The Omni Shoreham is somewhat historic. I saw Marlene Dietrich perform there decades ago. And the area is nice, as well as close to a Metro stop.

The Hotel Monaco is a former Holiday Inn that has recently been extensively renovated into the Hotel Monaco. There is a new free bus service running quite often that will take you up to the King Street Metro stop. But you are still talking a noticeable commute into DC.

I went to the Jurys Washington Hotel and I loved it. It is good for the whole family.

Everyone's going to give you a different recommendation - you'll be no better off than you were before. :)

I like the idea of the Liason. Don't know much about it since it's only recently been rebranded from the former "Holiday Inn on the Hill", but the location is great for sightseeing, you can easily walk to the Capitol area and Union Station (nearest Metro stop) and also walking distance to sights on the eastern end of the Mall like Air and Space Museum and Museum of the American Indian.

You can always visit Old Town Alexandria for an afternoon, imo you're better off staying in DC for your visit if the DC tourist sites are to be the focus of your visit.

Thanks for your help. I'm going to look over the reviews one more time and make a decision.

I agree with Monk3007. Jury's Washington is tops in DC. Clean, upscale, convenient. I have nothing bad to say about it. Check it out.

Of those 4, I would say go with the Liasion or Omni Shoreham. The Liasion is a bit more convenient for tourist activities but both are in safe, desirable areas. There is generally no reason to stay in the suburbs unless it is cost-related. You will spent much less time on the Metro at the Liasion or Shoreham. Also consider if you want to go back to the hotel between sights (i.e. to change shoes, drop off purchases, etc.)

I agree with the previous posters, Liaison Capitol Hill is first choice due to location. It's great to be within walking distance of some of the sites. Omni Shoreham is the second choice. It's also close to the National Zoo, which is free and lots of fun for an 8 yo if you can fit it somewhere in your itinerary. CC Marriott gets good reviews and is quite close to the city, so it would be my 3rd choice. Monaco Alexandria would be the last choice. It is a nice hotel and Old Town is quaint, but I think you're better off in the city or as close as you can get.

If the Omni is giving you the best rate, I would definitely go with that. There is a Metro stop just around the corner so transportation is easy. It is a very nice hotel in a safe neighborhood with lots of restaurants close by (not to mention the zoo). Crystal City Marriott is OK, but doesn't compare to the Omni. I don't know anything about the Liaison except that it used to be a Holiday Inn. The Monaco is nice and brand new. However, while I recommend Old Town for a visit, I wouldn't stay there if you intend to spend most of your time in DC.