotel being discussed.

Excellent link. We should start a "things we want to do and eat" thread. I want the 2 Amy's pizza.

[bocker3]

Excellent link. We should start a "things we want to do and eat" thread. I want the 2 Amy's pizza.

I predict that this go downhill fast...   

I am always up for trying new foods.......

[Miss Philicia]

I am always up for trying new foods.......

Even the tacos de lengua y ojo?

[Basquo]

I predict that this go downhill fast...   

I am always up for trying new foods.......

Where exactly did you think it had already gone? It already went there. We're only up to reply #38 in a hotel thread 7 months prior and bang! there's the bathhouse thing. I thought Miss P's link was tasteful (pun intended) and I'm simply suggesting we start a new thread. I'll do it later when I get home.

[phildinftlaudy]

I'm simply suggesting we start a new thread. I'll do it later when I get home.

Thanks Basquo -

I think that is a great idea - if I recall a similar thread was started for last year's AMG Seattle.

Thanks again!

Phil

[Lou-ah-vull]

2 Amy's is a treasure!  No need to ever eat "chain" food in DC...superior cuisine, even affordable, abounds.  While not easily accessible by Metro, Adams-Morgan neighborhood is not to be missed.

[phildinftlaudy]

2 Amy's is a treasure!  No need to ever eat "chain" food in DC...superior cuisine, even affordable, abounds.  While not easily accessible by Metro, Adams-Morgan neighborhood is not to be missed.

I agree - D.C. is filled with great places to eat.

I actually stayed in Adams Morgan when there in October - the Metro - National Zoo/Adams Morgan station was right across from the hotel - with tons of great restaurants within a block or two of the Metro. Beautiful area.  Dupont Circle also has some great restaurants and is close to a couple of gay bars. Circ at Dupont was a great restaurant I ate at in October. The Monacle - near the Capital is another D.C. staple (lots of Congressional members frequent it). Art and Soul is good (a bit pricey) but a very eclectic menu.

[bocker3]

Even the tacos de lengua y ojo?

Well dear -- I may have a different definition of food....  I will pass on this dish.......

[aztecan]

Oh yum, tacos de lengua are among my favorites. 

Haven't tried the ojo yet, but would give a go as long as its gluten free.

HUGS,

Mark