Which Hotel to choose

Question

I have to make a choice between Hotel Churchil Embassry Row v/s Hotel Normandy and Kellogs Conference Hotel - which one is more convenient for a family of 3 including a child .. considering that we are in DC for 2.5 days ...

Answer

Good question. It really depends on your priorities — location, ease of transit to the National Mall/Capitol, budget, and the “feel” of the neighborhood. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each hotel, how they compare, and what might make one better for your 2.5-day stay in DC with a child.

Hotel Comparison

The Churchill Hotel (Embassy Row):
- Location: On Connecticut Avenue near Embassy Row. This is a very elegant, classic DC neighborhood with tree-lined streets and embassies.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, fitness center, and a spa for massages.
- Family-friendly: Children stay for free per their policy. They also have rollaway beds available (small extra fee) per their room setup.
- Accessibility: The hotel has accessible rooms, entrances, and facilities.
- Food: Has an on-site restaurant (Chartwell Grill) and lounge, plus to-go breakfast options.
- Transportation: More central (northwest DC), but not right on top of the Mall — you'll likely use Metro or taxis/ride shares to get to core tourist sites.
The Normandy Hotel:
- Location: In a quiet, residential part of Kalorama, just off Connecticut Avenue. Very close to Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan.
- Vibe: More boutique, European feel — marble bathrooms, mini-fridge, coffee maker in rooms.
- Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, daily continental breakfast (pastries, yogurt, etc.), and a “wine hour” in the evening in the courtyard.
- Family-friendliness: Cozy and calm; depending on your child’s age, the room may feel smaller than a big chain hotel, but it’s very charming. The mini fridge is a plus for keeping snacks or milk.
- Transportation: Near Metro and buses, but a little further from the Mall than more central hotels. Walking to some sites will be manageable, but plan for some transit.
Kellogg Conference Hotel (Capitol Hill):
- Location: On the Gallaudet University campus (Northeast DC), address 800 Florida Avenue NE. This puts you very close to Capitol Hill and within relatively easy reach of the National Mall.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, modern rooms, on-site Bistro restaurant, fitness center, 24-hour front desk.
- Family-friendly: The rooms are well-appointed and comfortable; the hotel is quieter and more “retreat-like” given its campus setting.
- Nearby attractions: Union Market is very close, and there is good connectivity to major tourist attractions like the Mall, Capitol, and museums.
- Transportation: Slightly further from the core Mall area, but accessible via Metro or bus; might require more shuttle or cab rides depending on your itinerary.

Which One Is Best for You?

If you prioritize a central, classic DC hotel with strong walkability to Embassy Row, Dupont Circle, and good on-site amenities: The Churchill Hotel is a great choice. It’s elegant, comfortable, and well-equipped for families.
If you want a quieter, more residential feel — a “retreat” away from the busiest tourist areas, but still charming and comfortable: The Normandy Hotel offers a relaxing, boutique-style stay with European touches and a peaceful courtyard.
If your plan involves visiting Capitol Hill, the National Mall, and you don’t mind being a little further out in exchange for more affordable, full-service accommodations: The Kellogg Conference Hotel is very practical, especially for access to the Capitol and nearby attractions.