Hotel selections help for April

Question

Coming after cherry blossom, for 5 nights including Easter Weekend. Myself & my 13 & 15 year old kids. Likely flying in DCA, no car.

Narrowing down hotel choices:

- downtown near White House seems logical for walking to sites, metro access & restaurants/quick dining choices

-Residence Inn Downtown- including breakfast queen & pullout only

-Hyatt House close by seems similar, has 2 queens & pullout but more expensive

-Quincy - now Choice hotels group apt looks good, great reviews, no frills, breakfast etc

- Sonder C&OGeorgetown- caught my eye- seems similar to Quincy & full kitchen if we use it. I noticed Curculator stopped. Would this location be most difficult to navigate to get to National mall & Smithsonian sights? Want to make it less stressful

Any input on these? Thanks

Answer

For a family trip to Washington DC in April, especially post-cherry blossom and during Easter Weekend, location and ease of getting around without a car are key. Since you have two teens, walkability to major attractions, easy access to the Metro, and nearby dining options will make your stay much more convenient and less stressful.

Here’s a breakdown of your shortlisted hotel options:

Residence Inn Downtown: Offers breakfast included, which is convenient for families. Suites typically include one queen bed and a pullout sofa, which can be comfortable for your group. Being downtown, it’s within walking distance to the White House, many museums, and Metro stations, making sightseeing straightforward.
Hyatt House Downtown: Similar layout to Residence Inn but slightly more upscale and generally more expensive. It also provides breakfast and modern amenities. The location is convenient for walking to downtown attractions and Metro access, but the cost is higher.
Quincy Hotel (Choice Hotels): No-frills, but very well-reviewed. Offers practical accommodations with included breakfast. Downtown location makes it easy to walk to the National Mall, museums, and restaurants. Likely the best value option if you want comfort without splurging.
Sonder C&O Georgetown: Attractive option with full kitchen, which could save on meals and allow for more independence with teens. However, Georgetown is not directly served by the Metro, so sightseeing at the National Mall or Smithsonian museums requires either a bus, Uber/Lyft, or a 20-30 minute walk plus bridges to cross the Potomac. While charming and historic, it may be less convenient for sightseeing compared to a downtown hotel.

Factors to weigh:

Proximity to Major Sites: Downtown hotels (Residence Inn, Hyatt House, Quincy) are all within easy walking distance to the White House, National Mall, and Metro lines.
Ease of Transportation: Georgetown lacks direct Metro access, meaning more reliance on rideshares or buses, which can be slower and add stress for a short trip.
Family Needs: Full kitchens (Sonder) can be great for saving on meals and giving teens some independence, but the trade-off is convenience for sightseeing.
Budget vs Comfort: Quincy provides the best balance of cost and location. Hyatt House is more upscale but pricier, while Residence Inn offers a familiar suite-style stay with breakfast included.

In summary, if minimizing stress and maximizing walking/Metro access to the Mall and Smithsonian museums is the priority, a downtown hotel like Quincy, Residence Inn, or Hyatt House is recommended. Sonder in Georgetown is great for a kitchen and neighborhood vibe, but adds logistical complexity when visiting the main DC sights without a car.

For your family, a practical approach could be:

Downtown hotel for sightseeing days.
Use Uber, Lyft, or Metro to get around if you choose a more scenic or quieter area like Georgetown.
Consider kitchen-equipped options if you plan to prepare meals or want more home-like flexibility.

Overall, downtown hotels will make your Easter-week trip easier and more relaxed, especially with teens who may want to explore independently.