Lonely Planet Washington, Dc (Washington Dc)

Rating:
Summary: Not really DC
Review: I have been living in DC for the past 2 years and bought the LP as a gift for a friend. As a resident, let me tell you ... this guide falls MUCH below expectations. Published in 2001 Feb, it does not take into account any of the new security regulations, road closures, etc. Futhermore, the listings for restaurants, bars and clubs is not only prehistoric, but also very "old-school" ... none of the hip DC places are included. I would supplement this by checking Washington Post's website - they are much better. Cheers,

Rating:
Summary: Not really DC
Review: I have been living in DC for the past 2 years and bought the LP as a gift for a friend. As a resident, let me tell you ... this guide falls MUCH below expectations. Published in 2001 Feb, it does not take into account any of the new security regulations, road closures, etc. Futhermore, the listings for restaurants, bars and clubs is not only prehistoric, but also very "old-school" ... none of the hip DC places are included. I would supplement this by checking Washington Post's website - they are much better. Cheers,

Rating:
Summary: Good guide as always, but not LP's best for sure...
Review: I've been fortunate enough to have used Lonely Planet books throughout Europe, Australia and parts of North America and have always found them reliable and accurate. However, the Washington DC edition falls quite short of the LP standard that I have become used to.

First of all, of course the information on attractions and especially security is vastly out of date, but more importantly, there were more than a couple recommendations that I followed in the guide that led me to a closed bar (twice), a bad place to eat (three times), and a REALLY BAD hostel recommendation. What was said in the guide to be the best hostel around turned out to be the worst one I've ever stayed in.

There were far more popular guides with the people I met, the Let's Go being the guide of choice. Having used the LP to some frustration, I would recommend using an alternate source of info for your trip to the Capital.

Rating:
Summary: Good guide as always, but not LP's best for sure...
Review: I've been fortunate enough to have used Lonely Planet books throughout Europe, Australia and parts of North America and have always found them reliable and accurate. However, the Washington DC edition falls quite short of the LP standard that I have become used to.

First of all, of course the information on attractions and especially security is vastly out of date, but more importantly, there were more than a couple recommendations that I followed in the guide that led me to a closed bar (twice), a bad place to eat (three times), and a REALLY BAD hostel recommendation. What was said in the guide to be the best hostel around turned out to be the worst one I've ever stayed in.

There were far more popular guides with the people I met, the Let's Go being the guide of choice. Having used the LP to some frustration, I would recommend using an alternate source of info for your trip to the Capital.

Rating:
Summary: Great for your first, second and third time. Very thorough
Review: This is my second summer living in Washington, DC during an internship and about my fifth time here. I have visited just about every major site that is accessible by public transportation, and some that aren't. I bought this book because it includes a blurb about the history of some of the major sites, sidetrips into Maryland and Virginia and lots of decent restaurants for a student on a budget. Perhaps it includes a bit too much info on traveling to DC (how to get there, visa info, etc. etc.) but it's a guidebook for the outsider primarily.

Rating:
Summary: Great for your first, second and third time. Very thorough
Review: This is my second summer living in Washington, DC during an internship and about my fifth time here. I have visited just about every major site that is accessible by public transportation, and some that aren't. I bought this book because it includes a blurb about the history of some of the major sites, sidetrips into Maryland and Virginia and lots of decent restaurants for a student on a budget. Perhaps it includes a bit too much info on traveling to DC (how to get there, visa info, etc. etc.) but it's a guidebook for the outsider primarily.