Why fly to Washington, D.C., in December? Winter Break began Saturday, so I booked a flight. Besides, I wanted to visit the Natural Museum of African American History and Culture again. My hotel was within walking distance of the museum. I also wanted to finish Christmas shopping in Alexandria, Virginia.

Washington, D.C., in December

I booked this flight in late November. My flight was at 6:00AM, and Midway was quiet. I was surprised because I thought people would be racing to the airport for the holiday season. The line for TSA PreCheck moved quickly. There were only 66 passengers on the flight to Washington, and I had the entire row to myself. As I walked through the airport, I decided not to take public transportation to Trump International Hotel. I read the hotel will be sold to CGI Merchant Group. The name will change to Waldorf Astoria. If you have read a post or two, you know I am a loyal Hilton Honors member. I am excited about the new addition. 

Accommodations

I booked my accommodations shortly after the announcement the owner was in a deal to sell the property, and Amex Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts announced a promotion. Even though I checked other websites to compare rates, the Amex Travel portal had the best overall rate; stay two nights and receive a complimentary third night. My stay at this property was less than my two-night stay at the Lotte in New York.

The Old Post Office in Washington, D.C.

The doorman took my luggage before I entered the hotel, the bellman put my belongings in the room, and when I picked up my keys, the Concierge walked me to the room. You will not find an iron, but you will use a steamer. Of course, there were motorized sheers and drapes. Other amenities include an executive desk, sitting area, Nespresso machine, organic teas, cups, saucers, and bottled water. In the bathroom, there was a scale, Natura Bisse Diamond Collection toiletries, a robe, make-up remover wipes, Q-tips, and cotton pads. A plate of chocolates and macarons was on the desk. I also received a welcome card from the manager. Housekeeping comes by daily, and there is a nightly turndown service available. Finally, this is a gorgeous hotel. It is in the Old Post Office.

Amex Platinum Fine Hotels & Resorts

Now let me tell you about the benefits of making a reservation with Fine Hotels & Resorts. I received a $100 hotel credit to use during my stay. In addition, I received a daily $60 breakfast credit for up to two people. I arrived at 9:30AM. Even though check-in was not until noon, I was allowed to use my breakfast credit early. Although I did not receive an upgrade to a suite, I received an upgrade to a larger room. Did I need a suite? No. Everyone called me by name. I only saw two African American guests while I was there. It was probably easy to remember my name.

BLT Prime by David Burke and Benjamin Bar and Lounge

I used my $60 daily breakfast credit and enjoyed French Toast and Clothesline Bacon when I arrived. The Avocado Toast was a good choice on the second day. BLT Prime is closed on Monday and opens at 5:30PM on Tuesday. I enjoyed an omelet for breakfast and then a burger and fries for dinner at Benjamin Bar & Lounge while I watched the Bears game. The complimentary mixed nuts were good, and the old-fashioned was one of the best I have tasted. The food was delicious until the last day when I ordered pancakes at Benjamin Bar. I should have tried the oatmeal. If I am in Washington again, I will dine at BLT and order a cocktail from the bar.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C.

After I deplaned, I reserved a same-day pass online. Even though the museum is free, I made a $10 donation. On my initial visit to the museum a few years ago, I went directly to the Culture Galleries on L4. On this visit, I went to the concourse first. C1, C2, and C3 will take you from 1400 and beyond. It took three hours to view all of the displays and exhibits. There is so much to see, and you will need more than one day. On the second day, I explored L2 and L3. Again, I reserved my same-day pass at 8:15AM. I moved through the museum with ease. No crowds. Although I experienced many emotions, the Emmett Till exhibit had me in tears. Visit the museum store. Please put NMAAHC on your list of places to visit, and do not forget to stop by the museum store.

Shopping in Alexandria, Virginia

I changed my mind about public transportation. Why? I had not used my Amex Platinum Uber credit for December ($35), and I transferred Hilton Honors points to my Lyft account for a $25 Lyft Pass. After my second trip to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, I headed to Virginia. I stopped by Alexandria Cupcakes, AR Workshop, and Banana Republic. My reservation at Barca was at 5:00PM. Tracy, the Concierge, took care of booking my reservation. Remember to use the Concierge when you travel. The restaurant is on the river, so I started with a Hot Toddy to warm me up. The Brussels sprouts and fish was delicious. My final stop was the Silver Parrot. The store was going out of business. I finally purchased a Claddagh.

Shopping and Museums in Washington, D.C.

If you like to shop, the hotel is in a great area. I walked to T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Nordstrom Rack. I was also experiencing Deja vu from my trip to Portland; I only had a carry-on. While in T.J.Maxx, I put stuff back because I realized the merchandise would not fit in my suitcase. Should I buy more luggage? No. However, I need to come back in the spring or summer because I have only been to Washington in the Fall and Winter. Did you know there are over 70 museums to explore in Washington, D.C.? Would you like more information about NMAAHC? Click on the Amazon link below.

Budget

Although I spent half of my budget on accommodations, I saved money on food and transportation using my Amex Platinum and Hilton Honors benefits. I also saved $1600 in my travel savings account. Of course, I used the savings to pay for part of this trip. Click on the link to learn more about saving money. I enjoyed my time in Washington, D.C., in December. Visit my website for more travel ideas.