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Post by 71stretch on Jul 20, 2013 21:58:54 GMT -5
There are a lot of hotels in that area, so make sure you are all getting the best deals. You can find hotels that are no more than a 20 min walk (or a 6min cab ride) to OPM or to the Embassy Suites Since the two are only 1.3 miles apart, it would seem that there would have to be a lot of hotel options convenient to either/both.
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Post by lurker/dibs on Jul 20, 2013 22:20:04 GMT -5
I learned that staying cheaper isn't always the way to go when you must be somewhere timely. Often times the cab fares can be higher than the costs of a closer place. Also, why risk not being able to get a cab when you need it, something happening on the commute, etc? The "no exceptions" instructions on not being late made me rethink my usual place of staying in DC. I don't want to chance a twisted ankle in heels trying to walk or a idiot taxi driver making a wrong turn somewhere and me missing my time by mere minutes. And there doesn't look like a metro stop close by from the map I was looking at. Just my two cents.
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Post by lurker/dibs on Jul 20, 2013 22:25:46 GMT -5
Though, my husband just reminded me that folks from big cities and accustomed to public transit probably aren't as overwhelmed as those of us from smaller cities when it comes to traveling around DC. So, I guess everyone has to do what he or she is most comfortable with.
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Post by southerner on Jul 21, 2013 8:04:11 GMT -5
Re government rates for current federal/state/municipal government employees, some hotels do not require stay to be for official government business as they give discounts to government employees, regardless of purpose of the stay, so discounts may be available if there were a government ID. Similarly, depending on age and situation, always seek AAA and/or AARP discounts.
If you have not joined a hotel membership, consider that as you are allowed to accrue hotel points personally for government stays, too. As availability may vary depending where you stay for training and details and travel dockets, this can very beneficial. You can do this online at most majors. As you will have 4 weeks of training if selected, you can get a significant number of points right away. I have Marriott and Hilton memberships. Where we live and customarily travel Hilton has the most opportunities (Hilton, Hilton Gardens, Homewood Suites, Hampton, Doubletree, and Embassy Suites, for example). Perks can include free internet, room upgrades, breakfast or other food gratis). It is well worth considering.
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Post by Gaidin on Jul 21, 2013 10:36:33 GMT -5
I am staying at the Embassy. I know that I could stay closer to OPM for a bit cheaper but the Embassy has a free breakfast and I can either grab a cab or just walk to OPM on the day of the WD and even if I arrive hot an sweaty there really isn't a consequence except to the other people in the room with me. Whereas my Si is at 8:00 in the am. I want my suit to look fresh and me to look as presentable as possible. Also that way I can leave my stuff in my room and check out after the SI.
I think personal comfort with your plan is paramount. I can how folks who use mass transit or are familiar with DC could be more willing to roll the dice. But I haven't used mass transit since the last time I took the monorail at Disney and I haven't been to DC in 15 years.
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Post by Loopstok on Jul 21, 2013 13:08:17 GMT -5
I used Hotwire and got two nights at the One Washington Circle Hotel for about $90/cheaper a night than the Embassy was advertising on their own site. This of course has drawbacks as it means I have to walk on both days (one mile to OPM, half-mile to the Embassy), but as an urban resident to begin with wasn't a difficult call for me. Of course, the walk back to the hotel after the full day of testing has the potential to be very, very film noir-ish; might have to hire Raymond Chandler to write my voice-over narration. I intend to take Amtrak after my mid-day SI spot on the Thursday, which, again, will probably provide way too much time for self-examination, but will allow me to get back to work on the Friday.
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Post by Legal Beagle on Jul 21, 2013 20:29:57 GMT -5
I stayed at the State Street Inn - it is almost across the street from OPM.
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tpm
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Post by tpm on Jul 21, 2013 21:51:48 GMT -5
Changing hotels, I am using the State Plaza the night before the WD and the Embassy Suites the night before the SI. The cost was better than using either one for both nights. Booking directly from State Plaza seemed to offer lowest price (over hotels.com,etc.).
