The only downside to DC is that it is spendy. You're going to want a hotel in downtown DC and those are not cheap. You'll pay around $100 a night for a cheap place.
We won't have to stay in downtown D.C. We can stay in Georgetown which is EASY walking distance to the Metro.... or GW (Metro goes right through GW). Sure there won't be hotels for $30 a night, but if we book in advance, we can easily stay well under $100 a night.
A quick search on Travelocity for hotels with rates between $60-120/night yeilded
43 results...one of which is located on Capitol Hill right by the Mall for only $89/night:
Washington DC: Capitol Hill
Washington, DC

Travelocity Rating

7 Reviews
The Best Western Capitol Skyline is conveniently located by Washington DC area attractions including the US Capitol, National Mall, Smithsonian Institute and the Navy Yard. Travelers will be within 4 miles of DCA (Reagan National Airport)
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Classic Cityview with 2 Double Beds
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TonyW said:
Not really. Want to go to Udvar-Hazy? That's a 30-45 minute drive and the Metro doesn't go there. You'll have to cab it, which would run you about $60.
2 Words: Hotel Shuttle.
TonyW said:
The Metro also doesn't go to Georgetown or Adams Morgan. Well, it kind of does, but it's a 15-20 minute walk to either place.
Aaaaaaand....there's no walking in Vegas???

Hell, brotha, it took you and me about 30 minutes to walk from NYNY to In-and-Out.
The walk to Georgetown to the Metro is NUTHIN' compared to walking through the MGM at Mach-speed behind the Bee! :nana2:
TonyW said:
Stick with Vegas, folks. Stick with it.
...which I'm okay with, but I think D.C. would be much more relevant and interesting on an intellecutal level.
I'm sure there are conference rooms at the Smithsonian Aeorspace Museum as well.
Anyhoo.....D.C. would be my first choice with Vegas a close second.
Stan