Holiday Inn, Citizenm or Hilton Garden Inn - US Capitol/Mall

Question

My husband and I are planning a quick 2 day trip to DC on our way to NY to visit family late May. We've never been and not sure about the areas to stay. We'd like to be relatively close to the Washington Station, as we're taking the train to NY, as well as the Capitol, Smithsonian. We're looking at the 3 hotels above which are moderately priced and wondering if anyone has stayed at any of these and what was their opinion. Is this a safe area to walk around?

Answer

For a short 2-day trip to Washington, D.C., staying near Union Station is a smart choice if you are arriving and departing by train, and it also provides convenient access to the Capitol and National Mall. Here’s a detailed look at the three hotel options you mentioned and the surrounding area.

1. Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol:

Located within a short walk to the Capitol and National Mall, making it very convenient for sightseeing.
Rooms are standard, comfortable, and moderately priced. Breakfast is often available for an additional fee.
Area is safe and generally well-lit, with moderate foot traffic from tourists and government employees.
Close to a few casual dining options and a short cab or walk to Union Station for your train.

2. CitizenM Washington DC Capitol:

Modern, boutique-style hotel with compact but efficient rooms and tech-forward amenities.
Good option for couples or solo travelers who enjoy contemporary design and smart controls in the room.
Location is safe and convenient for National Mall access; a 10–15 minute walk to Union Station.
Limited on-site dining, but nearby cafes and casual restaurants make up for it.

3. Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/Capitol:

Offers comfortable, slightly larger rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a small fitness center.
Moderately priced and often includes breakfast options.
Safe area, similar to the other two hotels, and within walking distance to the Capitol, Smithsonian museums, and Union Station.
Nearby dining options are plentiful, from casual to slightly upscale.

Overall Recommendations:

All three hotels are in safe, tourist-friendly areas and within walking distance of major attractions.
If you prefer a more traditional hotel with breakfast included, Hilton Garden Inn or Holiday Inn are solid choices.
If you want a modern, boutique-style experience, CitizenM is an interesting choice but note that rooms are smaller and on-site dining is limited.
Union Station is easily accessible from all three hotels, making your train travel convenient.

Walking around this area during the day and early evening is safe. As with any city, standard precautions—such as being aware of your surroundings, especially late at night—are advisable. Overall, this location is ideal for a short trip with easy access to the key sights and transportation.

Holiday Inn, Citizenm or Hilton Garden Inn - US Capitol/Mall

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