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Post by BagLady on Jul 22, 2013 16:54:19 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! That's fantastic! I love it when I can finally cash in points/miles and get a freebie!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2013 18:21:54 GMT -5
I agree with the view that one should leave as little as possible to chance on the WD and SI days. I would definitely arrive a day early and prepare well before I arrive. I would also spend the extra money for hotel. But if people are willing to trade off commute time to save money, it can definitely be done, especially if you are an early bird. I, myself, will be up at 5:30 a.m., anyway, as I always am. Call a reliable taxi company and arrange early morning service if you need to. Send me a private email if you need additional information. I would be happy to talk to you and I wish you all the best.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 6:06:46 GMT -5
there are deals to be had if you want to spend the time looking . . .
The Deal The opulence of Beaux Arts architecture has influenced some of the most renowned buildings in the world including Grand Central Terminal, Paris Opera House and the New York Public Library. Among these works of art is the Churchill Hotel in Washington, D.C., which offers an exclusive Travelzoo deal as impressive as its facade.
For $119 per night, check in to a Historic Hotel of America Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 7. For $159, visit Sundays-Thursdays, or explore D.C. on weekends in the fall.
All stays include valet parking, breakfast for two and complimentary Wi-Fi. Suites with private studies are available for an additional $25 nightly (reg. $50).
Along with the politicians, dignitaries and prominent families that flock to this hotel, tourists are attracted by its Embassy Row address and proximity to Dupont Circle and the Adams Morgan neighborhood, known for its nightlife and dining. Downtown D.C. is easily accessible via the Metro located less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Travelzoo Tip: Our team has also negotiated a $28 deal for a weekend spy experience that includes a 2.5-hour bus tour and admission to the International Spy Museum.
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Post by southeastalj on Jul 23, 2013 13:52:11 GMT -5
Though its not directly on point, since it came up above, Mariott pretty much always offers government rate to federal employees regardless of whether they are on official travel. www.marriott.com/File%20Blocks/US/Deals/chart.htmWhile some marriott hotels limit the number of days they will offer it, I've never run into a Marriott franchisee that doesn't offer it for leisure travel. It's usually a great cost saver when on vacation. I've even stayed at a ritz Carlton on government rate for a leisure weekend now that they are affiliated with Marriott.
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Post by mcb on Jul 23, 2013 14:52:19 GMT -5
there are deals to be had if you want to spend the time looking . . . The Deal The opulence of Beaux Arts architecture has influenced some of the most renowned buildings in the world including Grand Central Terminal, Paris Opera House and the New York Public Library. Among these works of art is the Churchill Hotel in Washington, D.C., which offers an exclusive Travelzoo deal as impressive as its facade. For $119 per night, check in to a Historic Hotel of America Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 7. For $159, visit Sundays-Thursdays, or explore D.C. on weekends in the fall. All stays include valet parking, breakfast for two and complimentary Wi-Fi. Suites with private studies are available for an additional $25 nightly (reg. $50). Along with the politicians, dignitaries and prominent families that flock to this hotel, tourists are attracted by its Embassy Row address and proximity to Dupont Circle and the Adams Morgan neighborhood, known for its nightlife and dining. Downtown D.C. is easily accessible via the Metro located less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Travelzoo Tip: Our team has also negotiated a $28 deal for a weekend spy experience that includes a 2.5-hour bus tour and admission to the International Spy Museum. Are you sure you don't work for Hotel of America or are receiving a comped room for this post?
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 23, 2013 15:28:39 GMT -5
Probably true mcb, probably true, especially since epic0ego seems to be a brand new member advertising a hotel special rate.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 15:54:35 GMT -5
Probably true mcb, probably true, especially since epic0ego seems to be a brand new member advertising a hotel special rate. Even if I had some ulterior motive, what does it matter if I bring a good deal to the membership's attention? As I said in earlier posts, all should feel free to private message me and confirm for themselves. I have lived in this town for over 30 years and I have never engaged in commercial advertisement or any other form of advertisement for any hotel or restaurant in my life. Methinks rampant speculation has run amok here . . . If it makes you feel better, check Travelzoo and Kayak on your own. I have already suggested Zagat's and Opentable.com. There are also some good B&B deals on Craigslist but I would be reticent.
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Post by mcb on Jul 23, 2013 16:10:27 GMT -5
Probably true mcb, probably true, especially since epic0ego seems to be a brand new member advertising a hotel special rate. Even if I had some ulterior motive, what does it matter if I bring a good deal to the membership's attention? As I said in earlier posts, all should feel free to private message me and confirm for themselves. I have lived in this town for over 30 years and I have never engaged in commercial advertisement or any other form of advertisement for any hotel or restaurant in my life. Methinks rampant speculation has run amok here . . . If it makes you feel better, check Travelzoo and Kayak on your own. I have already suggested Zagat's and Opentable.com. There are also some good B&B deals on Craigslist but I would be reticent. I'll post in pink, next time.
