Anonymous wrote:I recently did this and stayed at Hotel Monaco. Checked in, hit the National Gallery, had lunch at Teaism, got a lovely massage at Etalon Day Spa, went back to the Monaco for their free happy hour, and then had dinner in the restaurant (although there are many great restaurants within two blocks-- it was just really cold when I was there and I didn't want to leave the hotel).

Next morning I ate at the hotel (if you happen to be a fed you can get the government rate and it included breakfast), then spent some time at the Portrait Gallery/American Art. There are also two theaters nearby if you want to catch a movie.

^^ You can apply the govt rate even if this was for leisure/non-business use???

Fleecing of America and unethical.

Not sure your price range, so won’t offer a hotel suggestion. But, I do recommend picking a hotel with a spa and good restaurant. The point of your day is to rest. Get a massage. Relax. Watch a movie. Read a book. Have a nice meal and spend all of that time in a place that is nice that you don’t have to clean. Don’t waste time going to places that you would go to with the kids anyway.

The Lyle Hotel is very close to Dupont Circle and is quiet.

I recently did this and stayed at Hotel Monaco. Checked in, hit the National Gallery, had lunch at Teaism, got a lovely massage at Etalon Day Spa, went back to the Monaco for their free happy hour, and then had dinner in the restaurant (although there are many great restaurants within two blocks-- it was just really cold when I was there and I didn't want to leave the hotel).

Next morning I ate at the hotel (if you happen to be a fed you can get the government rate and it included breakfast), then spent some time at the Portrait Gallery/American Art. There are also two theaters nearby if you want to catch a movie.

Thanks for the suggestions so far! 450/night is probably more than I’d like to spend, since I want to do a spa treatment if possible, and eat a nice meal out. Was considering going down to the Navy Yard area to try out some of the newer restaurants that way…but maybe that’s too busy/trendy to be truly relaxed!

Anonymous wrote:Hirshhorn has a great exhibit.
https://hirshhorn.si.edu/exhibitions/one-with-eternity-yayoi-kusama-in-the-hirshhorn-collection/

https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/washington-dc

Just coming to say the hirschorn - you need timed tix for the Kusama exhibit but it is getting rave reviews and looks fantastic. Also if you haven't visited the Renwick - it's also great museum.

Riggs Hotel, lovely, not too pricey with a great breakfast and bar. Near the Portrait Museum, Cork Wine Bar, and Zaytinia.

Sorry, Blackwater Refuge

If you like nature, how about the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, MD with a bird watching drive through the Blackwater Reserve (or kayak tour, depending upon the time of year)? If you do the driving tour, bring good binoculars and a camera with a zoom. You will likely see eagles, osprey and a mix of waterfowl (like tundra swans, etc).

I might consider going to Baltimore-- it's so close but I go there relatively rarely so it really feels like a new destination.

Waldorf is about 450 and up a night. Not sure if that's in your budget, but it looks really nice. The atrium restaurant is insanely beautiful. You can also visit the Old Post Office Clock Tower and have a great view of the city (free and generally no line).

I'd hit Jaleo or Zaytinya. As a solo diner, I prefer tapas as the dishes are small but you still get to sample various things. Recommend getting reservations at either, especially Jaleo. I recently had lunch at Zaytinya and tried their restaurant week menu and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Hirshorn is good, especially if you can get a ticket to the Kusama exhibit. Nat'l Gallery of Art is always a good bet as it doesn't get too crowded during the week. I prefer to wonder around the west wing first and then make my way to the east building. Bring a book with you and chill out at the Terrace Cafe in the east building, with a great view of the Mall.

Other things to hit near the Mall would be the Botanical Garden and the Library of Congress.

I’d stay at the Waldorf and enjoy the spa, sit alone with a book at the bar and enjoy a walk by the White House.

Hirshhorn has a great exhibit.
https://hirshhorn.si.edu/exhibitions/one-with-eternity-yayoi-kusama-in-the-hirshhorn-collection/

https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/washington-dc

My holiday gift from my husband this year is a 24 hour staycation-alone! I have 2 under 2 at home, and as an introvert, am looking forward to peace and quiet and downtime, lol. I’ll likely head to a hotel after dropping kids off at daycare in the morning, and be back in time to pick them up by 5 at daycare the next day. We live in MoCo, so I’m thinking a DC hotel but am open to VA or MD ideas as well. If you were me, which hotel would you pick-hopefully somewhere with nice amenities, and relaxing, but not insanely expensive. What restaurants are good for solo dining? Any museums you’d hit up? I’m woefully out of the loop these days, so any suggestions are appreciated!