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Post by 71stretch on Jul 21, 2013 22:46:44 GMT -5
I stayed at the State Street Inn - it is almost across the street from OPM. You must mean the State Plaza?
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Post by minny on Jul 22, 2013 8:14:44 GMT -5
Good points, devildog.
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Post by Gaidin on Jul 22, 2013 9:17:36 GMT -5
I think devildog's last point about food is a big one. Since most of us will be staying in the same general area then this kind of advice could be a big help.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2013 9:33:48 GMT -5
I found the cheapest place EVER www.americanahotel.com/ but it is in Crystal City. I have no problem hitting the road early and getting on the metro or getting on a bus at 0600 to make my WD at 0800, my SI is at 1000! My lodging costs for both days will be about $150. I just need a clean place to sleep and am flying out right after my SI is done. Used miles to fly into DC, taking two furlough days for the pay period so I will only use one vacation day. Keeping costs to a minimum for this trip. Just a warning. I stayed at the American when I went for my interview. There's a reason it's so inexpensive. It was gross. Bugs and an antique heating and cooling system. I would give it zero stars unless I am allowed to give negative stars. I also had to organize an early cab and a long walk. All in all it added some un-needed stress to already stressful morning. I suggest staying as close as possible and just look at the extra cost as a business expense! Good luck! R
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2013 10:46:01 GMT -5
Rob, thanks for the info. How long ago did you stay there? I stayed there in March and it was indeed rudimentary but I got a good night's sleep and had hot water for my shower. The metro is a 5 min walk and I am an early riser so I am not sweating the travel and I am trying not to stress out on this testing. Its a possible job for me and I am very happy with my current employer. Waiting to hear if I land an overseas gig in which case I will probably not be interested in an ODAR gig (have a limited GAL in any case because I am only moving to where my wife says she will go).
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Post by steelrain on Jul 22, 2013 10:53:50 GMT -5
I am booked into the Best Western Georgetown. I am not sure what the nightly rate is as I booked it as package through Expedia with my flight. But it did drop the package price $210 from the Embassy. It is a block and half from the Embassy. My SI is first thing in the morning so I choose to stay closer to the Embassy versus OPM, I am a little nervous about getting a competent cab driver to OPM, but you cant control everything...
Any one else going to be in DC on the night of the 4th or 5th?
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Post by meglev on Jul 22, 2013 11:10:23 GMT -5
I wanted to point out what may be another good deal. I booked directly with them. They said federal employees on personal business may get the govt rate, but not a state employee, such as myself. It is the Hampton Inn. It is a few blocks north of the OPM building and 1 block west of the White House. $30/night for parking plus $5 tax. It has a Noon check out - great for a late SI.
Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House 1729 H Street N.W. | Washington | DC | United States 20006 T: 1-202-296-1006 | F: 1-202-296-1008
Thank you for booking with us, ***** Confirmation: ****** Modify Reservation Arrival: ** Aug 2013 3:00 PM Departure: ** Aug 2013 12:00 PM Rate Information: Rate per night: 169.00 USD ** Aug 2013 - ** Aug 2013 149.00 USD ** Aug 2013 - ** Aug 2013 - discount for 2nd night? Total for Stay per Room: Rate 318.00 USD Taxes 46.11 USD Total 364.11 USD Total for Stay: 364.11 USD
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Post by BagLady on Jul 22, 2013 11:17:47 GMT -5
For those staying at a Hilton property (Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, etc.), register your HHonors account at the Hilton website for a double or triple points offer:
Book By 30 Sep 2013. Stay Between 09 Jul 2013 and 30 Sep 2013.
