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Intro to Staying with a Toddler at the Mandarin Oriental
Hi everyone. It’s Tyler here from TheTravelingToddler.com. You probably know that we were in Washington DC recently and wondering what it was like Staying with a Toddler at the Mandarin Oriental Washington DC. (https://www.mandarinoriental.com/washington/national-mall/luxury-hotel) Well read on to know more!
Activities
There are no activities at the Mandarin Oriental DC specifically for toddlers, but the National Mall has numerous attractions that toddlers will enjoy, like the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History.
Transportation
In addition to driving, taxi, and ride share, visitors can easily get to the hotel from the Smithsonian Metro station. It’s just a couple block (5 minute) walk from the station.
For those flying into Reagan National airport, take the blue line from the airport to get to the Smithsonian station. The DC Circulator is also easily accessed from the Smithsonian station for those desiring to visit sites along the National Mall.
Dining
Unfortunately, dining options in the Mandarin Oriental and surrounding area are sparse. There is a fine dining restaurant located in the hotel, and while I enjoyed the food there, the food may not agree with your average toddler’s palate.
Around the hotel, there is a fish market a few minutes south featuring freshly cooked seafood and a food court at L’Enfant Plaza a few minutes east of the hotel with typical food court options like Panda Express and Subway. Be aware the food court is not open for dinner.
Cost
When we stayed, the rate was around $300/night. The hotel does not charge a resort fee but there is a charge (around $50/night) for parking.
Summary
The Mandarin Oriental Washington DC has a great location for those planning to spend a lot of time in the Smithsonian museums and the attractions on the National Mall. The easy access to the DC Circulator and the Metro is also a plus.
However, I do not feel that that Staying with a Toddler at the Mandarin Oriental Washington DC is a good idea. Because the hotel is quite upscale, the cost may be prohibitive for many and it’s not really geared toward families with toddlers. Also, meal options around the hotel are quite sparse and will make dinner planning quite challenging.
Related Content
If you’re planning a trip to DC, then you must download this FREE Amazon Kindle book titled Let’s Visit Washington DC. It’s written for elementary school age kids and is provides great information about all the DC area attractions.
Click here to download the Kindle reader at Amazon.com to Read eBooks using the FREE Kindle Reading App on Most Devices
As an aside, if you’re going around the National Mall, you’ll probably be collecting numerous National Park Passport Stamps. Click here for my article about this fun family activity.
Thanks for reading.
Have you ever stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in Washington DC? What are your favorite hotels in the DC area? Leave your comments below.
We stayed here last year during our visit to DC. I do not think this is a good hotel for families. It is close to the national mall, but the area right around is fairly deserted at night and on weekends. I didn’t feel unsafe, but there is just not much to do. There are also no good food options nearby that appeal to kids, particularly for dinner. If I had to choose again, I would stay at the holiday inn next to the air and space museum.
That will probably be out choice next visit as well.
The Mandarian bathtub is really nice and good for bath time, but definitely agree the Mandarin is not as family friendly as it could be
I really enjoyed the bathtub. Nice and big. I even have pictures of me taking a bath in it, but unfortunately I can’t post them here because I’m, well, NAKED!
Good advice.