This weekend my family was hosted overnight at the Washington Court Hotel. They treated us to the Zooperior Fun package. We were super excited to play tourist for the weekend in our own city. Although we live close to DC, we do not take advantage of all the city has to offer very often.
Saturday afternoon after Michael’s soccer game we drove into DC and checked into the hotel, earlier than check in time. Our room was ready and everyone at the hotel went out of their way to be incredibly nice to Michael. Especially the doorman, Sam, who made sure to say hello to him by name each time he saw him. Michael was thrilled to get his own stuffed cheetah. He carried it with him everywhere he went.
Our room was well-appointed, and a nice size with two double beds and a large bathroom. The large bathroom was nice because after Michael went to bed we found ourselves sitting in it and playing games on my ipad. The beds were also SUPER comfortable. We had a lovely view of the Capitol.
After we checked in and Michael and Doug changed out of their soccer clothes, we headed out. We used the metro passes that were provided with our package and went to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. The hotel was only about a two block walk to a metro station. Michael loves the Natural History museum. We saw the new Titonoboa exhibit (which is a HUGE SNAKE) and the dinosaurs are always a huge hit. We spent about 3 hours at the museum and closed it down. Then we went to dinner and metroed back to the hotel. Michael loves cities and the fact that you can walk and subway everywhere you go.
After we put Michael to bed we enjoyed the safari inspired cocktails that came with the package in the bathroom and played games on my ipad. (Loved Ryan the bartender, who I chatted with while Doug was putting Michael to bed.) We woke up bright and early and thoroughly enjoyed the Starbucks across the street, and then we headed off to the main event, the Zoo. Check out was smooth and easy and were able to call down for my car and it was ready and waiting for us in about 10 minutes. Doug and Michael patiently read comics while we waited.
We got to the Zoo right as the baby cheetahs were being let out for their 10-11 morning visit. The cheetahs are absolutely adorable. They were playful and fun and Michael loved watching them. We watched them for about 45 minutes until we went off and enjoyed everything else the zoo had to offer. We were there the same weekend the new American Trail opened and that was a vast improvement over the huge hill that used to be there to see the beavers. The sea lions and the seal area is awesome and includes a splash area for the kids.
We were disappointed because the panda house was closed and then we learned it was closed because our panda had a baby! DC loves our pandas and now I get to say I was at the zoo the same day our panda had a baby! I can’t wait to go back and see our panda baby!
We spent about 5 hours at the zoo before it was time to come home and get ready for Rosh Hashana dinner at my sister’s house.
All and all it was fabulous weekend and a great way to start a sweet and special new year. I could not recommend playing tourist in your own town more. Or coming to DC and celebrating all DC has to offer, especially the zoo.
My friend Kim also stayed at the Washington Court Hotel.
- Two all day metro passes – a $28 value!
- A comfortable room with a view of the US Capitol
- Two safari inspired cocktails for the adults at Federal City Bar (located in lobby)
- Stuffed plush Cheetah for the kids
- Goodie Bag of iced animal cookies
- Two Washington Court Hotel water bottles
- Top Ten list of our favorite FREE things to do in DC
For more info or to book your room, visit the Washington Court Hotel website or call (202) 628.2100 or (800) 321.3010.
Jodi blogs at Jodifur about life, motherhood, working, and shoes. Mostly shoes.
Disclosure: Washington Court Hotel provided my family with one night’s stay and the ZOOperior package. I was not paid for this post. All opinions are my own.
