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By Maryann Hammers
A vacation to our nation’s capital is educational and entertaining but not always affordable. Fortunately, we found military deals on accommodations, attractions, and activities in and around Washington, D.C.
The Fairfax Hotel at Embassy Row in Washington, D.C., has a storied past, with notable tenants including Al Gore; Adm. and Mrs. Chester William Nimitz; and Sen. and Mrs. Prescott Bush and their young son, George H. Bush. The inaugural breakfast for President Dwight Eisenhower was hosted here. During World War II, the hotel opened its doors to visiting soldiers — no man in uniform was ever turned away. Military members still get special treatment: The “Salute to Heroes” package offers active duty military members discounts from 15 to 50 percent. (At this writing, we found military prices at $330, compared to the regular price of $389.) Call (800) 678-8946, or when booking online, use promo code SALUTE.
DoubleTree by Hilton in Annapolis, Md., is 28 miles from D.C. and 3 miles from the U.S. Naval Academy. With the “Military Family Rate,” military members and veterans traveling at leisure stay for as little as $128 (up to a $20 savings). Wi-Fi, use of the fitness center, and a hot breakfast are included. Call (410) 224-3150, or book online using rate code MFR.
Military members get a 15-percent discount, and veterans also get free reserved parking spots at Super 8, the hotel brand by Wyndham. Choose from several hotels in the area, including Alexandria, Va.; College Park, Md.; Camp Springs, Md.; and Laurel, Md. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are included. Find more information on the military offer here. Use rate code SML when booking online, or call (800) 545-3213.
Arlington National Cemetery’s tram tours are complimentary for servicemembers in uniform and 50 percent off for active duty servicemembers or veterans with military ID. Stops include the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Kennedy gravesites, U.S. Coast Guard Memorial, U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing's gravesite, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Changing of the Guard), and Arlington House (Robert E. Lee Memorial). Find details here. Call (866) 754-9014.
Urban Adventure Quest is a fun and different way to sightsee D.C. It’s an interactive scavenger hunt on your smartphone that takes you on a tour of the city’s monuments, museums, and architecture, from the National Mall to Ford’s Theatre and the Heritage Trail. Regular price is $49, but with the military 25-percent discount, you pay just $36.75 per team of two to five people. Learn more or purchase here, using promo code MIL25.
Add the International Spy Museum to your list of must-see D.C. attractions. The museum explores the craft, history, and role of global espionage and intelligence, with its collection of gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, cars, and spy-tech. The military price for admission is $16.95 (a $6 savings). Call (202) 393-7798.
A new public observatory opens in Arlington, Va., on June 21, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the nation’s capital. The Observation Deck is perched on the 31st floor of the glass CEB Tower, the area’s tallest building. A “Windows Into History” exhibit points out local landmarks while narrating the stories of people and events throughout history. Regular admission is $22, but military members with ID pay $16. Call (703) 423-0600.