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Post by moopigsdad on Jul 23, 2013 17:03:12 GMT -5
Even if I had some ulterior motive, what does it matter if I bring a good deal to the membership's attention? As I said in earlier posts, all should feel free to private message me and confirm for themselves. I have lived in this town for over 30 years and I have never engaged in commercial advertisement or any other form of advertisement for any hotel or restaurant in my life. Methinks rampant speculation has run amok here . . . If it makes you feel better, check Travelzoo and Kayak on your own. I have already suggested Zagat's and Opentable.com. There are also some good B&B deals on Craigslist but I would be reticent. I'll post in pink, next time. If indeed I am wrong, I apologize for my suspicions epic0ego. Perhaps, you are indeed being a great source of information without ulterior motives. Unfortunately, there are posters who have ulterior motives when they post on this Board and almost all have been removed.
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Post by usnrcwo on Jul 23, 2013 17:12:05 GMT -5
State Plaza Hotel. Walking distance to both venues (will probably take a cab to the SI though). Mid September. Should be decent weather. Haven't worked in DC in over 20 years but remember September as being a pretty good weather month.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 17:15:40 GMT -5
Even if I had some ulterior motive, what does it matter if I bring a good deal to the membership's attention? For what it is worth, I just thought you were being helpful. Thanks! Thanks, aljhopeful2, and I am not at all put off by skepticism. In fact, I intend to keep looking and posting good deals for folks to follow up on themselves. For the record, I have been an administrative judge for 12 years and a lurker on this board for 4 years, maybe more? I am not one to blog, in general, but I was saved from missing a critical deadline because of the posts on this board some time ago. I had ceased checking one of my old email addresses on a regular basis, and it almost cost me. Since I am a DC person, I thought I could at least partially "give back" by posting what I know about hotels, restaurants, etc. here on the ground. My best to all. More to come.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 23, 2013 18:10:55 GMT -5
nice hotel 1/2 block to Embassy Suites . . .
St. Gregory Luxury Hotel And Suites 3.5 out of 5 stars 2033 M St Nw Washington DC 20036 United States of America 1-866-599-6674 $150 $135 Best Price Guarantee Expedia Price Guarantee
If you find the same hotel for a cheaper price elsewhere online, we'll refund you the difference or let you cancel your booking free of charge. Terms & Conditions apply (does not apply to Non-refundable Rate Plans).
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Post by 71stretch on Jul 23, 2013 18:43:01 GMT -5
I'll post in pink, next time. If indeed I am wrong, I apologize for my suspicions epic0ego. Perhaps, you are indeed being a great source of information without ulterior motives. Unfortunately, there are posters who have ulterior motives when they post on this Board and almost all have been removed. Posting history would tell you who is a spammer and who is not. The spammers are one post wonders who usually make no reference to any actual board topic. This poster doesn't fit that profile.
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Post by privateatty on Jul 23, 2013 19:17:38 GMT -5
I agree with the view that one should leave as little as possible to chance on the WD and SI days. I would definitely arrive a day early and prepare well before I arrive. I would also spend the extra money for hotel. But if people are willing to trade off commute time to save money, it can definitely be done, especially if you are an early bird. I, myself, will be up at 5:30 a.m., anyway, as I always am. Call a reliable taxi company and arrange early morning service if you need to. Send me a private email if you need additional information. I would be happy to talk to you and I wish you all the best. This advice is spot on. There will be a few people who have (due to flight delays) alot of anxiety that they don't need.
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Post by lurker/dibs on Jul 23, 2013 22:16:50 GMT -5
FYI every flight I have ever had into and out of Reagan airport has been delayed and twice I've had luggage lost. Hence I'm flying in 2 days early. That will give me time to hopefully have my bags and do any ironing or pressing of my suit that may be necessary after packing. I def do not want that extra stress. And worst case scenario I can always buy a new suit, make up, etc if everything gets lost in transit. DC has some decent shopping options, unlike some cities in which I never got my bags on short business trips.