Get to your next getaway three times faster with the Triple Your Trip promotion from Hilton HHonors™. Sign up and stay Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights to earn Triple HHonors Points from July 9 through September 30, 2013. Earn Double HHonors Points on Monday through Thursday stays at participating hotels and resorts. Because whether you're earning Double Points on business or Triple Points on a weekend stay, HHonors can get you there faster.
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Post by 71stretch on Jul 22, 2013 11:20:48 GMT -5
For those staying at a Hilton property (Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, etc.), register your HHonors account at the Hilton website for a double or triple points offer: Book By 30 Sep 2013. Stay Between 09 Jul 2013 and 30 Sep 2013. Get to your next getaway three times faster with the Triple Your Trip promotion from Hilton HHonors™. Sign up and stay Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights to earn Triple HHonors Points from July 9 through September 30, 2013. Earn Double HHonors Points on Monday through Thursday stays at participating hotels and resorts. Because whether you're earning Double Points on business or Triple Points on a weekend stay, HHonors can get you there faster. Thanks for that tip!
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Post by yellowbird on Jul 22, 2013 16:37:42 GMT -5
I think I just found the best deal. I Discovered we have enough Hilton Honors points for 2 free nights at the Embassy Suites (Sept 9-10). That will make this trip MUCH cheaper!
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Post by BagLady on Jul 22, 2013 16:44:08 GMT -5
Sure thing. Also, be sure to update your preferences and select your MyPoints earning style....either points + bonus points for each stay, or points + frequent flier miles each stay. The second option is either "fixed miles" (500 per stay) or "variable miles" (1 mile per dollar spent, not including taxes). And you can change that selection with every stay, even during the stay (if you end up spending more than $500 when you are on the fixed setting, just call customer service or change it online by midnight on the day you checkout).
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2013 16:51:36 GMT -5
Hotel Lombardy is an excellent choice for the reasons cited by Baglady. I live in D.C. and have been there many times for their small but excellent restaurant and happy hour lounge, both of which have reasonable prices. Someone felt it was not up to standard, but I disagree. Yes, it is old, but it is also charming, historic, and very clean, with excellent service. Despite the craziness, I would not mind walking 4 blocks to OPM (about 15 minute walk), especially since it will be early in the day and temps should be moderate at that hour. The 4 blocks to the Embassy Suites is also easy, but if you need to take a taxi it will cost you four bucks. For those who are up to a one hour commute each morning (including train and walk time), you can save $50 - $100 per night by staying in Crystal City, Arlington, VA. You want to end up at the Farragut West Metro Stop on the Orange Line, however, so make sure you know how to transfer from the Yellow Line in Crystal City onto the Orange Line at L'Enfant Plaza. Don't get on the train going in the wrong direction! If you stay at the Westin or Hyatt in Arlington on the Orange Line, you won't need to transfer. But the Farragut West Metro Stop is about 5 blocks to both venues.
Restaurants - If you want to make a celebration of it (and I would), check out the Prime Rib Restaurant at 2020 K St., N.W. A little pricey but an excellent steak house also specializing in seafood. Service, atmosphere, and nightly piano are to die for. To save money, look up zagat's or open table.com and put in "Dupont Circle" area. Scores of excellent choices, including the Black Rooster and the Bonefish Grill. Someone said Meiwah, which is excellent Chinese. But 19th and M Sts., has the Palm, Rumors, Luigies, the Front Page, and many great choices. 20th and M has a large CVS Pharmacy across from a great and very reasonably-priced Korean BBQ buffet.
For those making a vacation of your "ALJ outing", you will not be disappointed. From history to Potomac River venues, to baseball, to superb restaurants, the Kennedy Center and other world-class entertainment venues, you can't go wrong. The Kennedy Center offers FREE shows everyday at 6 p.m. and most of the museums and attractions have no admission fee. If you call your congressman or senator's office in advance, they can arrange amazing free tours of the Capitol and other government venues.
My advice is to prepare well, relax, go in there and show 'em what you got, then enjoy the City. It will be a memorable experience no matter what the outcome.
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