Hotel help pretty please! Narrowed it to four!

Question

Hello. My son and I will be coming to DC in a few months. I have a conference at Yours Truly near Foggy Bottom for two days but have extended the trip for some sightseeing. My son is 15 and would love to be able to walk around or get to museums while I am working (I'm ok with throwing him in an Uber if its too far to walk).

Narrowed it down to these hotels:

Yours Truly for obvious reasons but it is the most expensive option by $500.

Westend by Hilton or Melrose Georgetown- both very close to Yours Truly but saves $500.

The Hamilton- further away from the conference but may be more walkable for him and convenient for the four days of sightseeing?

Is Yours Truly really that much better and worth the extra money? The other ones have discounts in my credit card portal.

Thanks!

Answer

Deciding where to stay in DC when balancing a conference and sightseeing with a teenager can be tricky. Each of your shortlisted hotels has its advantages, so the best choice depends on priorities like proximity to your conference, walkability for your son, and cost.

Yours Truly is extremely convenient if your priority is walking to your conference at Foggy Bottom. It’s a newer, stylish hotel with modern amenities, so the stay will likely be very comfortable. The downside is the higher cost, around $500 more than the other options. If convenience and luxury are top priorities, it can be worth the splurge.

The Westend by Hilton and Melrose Georgetown are both close to Foggy Bottom and will save you money. They offer comfortable accommodations and standard amenities. Your son could easily walk to some nearby spots, but for major museums or the National Mall, an Uber or Metro ride would be necessary. They are good compromises between cost and proximity to your conference.

The Hamilton is further from Foggy Bottom but is more centrally located near downtown and the National Mall. This could be ideal for your son to explore museums, monuments, and other attractions independently while you attend your conference. It may require you to commute a bit for your conference, but it offers more walkability for sightseeing.

Consider these factors when making your choice:

Conference Convenience: Yours Truly is the closest, minimizing commute stress.
Walkability & Sightseeing: The Hamilton offers the most access to museums, the Mall, and attractions.
Budget: Westend Hilton and Melrose Georgetown save a significant amount ($500), which could be used for activities or dining.
Teen-Friendly Amenities: Check if the hotel has comfortable common areas, Wi-Fi, or casual dining spots where your son can hang out independently.

Additional considerations:

If your main goal is convenience for the conference and you don’t mind spending extra, Yours Truly is excellent.
If you want a balance of comfort, cost savings, and still reasonable proximity, Westend or Melrose Georgetown are strong choices.
If your priority is giving your son freedom to explore DC independently while you’re at your conference, The Hamilton may be the best option despite being further from Foggy Bottom.

Ultimately, the “worth” of Yours Truly depends on how much you value cutting commute time versus saving money and providing a central location for sightseeing. Since you have a 15-year-old, a hotel with walkable access to attractions might provide a better overall experience.