Safest area?

Question

Hi, currently have 2 hotels lined up for 1st to 5th july. One (The Quincy) on 19thstreet NW/L street NW and another (Arch hotel) on New Hampshire avenue near the Foggy bottom metro.

Hotelwise we would prefer the 19th street location but wonder if it is equally safe as the Foggy bottom area. We are a family of 4. Will be on our way very early in the morning as still jetlagged and making the best of the cooler temps to cycle around the city (The Mall).

Just get the impression that the area around the Quincy might be less safe than the Foggy bottom area. All info welcome!

Answer

Both hotel locations you mentioned are in relatively central parts of Washington DC, but there are some differences in atmosphere and safety considerations, especially early in the morning.

The Quincy Hotel, located on 19th Street NW near L Street NW, is in the West End/Golden Triangle area. This area has many office buildings, some restaurants, and is close to Farragut Square. It is generally safe during the day and early evening, but as with many urban areas, it can be quieter in the very early morning or late night. Since you plan to be out early for cycling, it’s worth being aware that streets may be less populated at 5–6 AM, so standard urban safety precautions (stay on well-lit streets, avoid deserted areas) are advisable.

The Arch Hotel on New Hampshire Avenue near Foggy Bottom Metro is in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. This area is home to George Washington University, the State Department, and numerous residential buildings. It tends to feel more residential and campus-like, and is typically busy with commuters during weekdays. Foggy Bottom is considered one of the safer areas of DC, and the presence of students and workers early in the morning usually makes it feel more populated and secure for early activities.

Additional factors to consider:

Both locations are within 10–15 minutes of the National Mall, which is convenient for cycling and sightseeing.
Foggy Bottom has easier access to Metro lines (Orange, Blue, Silver), which can be helpful for commuting or if you need to travel quickly across the city.
West End can be quieter on weekends and early mornings, so you may encounter fewer people on your cycling route at those times.

Overall, both hotels are in safe neighborhoods, but if your top priority is feeling secure with early morning activity and a lively environment, Foggy Bottom might have a slight edge. If you prefer being closer to central DC attractions and don’t mind taking extra precautions during very early hours, The Quincy is also a solid option.

Tips for early morning cycling safety in DC:

Stick to well-lit, main streets where possible.
Wear visible clothing and use lights on your bike.
Be aware of traffic and pedestrians, especially near intersections and busy roads.
Consider cycling on the Mall loop where it’s often popular with early exercisers and runners, which adds a sense of safety.

In summary, both neighborhoods are acceptable for a family, but Foggy Bottom may feel slightly more secure and populated in the early morning. The choice ultimately depends on whether proximity to the Mall and central attractions or early morning street activity is more important to you.

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