Washington DC/Mayflower question

[Dean]

We are going to DC next year with 6 people for a week. I have followed the thread's on the Mayflower over the past couple of years but I'm still trying to decide the best options and looking for other thoughts. So the question we are struggling with is two Junior studios at the Mayflower for 4500 points vs using Marriott rewards points for the Residence inn with two queen studios or 2 rooms at the Marriott/Westin/Renaissance. I'm assuming (but would double check) that all would provide lounge access or breakfast for 4 (2 rooms Titanium) and for the Residence Inn should be for all. So roughly 9000 DC points with MVC or 500K Rewards points which we have. Leaning to the Residence in for the group and length of trip due to the kitchen. Thoughts, suggestions? TIA.

 

[jmhpsu93]

I've stayed at the Mayflower about 3-4 times, both in the Junior and Executive suites. They're both fine but I felt like the Executive Suite was bigger (we had a corner room so maybe that was it), but it only has one bathroom vs. two in the Junior. I love the location of the Mayflower...you barely get wet walking to the Metro station. We got lounge access for all three of us during our stays, but it was closed last November so we got a voucher to J. Edgar's for breakfast.

I'm assuming you're referring to the DC/Downtown RI - I think there are four and the only one I've stayed at is down by the Nationals stadium. The kitchen was bare bones, so if that's a deciding factor double check to make sure you get what you need. The Downtown one is only a couple of blocks from the Metro so you're fine there.

I'm assuming you won't have a car...parking is bat!@# crazy expensive and you can Metro from DCA or Uber from IAD, or if you fly into BWI take the MARC train or Amtrak down to Union Station.

If it were me and the money evens out I'd pick the Mayflower just because of how cool the hotel is, and you can't beat the location.

 

[Dean]

Thanks, doesn't the Executive Suite only sleep 2?

 

[jmhpsu93]

In either case you're dealing with a couch / pullout. Our adult daughter did fine on them (she prefers a couch to a pullout). Both units are true one-bedrooms with solid doors, not just partition walls or pocket doors or anything like that. The only issue with the Executive suite I could see would be those sleeping in the bedroom have to leave the room to use the bathroom, whereas the junior suite has it en suite.

 

[Dean]

In either case you're dealing with a couch / pullout. Our adult daughter did fine on them (she prefers a couch to a pullout).

Thanks, that option only shows if you select for 2 people.

 

[jmhpsu93]

Thanks, that option only shows if you select for 2 people.

Hmmm...well I wouldn't want to go afoul of the occupancy limits so maybe junior is the way to go. Funny the 1 BRs and 1BR deluxes are occupancy 4 on the marriott site.

 

[A.Win]

[Not permitted in the discussion forums - timeshares only, and only in the appropriate place for rentals.]

 

[ljmiii]

All that said (mainly by @jmhpsu93), when we are just the two of us we prefer the executive suite but when we bring a kid or two we choose the junior suite because of the extra bathroom. And I can't say enough nice things about the Mayflower...but will happily do so if further persuasion is required.

 

[Big Matt]

Dean, your gut on Residence Inn is a good one. There are lots of different ones. They are different in terms of unit sizes. They are all close to something or other, but please check out DC in terms of where everything is before you pick. You will want to use the Metro to get around if you can. It saves a lot of walking and cab fare. Also, don't rule out the Residence in Arlington/Rosslyn. It is right across the key bridge from Georgetown and right near a metro stop for the Silver/Orange line. That metro will go all the way to Dulles Airport by next year (we hope). It will be about 60% of what you pay in DC. IMO, the Mayflower is not worth what they charge for Destination Points. Much better options.

 

[Dean]

We've been to DC twice but it's been quite some time. I ended up deciding to go with the Mayflower at last for now. So I got two Junior Suites. I couldn't do it online as the system was bonkers today but was able to call in at lunch time and get it done. Part of the reason for that choice was when I looked at the Dupont Circle RI, it was actually further away from what I needed than it looked on the Marriott map. Now that I have that in hand I can investigate further and adjust if I decide otherwise. I do prefer to be close in but will expand my thought circle somewhat as well. It is a lot of points no matter how you cut it.

Regarding the Occupancy limits, I'm still not certain. If you search on MVC for 4 it excludes the Executive suite but if you pull up the link about the room on the MVC site while searching, it says Occupancy 4. I still think the 2 baths each will be best with 6 people total. When I called I asked and the rep checked on it and said it was 2 but I think she was searching the same way I was.

 

[PeteBob]

I've stayed at the Mayflower about 3-4 times, both in the Junior and Executive suites. They're both fine but I felt like the Executive Suite was bigger (we had a corner room so maybe that was it), but it only has one bathroom vs. two in the Junior. I love the location of the Mayflower...you barely get wet walking to the Metro station. We got lounge access for all three of us during our stays, but it was closed last November so we got a voucher to J. Edgar's for breakfast.

I'm assuming you're referring to the DC/Downtown RI - I think there are four and the only one I've stayed at is down by the Nationals stadium. The kitchen was bare bones, so if that's a deciding factor double check to make sure you get what you need. The Downtown one is only a couple of blocks from the Metro so you're fine there.

I'm assuming you won't have a car...parking is bat!@# crazy expensive and you can Metro from DCA or Uber from IAD, or if you fly into BWI take the MARC train or Amtrak down to Union Station.

If it were me and the money evens out I'd pick the Mayflower just because of how cool the hotel is, and you can't beat the location.

I plan to rent a car for a day. Hotel states that there's a hertz office about 1 mile from the mayflower

 

[Big Matt]

I plan to rent a car for a day. Hotel states that there's a hertz office about 1 mile from the mayflower

Shop around. You may find decent rates along the metro line. You should find cars at Union Station (Avis, Budget, Alamo, Hertz). A little farther, but plenty at National Airport too.

 

[kanerf]

Keep in mind that many of the Virginia or Maryland Marriott properties will have free or much cheaper parking options than the DC ones. If you get a property close to a Metro line, it is almost as good as being in DC. Parking in most DC hotels is $50 or more per night.

 

[PeteBob]

Shop around. You may find decent rates along the metro line. You should find cars at Union Station (Avis, Budget, Alamo, Hertz). A little farther, but plenty at National Airport too.

Shop around. You may find decent rates along the metro line. You should find cars at Union Station (Avis, Budget, Alamo, Hertz). A little farther, but plenty at National Airport too.

Thanks for the tip! For one trip, The hertz is most convenient. But for the other day trip, I'll check out the options you have suggested.

 

[Swice]

I'm not "cheap," I'm thrifty
On business trips, I found myself staying in Bethesda. As long as I was near a Metro, I was fine! Granted, the metro ride will be a bit longer... but less dollars or points.

 

[BingoBangoBongo]

I've used SpotHero in NYC and DC a couple of times and have even ended up in the same garage that the hotel used at half the cost or less.