DC for the inauguration

Question

I'd like to take my 14 year old daughter to DC for the inauguration. I've been to DC a few times. My questions would be are there any hotels in-city that would be recommended? Was thinking of using the Metro and staying in Tysons Corner? Recommendations for somewhere slightly out of town in case i can't find a room in-town. Thanks so much!

Answer

Attending the inauguration in Washington DC with your 14-year-old daughter will be a memorable experience, but it does require some careful planning, especially around accommodations and transportation. Hotel rooms in DC fill up extremely quickly around the inauguration, so early booking is essential if possible.

Staying in the city itself offers the biggest convenience, allowing you to walk or take short Metro rides to the National Mall and inauguration events. Some neighborhoods that are safe, central, and have good hotel options include Penn Quarter, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill. These areas are near Metro stations and provide access to dining and sightseeing.

Penn Quarter / Chinatown: Hotels here include the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Hyatt Place DC / National Mall, and Renaissance Washington DC Downtown. All are within walking distance to Metro stations and central attractions.
Dupont Circle: Known for its walkable streets and restaurants, with hotels like the Dupont Circle Hotel or The Darcy providing modern accommodations and easy Metro access.
Capitol Hill / Eastern Market: For a quieter option close to the Mall, consider the Capitol Hill Hotel or Phoenix Park Hotel, both near Metro and within reasonable distance to the inauguration sites.

If you cannot find in-city rooms, staying slightly outside of DC is a practical alternative. Tysons Corner is a good choice for availability and hotel options, though you will need to plan extra travel time into the city using the Silver Line Metro. Other outer options include Arlington, VA (near the Rosslyn Metro station) or Alexandria, VA (Old Town area near King Street Metro). These areas are safe and have multiple hotels, and Metro provides relatively direct access to the National Mall.

Tysons Corner: Offers hotels like the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner or Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner, with Metro access via Silver Line into downtown DC.
Arlington / Rosslyn: Crystal City Marriott, Hyatt Regency Crystal City, and other Rosslyn hotels provide Metro access with shorter travel times into DC.
Alexandria / Old Town: Hilton Alexandria Old Town and Morrison House offer charming accommodations and are a short Metro ride or drive to DC.

Tips for the inauguration:

Expect heavy crowds and allow plenty of extra travel time; Metro stations near the National Mall will be extremely crowded, so plan for walking and some waiting.
Book hotels and Metro passes early, and confirm that your hotel is within walking distance to a Metro station.
Consider bringing water, snacks, and comfortable walking shoes for both yourself and your daughter.

Overall, in-city hotels give the easiest access to events, but well-located outer city hotels with Metro access can still make the experience manageable if you cannot secure downtown accommodations.

DC for the inauguration

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