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Post by trekker on Jul 24, 2013 8:53:57 GMT -5
While I don't have to fly into DC for the 2 day process, I am a seasoned traveller and lived in DC for 13 years. I also visit the city at least twice a year or more to see friends and to attend CLE's. I don't have any problems traveling on the metro or walking the city. IAD was my home airport for many years and summer travel, even in September, can wreak havoc on your plans. When I moved west and returned for meetings, CLE's, and fun, I tried all three airports from time to time, usually related to ticket cost. I can stay with friends but I am electing not to do that. I am arriving two days early, by car, and I am staying at the Embassy Suites. I am just not that much of a risk taker.
Having just returned from vacation yesterday, I can tell you that travel has only gotten worse over the years because of the restrictions imposed by all of the airlines. My spouse and I each fly over 100K miles a year so we tend to be at the top of the list because of our frequent traveler status. Yesterday we spent almost as much time transitioning from an international flight to a domestic flight than we spent flying over the Atlantic and it had nothing to do with customs and we had no checked bags. What did wreak havoc on our travel plans was mother nature. We were scheduled to arrive home at 1830 but did not get home until 0030 -- six hours later. And we only got home because we of our frequent traveler status. I have missed many a flight connection into and out of DC at all of the airports because of thunder storms, especially in August and early September. And since the planes are full, if you miss a connection or have a cancellation, you are out of luck. While I love flying into DCA because of the convenience of getting into the city, if your flight arrives late in the night, the metro isn't usually running and cabs are few and far between. Plus the streets and highways into and in the city and surrounding suburbs are torn up as they are redoing the roads. At least they were in early June. Please heed all the advice from people familiar with DC and don't take any chances. Get here as early as you can and stay as close as you can. Don't depend on cabs or the metro, they can be unreliable for a wide variety of factors. If your testing and SI dates are in August, it is hot and humid in the city. I said it before, the city basically closes in August because of the heat. September is generally better but there are no guarantees. If you really want this job and career, get here early and stay as close as possible. (BTW: I did get a decent rate at Embassy for a 1 bedroom suite where I plan to hibernate and chill out before the important days. I will not be seeing friends since we tend to have too good of a time together.) This is my humble opinion.
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Post by sealaw90 on Jul 24, 2013 9:37:36 GMT -5
Lurker, you reminded me of the time I flew into podunk wherever for a motion hearing but my luggage didn't. I was on active duty at the time and now had no uniforms. It was great to show up the next day in shorts and a t-shirt while everyone else was in uniform - yuck! Fortunately the judge was very accomodating and we delayed the hearing until my luggage showed up, which was late that afternoon. After retirement, I discovered the 'traveler' collections from some clothing stores & online - what a godsend to throw a jacket and dress into a little ball at the bottome of your carry on "just in case". Sorry guys, I don't think they make suits like that, but isn't that what seersucker is for? These items might not be a bad idea to bring for our testing dates....just in case.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2013 9:46:11 GMT -5
Many Washington locals take advantage of Restaurant Week which usually takes place twice a year, in Winter and mid-August, but is sometimes extended past Labor Day. Many of Washington's finest restaurants participate in this program which provides meal deals ranging from decent to incredible. They involve 3-course, prix fixe menus for $20 lunches and $35 dinners. Not bad for salad, entree, and dessert where it would normally cost you $75 or more. August 2013 dates have not been announced yet but should be coming out soon. I have found Yelp to be very useful around town. Here is their blog on DC Restaurant Week: www.yelp.com/topic/washington-restaurant-week-dc-winter-2013
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Post by lurker/dibs on Jul 24, 2013 9:57:17 GMT -5
sealaw, you are exactly right. My problem with the regulations is that I can't carry my make up and such in my carry on luggage. I can carry my suit on, but things like shampoo, hairdryer, etc, won't make it. I have had to scramble to find suitable clothing when luggage was lost, only to have it arrive at the hotel as I was checking out. I usually try to wear some basic black heels on the plane, so I don't have to worry about shoes and a travelers set always goes into the carry on these days! My last trip to DC I was supposed to arrive at 6:30 pm local time and didn't arrive until 12:30am. My presentation was at 8am local time. And no luggage nor time to shop! I was beat during the whole presentation and looked like I had slept in my clothes. Lesson learned. Arrive early.
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Post by mom, esq on Jul 24, 2013 16:10:02 GMT -5
I booked the State Plaza Hotel, which is 2 blocks from OPM (very helpful for arriving at 7:30 am) and 1 mile from the Embassy Suites. I booked directly on their site and got a better price than hotels.com by purchasing at least 14 days in advance with no cancellation allowed. It was $260 for both nights, including tax, and it is $32 per night to valet park. Reviews seemed good, and for me, there isn't anything better than being as close to OPM as possible (my SI isn't until 2:40 pm, so it will be no problem getting there in plenty of time).
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