Washington, DC … If you are looking for a cheap vacation, this is it! All the museums, monuments, and a great zoo -- totally free. You can find cheap good eats everywhere and for the cost of a day pass on the Metro or a great pair of walking shoes you can get everywhere!
Washington, DC … The monuments are beautiful at night! Also, during the summer, check out the internationally focused fairs by the National Art Museum/on the National Mall. There was one for Israel and one for the Philippines while I was there and they had concerts and delicious, authentic cuisine! There are jazz nights on the National Archives too -- all free -- and the sangria you can buy there is delicious.
Hilltop Hostel in Washington, DC … This place is clean and in a good neighborhood.
Capitol City Hostel in Washington, DC … Location — Ok. It's an easy 15-minute bus ride from the center. I had some difficulty finding the place the first time. Safe area.
Staff — Great. Very helpful and friendly.
Extras — Great. Free Internet, 24-hour television, and a kitchen for your convenience! Oh yes, there are fans and air-conditioning as well.
Cleanliness — Ok. The top bathroom is dirty but the one downstairs worked well for me.
HI - Washington DC Hostel in Washington, DC … A lovely hostel, very clean with helpful staff and good kitchen and TV facilities.
Duo Hostel in Washington, DC … The website is terribly misleading. There is no air conditioning and very few rooms have lockers for guests. The staff is often times rude and derogatory, treating their guests like children. The atmosphere is decent when it's not swelteringly hot inside the house. There are no meals provided "once a week." Food that is stored in the refrigerator is routinely thrown in the trash without guest consent, even if food is fresh and recently bought. The hostel is neither licensed, insured, nor regulated. It is operated illegally and is in no way in code with city authorities. Be wary of what you are getting yourself in to.
Simkins Bed & Breakfast & Hostel in Washington, DC … I called them up to inquire about reservations but the receptionist who picked up the phone was the rudest I have encountered in my life. He made no attempts in explaining whether there was any availability (had directed me to call Capital City Hostel instead), and told me that I was being very difficult. It seems that DC has so many backpackers that the hostel management can afford to be downright rude and not helpful.
Washington International Student Center in Washington, DC … The owner would only help you if there was something in it for him and would keep you hanging around for ages. The place was generally scruffy and did not have a good atmosphere!!!
Gallery Inn Hotel in Washington, DC … This is not a cheap hotel, but the room, location, and service is excellent. Very friendly staff.
District Hotel in Washington, DC … The Braxton Hotel is in a great location, we walked to the White House in about ten minutes and is also near Scotts and Dupont Circle. The room was basic but clean and the bathroom was newly renovated. Overall very happy with the experience considering it was very cheap compared with other hotels in the area. The breakfast in the morning was great, with plenty of food and juices to drink as well as cereals, French bread, and coffees. The reception is also open twenty-four hours, which is very convenient for us as we arrived there just before midnight.
AAE Allen Lee Washington DC in Washington, DC … Attended in February 2007. Allen Lee Hotel is well located, next to George Washington University and not so far from the attractions of the city with the subway. The guy at the reception is nice. But, Our room was awfully noisy (it's just like you sleep in the street), the breakfast not so great (but there's), the bathroom, the elevator not really safe. In fact, this hotel would need a refresh to be really interesting (even if it said to be newly renovated). However, for the price we paid, don't expect to sleep in a real hotel, I would say decent hostel.
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