[Lola]

We stayed at the Hilton Dupont Circle. I would suggest ditching the car at Dulles airport and getting a shuttle to your hotel, then reverse the process and pick up another car when you leave. Parking and driving in DC is no joke. We bought a 2 day hop on and off bus pass that included a night tour as it went round all the sightseeing places, including the zoo. The Metro was also easy to use. Food can be expensive so look at food courts and there are great food trucks near the Monument.