In D.C. for a week, possibly using Expedia, does this seem right?

I'm going to D.C. for a week from 8/29-9/5. I'll be flying from Orlando into Dulles. I want to use Expedia because it's going to be cheaper than booking through the airline and hotel individually.

2 roundtrip tickets and 7 nights at the One Washington Circle Hotel is going to cost $991 when booked together on Expedia. If I booked them seperately it would cost just about $1,300. Does this seem right? I would really like to be able to save that extra $300. I've never used Expedia or any travel site before, so I am a little nervous about it. Everything will be ok if I book through them right?

One more question. For the hotel I'm going to book you have to be 21 to book it, but I will only be 20 at the time of booking. My 21st birthday will be the day we check-in (8/29). Will I still be able to book it? I'm taking my mother and I don't want her to know about the trip so I wouldn't want to have her book it.

Sorry so long, but I will greatly appreciate any help, thanks!!

This seems right - the combo deals at Expedia do save significant money, and also Expedia is a reputable travel agency - so don't worry on that account.

As to the age thing, I can't answer. Seems that depending on how the transaction goes, you may be able or may get stuck. Frankly in your situation I would try it. Once you are there, and you are 21 years old, they are not likely to say anything. Do they ask for your birth date on the site? I don't think so.

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I formerly worked for Expedia, so I can assure you that it is safe to book through them. It is not that unusual for you to get a better price by booking the air and hotel together. Expedia, and its major competitors, contract with the hotels in their packages for discount rates in return for booking large numbers of rooms. Therefore, they can often get a better rate than you can get by calling the hotel yourself.

You should not have any problems booking the hotel as long as you're going to be 21 when you arrive. Your age is not sent to the hotel, so they won't know that you're 20 when you book it.

I will offer one other suggestion. After you receive the confirmation from Expedia, call the hotel directly and reconfirm. Some hotels can't accept bookings electronically, so they have to manually type your booking information into their computer system. Occasionally, the hotel staff makes a typographical error and misspells a name or enters a date incorrectly. A quick phone call can save you some hassle when you arrive.

If you're turning 21 that day, you'll be fine during check in. You may want to just look at a few other sites, to make sure you're getting the best deal. Also, look into booking your hotel on your own., and try looking into Jet Blue.
http://washingtondc.nyctourist.com/
http://www.jetblue.com

Yes, you should take the deal from Expedia. I'm sure it will be fine. Those services negotiate discounts - especially from the big chains. I'm getting a similar discount on a hotel I booked through British Airways because I'm flying BA and BA has a relationship with the hotel.

I suggest you write an e-mail to the hotel and ask about the age policy. You might not want to give your full name or the exact dates. Just explain that you will be arriving the day before your 21st birthday. If they give you a positive response, keep that email and take it with you!

Worse comes to worse, you mom will have to check in for you both. This shouldn't be a problem. You will have already negotiated the rate and you can make sure the hotel charges you and not your mother for the stay at checkout.

just one point to consider when using an online booking source. They are your "travel agent" prior to taking any flights if you need to make changes any airline will refer you back to them if you aren't on a published fare. But in addition to any penalties imposed on your discounted fare by the ticket issuer the "agency" charges additional fees. The airline you are flying may not be the airline that issues your ticket which presents additional hassels when you get pushed from one place to other. My #1 recommendation...TRAVEL INSURANCE...other than that read everything before clicking submit!

You should try flying from Orlando to (DCA) Ronald Reagon National Airport it is alot closer to DC and it might be a little cheaper then Dulles airport.. Dulles is a lil far out.

Hello,
I am not going to repeat what most others have told you about expedia, because the information given is great.

But you may not know this, IAD Dulles Airport is still a fair distance from DC approximately 50 minute drive
Maybe have a look at what deals you might be able to get flying into BWI Baltimore Washington or National airport also known as reagan.

We fly to Florida a lot and get much better prices using the alternatives .


I hope this shall be of benefit to you, and enjoy your trip.

DC is a great city, and there is a lot to see and do.



Paul M

Yep it seems correct to me.