Washington DC is the center of the American government. As you walk around the city, you’ll encounter historical locations and important political hotspots. Washington, DC is as a crossroads between government and business. It continues to grow as a popular place for business meetings of all sizes.
Meeting Facilities
There are several hotels that cater to business travelers, with facilities that are equipped with everything necessary for your next meeting. For example, the Grand Hyatt Washington has meeting rooms for most any size, from board rooms to ballrooms. They can also provide the technology necessary for meeting presentations. Other hotels that offer meeting spaces in Washington DC include:
- The Embassy Row Hotel
- The Dupont Circle Hotel
- The Washington Marriott Georgetown
- The Kimpton Rouge Hotel
The Advantage of a Downtown Location
While there are many hotels in the DC area, there is a distinct advantage to finding a location in the downtown area. Hotels in this part of town, such as the Grand Hyatt Washington, the Hilton Garden Inn Washington Downtown, and the Intercontinental are within walking distance of many of the important offices of the government as well as several landmarks that attendees will want to see.
Government Offices
If your business meeting is connected to the federal government, you are close to several important places:
- The Capital Building
- The Russell and Hart Senate Office Buildings
- The Rayburn, Cannon and Ford House Office Buildings
- The Library of Congress
- The Supreme Court
The National Mall
The National Mall is an open park that is bookended by the Capital Building on one end and the Washington Monument on the other. It is home to several of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution and is also near other important monuments:
- The National Museum of Art
- The Air and Space Museum
- The National Museum of Natural History
- The National Museum of American History
- The National Museum of African American History
- The United States Botanical Garden
- The Lincoln Memorial
- The World War II Memorial
- The Vietnam War Memorial
The Old Post Office
A popular downtown destination for both tourists and business travelers is the Old Post Office. This historic building is now the home of many quick eateries and unique shops. You can also see one of the best views of the city from the clock tower operated by the National Park Service. This is also the starting point of several bus and bike tours of the city.
Fitness Walks in DC
These days fitness is a common concern for business travelers. Everyone is looking for opportunities to get their steps in. Many people enjoy walking around the National Mall, but there are several other great areas to walk, though some are further from downtown Washington. To the north, many people enjoy walking around the National Zoo or on the Western Ridge Trail through Rock Creek Park. The Anacostia River Walk is another scenic walk to the east of the downtown area.
Shopping and Eating in Washington DC
There are food and shopping opportunities all around the city, from the unique boutiques of Georgetown to the trendy restaurants of Dupont Circle. DC has a convenient metro system, making it easy to get to other nearby destinations. The largest shopping area is Tysons Corner, outside the city in northern Virginia. It is accessible by taking the silver line metro train.
Washington, DC is an excellent city for business meetings. If you start with a good location, your next DC event will be a great success.