Frommer's(r) Washington, D.C. 2003 [Paperback]

Elise H. Ford (Author), Elise Hartman Ford (Author)

Book Description

Series: Frommer's Complete Guides | Publication Date: November 12, 2002

You'll never fall into the tourist traps when you travel with Frommer's. It's like having a friend show you around, taking you to the places locals like best. Our expert authors have already gone everywhere you might go -- they've done the legwork for you, and they're not afraid to tell it like it is, saving you time and money. No other series offers candid reviews of so many hotels and restaurants in all price ranges. Every Frommer's Travel Guide is up-to-date, with exact prices for everything, dozens of color maps, and exciting coverage of sports, shopping, and nightlife. You'd be lost without us!

Thoroughly updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's Washington, D.C. features gorgeous color photos of the monuments and memorials, sights and experiences that await you. Our expert author, a longtime resident, hits all the highlights, from the Smithsonian to springtime's glorious cherry blossoms. She's checked out all the city's best hotels and restaurants in person, and will help you find the choices that suit your tastes and budget. Her honest and opinionated dining reviews encompass everything from the best power lunch spots to family-friendly choices, from affordable ethnic spots to trendy bistros opened by D.C.'s hottest new chefs.

Our complete sightseeing guide offers fascinating background stories and practical logistical tips. Look for up-to-the-minute coverage of shopping and nightlife; detailed walking tours; accurate neighborhood maps; and side trips to Mount Vernon and Alexandria. You'll even get a color fold-out map and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer. And avoid tourist traps. At Frommer’s, we use 150 outspoken travel experts around the world to help you make the right choices. Frommer’s. Your guide to a world of travel experience.

Choose the Only Guide That Gives You:

• Outspoken opinions on what’s worth your time and what’s not.
• Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip no matter what your budget.
• Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.
• The best hotels and restaurants in every price range, with candid reviews.

About the Author

Elise Hartman Ford has been a freelance writer in the Washington, D.C., area since 1985. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post; Washingtonian magazine; the London-based Bradman's North America Guide, The Essential Guide to Business Travel; Ladies' Home Journal, and other national, regional, and trade publications. In addition to this guide, she is the author of Frommer's Washington, D.C., from $80 a Day, Frommer's Memorable Walks in Washington, D.C., and Unique Meeting, Wedding, and Party Places in Greater Washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Frommers; 1 edition (November 12, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764566830
• ISBN-13: 978-0764566837
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,444,929 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely fantastic, March 15, 2005

By 

Emily Bettevy "Bona Fide Redneck Girl" (Lafayette, Louisiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frommer's(r) Washington, D.C. 2003 (Paperback)

I knew NOTHING of DC when I learned I had to attend a conference there. I purchased this edition of the Frommer's DC guide and the little bit of money I spent on it was well worth it!

I've never had to maneuver around a city without a vehicle and I was MOST worried about learning to use mass transit in DC. This guide calmed my fears about the Metrorail which was actually one of my favorite aspects of DC! I studied up on how things work and the tips saved me a lot of headaches. For example, one tip said to stand on the right of the escalators when exiting or entering the Metro station so that commuters in a hurry will be able to run up the left side. That one tip saved me from getting in the way of those who I know would have run over me!

I feel the ratings that the guide gives attractions are right on. Too many times, authors of guidebooks don't even visit an attraction and they just copy and paste a description that comes straight from the attraction itself. I've been to too many attractions that weren't worth my time, but who billed themselves as being worthwhile and exciting to visit. The writers of this guide have actually been to all of these attractions and are honest about what to see and what to skip.

I had two days outside of the conference I attended to do some sightseeing, but on some mornings and in the evenings during the conference, I had free time as well. The Frommer's guide gave me the information I needed regarding times and days that attractions were open. Also, knowing which ones were closer to the Metro stations was helpful when I knew I'd have limited time before I had to be back.

Even though the edition I used for this trip was at least a year old, I felt it was indispensable. I know one reason my trip was so wonderful is because of this book! The tips are very helpful. The writers are knowledgable. The information is correct. The only thing I would change would be the index - it could have been more comprehensive.

I've always relied on information from visitors' bureaus and tourist information spots when visiting a new city. However, those brochures and guidebooks are always written to glorify everything. They don't critique and they don't offer tips. After using the Frommer's guidebook, I'm a firm believer in avoiding visitors' bureaus and sticking to Frommer's.