Spying in D.C.

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This is a beautiful hotel with a great location next to the National Theater, great shopping and blocks from the White House. It is across the street from the Ronald Reagan Trade Center and our room had a view of the Washington Monument from the window.

It was crowded and noisy and fun on a Friday evening. The wait was only minutes and the service was fast and friendly. The bar area was hopping.

The portions are very large. I wasn't very hungry and ordered two side items. When they came, it was a whole plate full of each and I had to have help.

This place consistently serves good food, has fast friendly service and is crowded whether it's lunch or dinner. I plan to return whenever I'm in DC.

The food is delicious whether having a hamburger with coleslaw at lunch or rainbow trout at dinner. The seaweed salad was excellent and something not many restaurants offer.

The menu is extensive and the desserts are delicious, but I seldom have room. The service was very attentive. I plan to return whenever possible.

It was beautiful and the atmosphere was relaxing. The waiters were excellent.

You ordered your entree and then the sides were ordered separately for the whole table. So if one person wanted asparagus and one mushrooms, you would end up with asparagus for three.

Several politicians were there dining. It was a wonderful experience and the food was delicious.

There are many actual spy artifacts from old time to the most up-to-date. You can test your skill in breaking codes or sitting at a computer finding missiles and planes that are hidden. You can listen to earphones picking up soundwaves and other people's conversations going on in the building. Many old spy TV shows are displayed, which is fun for the nostalgic, like "Get Smart" and "Man from U.N.C.L.E." There is a room dedicated to female spies like Mata Hare and Belle Boyd from Civil War fame.

It was a wonderful museum, but, like most DC museums, it is hard to take it all in in one visit.

Helen Keller is entombed here and a rock from the moon is even incorporated into the decor. There are many interesting facts to be learned and tour guides are available to enlighten you. The grounds are well kept.

If you like visiting the old cathedrals of Europe, you should make the National Cathedral a stop right here in the United States.