Washington, DC is always a fun adventure for my family. Not only is our nation’s capitol filled with a sense of grandeur and glory but you will find museums galore and unparalleled history. For us, this was not a vacation or weekend of fun, but a trip that was filled with family matters that needed attention and a quick turn around time. A promise was made in July to our son. His birthday wish was to stay in a fancy hotel. We could have booked the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons or St. Regis. Our choice was the Westin Grand. It’s located in the West End of DC in a quiet residential neighborhood. With both Georgetown and Dupont Circle close by, there was plenty to see and do nearby, but we weren’t in the middle of the hustle and bustle. It was perfect for an abbreviated trip where much needed downtime was sought after.

Peanut was thrilled with our choice and was on cloud nine the entire time. Upon our arrival, he inspected our room from top to bottom. He called dibs on his bed for the night and then crawled up in it, flipped the tv on and asked for some “Zen” time. Have I ever mentioned that he is 10 going on 60? After some quiet time reading, relaxing and watching a little television, we offered dinner at the hotel. That wasn’t his cup of tea. His choice? The deli next door. He said that if he was going to be in the city, he should eat like he’s in the city. Mom would have preferred something  with a little more punch, however it was his night, so deli it was. After that? A little R&R over at Dusk. My husband and I each had a cocktail. Peanut? Chocolate ice cream, complete with blackberries and raspberries.

After retiring to our room, Peanut wanted a bath in the palatial bathroom. I filled the tub up so he could play and added some bubbles, courtesy of my now favorite scent in the world, White Tea by Westin(TM). He floated and soaked for nearly an hour before deciding it was bedtime. However, bedtime was him piled up in his bed, watching the Office on TV and giggling his head off. Since that was part of his agenda, Mom took a swim in the tub as well!

When we all finally went to sleep, it was the sleep of the dead. We were exhausted from our non-stop travel, but the Westin Heavenly Beds cradled us so sleep was peaceful and we were reinvigorated the next day.

My husband is a SPG member, so he collects points on all of his travels with Starwood. We were able to redeem his points for our stay and he still had points left over, which made him happy. Whenever he travels, Starwood is his first choice and now Peanut can see why: the accommodations are great, the properties have good locations and the service is good.

So is our son spoiled by all this? Perhaps a little bit. But the truth is, it’s like my husband says about his travels: “When you’re on the road, away from home, you want to go someplace where you’re confident people are going to take care of you. There’s no point in trying to skimp or cut corners.” And so we did just that.

And came away pleased.

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