Travel News

Freedom isn’t free and neither are the deals offered June through August during the Summer Freedom Saving Promotion in Washington. But there are attractive discounts at more than 120 hotels, restaurants, theaters, museums, tours, events and retail outlets in the nation’s capital.

More than 60 hotels are offering packages beginning at $69. All packages include overnight accommodations and special amenities; admission to the city’s newest attraction, the City Museum of Washington and its multimedia show; a personal 24-page travel journal; and a guide to the season’s special offers.

At the George Washington University Inn, the Tourist Tootsies package soothes tired feet with sea salts, foot scrub and lotion, and includes a free Metro pass, disposable camera and continental breakfast, starting at $149 per night.

At the Henley Park and Morrison-Clark Inn, the Summer in the City package comes with a pass to the pool at the nearby Washington Plaza Hotel, daily breakfast and a summer promotional drink, plus a beach bag of goodies, including beach towel, romance novel and flip- flops, starting at $145. These packages and rates are only available at www.washington.org or by calling 1-800-422-8644, Ext. 332.

Area attractions, restaurants and bars have come up with some creative ideas. For example, visitors can receive two-for-one admission to exhibitions at popular museums and galleries such as the Phillips Collection and Hillwood Museum and Gardens or they can receive 20 percent off select performances at the Shakespeare Theatre or Studio Theatre.

Restaurant Week returns in late July, offering fixed price $20.03 lunch and $30.03 dinner specials at many of the city’s top restaurants. At Stacks Delicatessen, visitors can pick up a full box lunch for the price of a sandwich. Or, to celebrate a full day of sightseeing, kick back at the Helix Lounge for a “dingdongtini” or the Topaz Bar for a blue nirvana for $5 each.

Starting in mid-May, by logging on to www.washington.org, visitors can design their own themed experiences. Attractions and activities are grouped into four categories: best-kept secret, family-friendly, classic Washington and truly funky.

A new look at D.C.

The City Museum of Washington will tell the story of the city’s past and dynamic future when it opens May 16 in the historic Carnegie Library on Mount Vernon Square. Opposite the new Washington Convention Center, the newly renovated 60,000-square-foot beaux arts building will offer visitors an introduction to the city’s diverse neighborhoods and encourage them to explore its historic and cultural sites.

Another deal

The Washington Terrace Hotel’s D.C. for Free package includes accommodations and Presidential Ice Cream Party for four (choice of pralines and cream, the president’s favorite, or chocolate, the first lady’s favorite), with rates starting at $129 a night through August.

With so much to do that is free, families can capitalize on attractions such as the White House (group tours), National Zoo, Smithsonian Institution, U.S. Capitol, Air & Space Museum, Library of Congress and other landmarks and sites.