Back from my scouting trip

Rick & I are back in snowy Chi-town after spending a weekend in D.C. assessing things for the reunion. First of all, I must say that the hotel is great - great location, great amenities, great shopping & dining ... and that cooked-to-order breakfast is wonderful. (I was giving the omlette man a workout). And there is a fully equipped fitness center with swimming pool and jacuzzi on the top level.

The hotel has the typical Embassy Suites open-air atrium style but the lower 2 levels are shops and restaurants. Between the shops in the Chevy Chase Pavilion and those in the surrounding neighborhood, there is something for everyone - from high end department stores, like Saks Fifth Ave and Neiman Marcus to discount stores like Loehman's and T.J. Maxx and from shoe stores to home accessories. You really can shop until you drop without walking 2 blocks from the hotel. The neighborhood also has restaurants of every type.

Although our main mission was to secure a picnic permit, we also enjoyed walks around Rock Creek and Meridian Hill Parks, we visited the National Zoo (free), we went on a self-guided tour of the monuments and Federal Buildings - including a trip to the top of the Washington Monument (free), we spent some quality time at the White House Visitors Center (free), we drove around the campus of Howard University and through the famed Georgetown neighborhood. One thing was clear - we will run out of time before we run out of things to do. And so many things are free of charge including every one of the Smithsonian museums. There is a metro station right under the hotel and everything is within easy reach.

Since I only blocked 30 rooms per night, I urge you to make your reservation as soon as possible - the reunion rate of $119.00 is a lot better than the $199.00 that we paid.