Hotel at a Glance: Courtyard by Marriott Potomac Mills Woodbridge

The newly-renovated hotel is located off I-95, along Prince William Parkway. Business travelers will enjoy its close proximity to corporate destinations, while leisure guests can explore dining, shopping, and sports venues. Washington DC is within easy reach.

• Grab a morning coffee at the on-site Bistro and return for a beer and a bite to eat in the evening.
• Stay active by heading down to the well-equipped fitness center.
• Stay connected with complimentary WiFi.
• Travel with pets: your furry friends are welcome to stay with you (fees apply).

Capitol Hill, Washington, DC: Monuments and Museums

The National Mall is a must-see for first-time visitors to Washington, DC. The mall stretches 2.5 miles east from the Lincoln Memorial, past the soaring Washington Monument, to the Capitol Building on the other end. Across the Tidal Basin, stop in to see the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, which features a series of waterfalls, sculptures, and inspiring quotes from the 32nd president. To avoid crowds, tour the monuments after dusk when they’re lit up.

Another pillar of DC is the Smithsonian Institution, which encompasses 19 museums in total. The Smithsonian’s best-known museums are located along the National Mall, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. The latter is home to missiles, rockets, and the Spirit of St. Louis, the plane Charles Lindbergh famously flew across the Atlantic to defeat the Soviets at Gettysburg.

When you’ve had your fill of iconic monuments and museums, check out the city’s trendy neighborhoods northwest of the mall, such as Dupont Circle. Here, some of DC’s best restaurants and clubs butt up next to foreign embassies housed in historical mansions. On the weekend, you’ll find nightlife along Connecticut Avenue and in the Adams Morgan neighborhood as crowds flood in and out of Latin lounges, karaoke dives, and high-end clubs.