Tips for your business trip to Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States with a population of over 700,000. The city is the political heart of the country, the place where the president lives and where the government is housed. Every building in this unique city exudes history and culture, and its hip neighborhoods are not to be missed. In addition, the city is also rich in many (international) companies and therefore an important global business destination. In this blog I, Anne-Marie - Manager Operations Arnhem, share valuable tips regarding accessibility, hotel stays, bleisure and doing business in Washington. Follow me to D.C...
Getting to Washington D.C.
Air travel
Washington has three airports: Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan National Airport and Baltimore Airport. From Amsterdam there is a daily, direct connection to Dulles International; there are also good options with a transfer. For all travel to or through the United States, it is mandatory to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in advance. The cost is about €15 and once approved, the ESTA is valid for two years. Dulles International Airport is located 40 km west of downtown Washington. From the airport you can travel to downtown in several ways:
- Cab. At the airport there is a cab stand where you can get a cab without making a reservation. If you want to travel carefree, we can also arrange a private transfer for you in advance.
- Car rental. Of course, it is also possible to rent a car from the airport. All major rental companies have offices at these airports. We can send you a proposal with different car rental options to suit your needs.
- Bus. There is bus service between Dulles International Airport and the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. From here you can take the direct subway line, Silver Line, to downtown Washington. Total travel time includes about an hour.
In the city
In the city you can get around in different ways. For example, you can use cabs by reserving them in advance or stopping them on the street (provided they are free). You can also use Uber, Lyft and Via (via an app). Washington also has a very good subway network, making it easy to get yourself around the city.
Sleep well in Washington!
In Washington you will of course stay in one of the many hotels in the city. It is a good idea to find out in advance which part of the city you need to be in, so that we can search for a hotel near your business meetings. Most hotels are located around Dupont Circle, Downtown and the White House.
Hotel Zena ****: This modern, downtown boutique hotel has everything a business traveler needs. The modern rooms are fully equipped, including a refrigerator and a coffee maker. The hotel features a swimming pool and rooftop lounge, from which you can get a great view of the city. They also have a restaurant and a fitness center that guests can use. Cool extra: this hotel features an art gallery!
Source: Hotel Zena - Washington D.C.
Hamilton Hotel ****: This stately hotel is located in down town Washington, 600 yards from the White House. Rooms are tastefully decorated and include a flat-screen TV, coffee maker and refrigerator with minibar. The hotel houses a restaurant, cocktail bar and Starbucks branch. Before or after your workday, you can use the fitness center which is open 24/7.
Source: Hamilton Hotel - Washington D.C.
The Westin Washington D.C. City Center ****: A beautiful, modern hotel in the heart of the city, 700 meters from the White House. The luxurious rooms feature Heavenly beds (extremely comfortable). The hotel features a restaurant and bar. The hotel also features a fitness center and multiple meeting and event facilities.
Source: The Westin Washington D.C. City Center
Riggs Washington D.C.*****: this beautiful five-star hotel is in the former Riggs National Bank building and is located in downtown Washington: a great favorite of many business travelers. The rooms are tastefully decorated and are fully equipped. The hotel includes a restaurant and a cocktail bar in the basement. This hotel is also great for events, the hotel has a beautiful event space on the roof of the hotel. Magnificent views guaranteed!
Tips for doing business in Washington D.C.
These tips and facts will come in handy during your business meetings in Washington:
- Time is money: America has an individualistic culture, focused on the short term. The motto is: time is money!
- Performance: In America, performance and results count, don't be too modest about this. Dare to sell yourself!
- Accessible: Business is conducted in a jovial and smooth manner, often you are quickly addressed by first name.
- American English: American English is different from British English, so words may be different or pronounced slightly differently. It is good to check after your conversation that you have understood everything correctly, this way misunderstandings can be avoided.
- Clothing: Formal attire is highly appreciated and will make a good first impression.
- Complimentary: Americans give a lot of compliments. This can be a bit overwhelming for a Dutchman. In order to make a good impression you can (often) respond with 'thank you' or 'please' and of course give the necessary compliments yourself!
- Contact: Make sure you go into the conversation with the right person. It is common for managers to make the decisions without consulting the rest of the team.
Bleisure in Washington D.C.
If you have time to spare, we definitely recommend a visit to the city. We give you some must do tips that you definitely should not miss during your visit to this metropolis!
- The White House: perhaps the most famous building in the United States, the spectacular house in which the president lives. This iconic building is guaranteed to leave an impression on you forever despite the fact that non-Americans are not allowed inside.
- Washington Monument: This obelisk (memorial marker) is the tallest obelisk ever built at 169 meters. The monument was built for the first president of the United States; George Washington. The building is open to visitors and offers a beautiful view of all sides of the city once you reach the top of the obelisk.
- The Capitol: the political heart of the city, it houses the Senate and House of Representatives. In addition, its size and architecture make it an imposing building. The Capitol can be visited by non-Americans and offers several guided tours.
- Segway tour: visiting the city's many attractions while walking can be quite time-consuming. Especially if you are traveling with a business purpose. A tour by segway is then perfect for ticking off different sights in a shorter time!
Did you know ... no building is allowed to be taller than the Capitol in Washington? Therefore, unlike many other major American cities, you won't see skyscrapers and other tall buildings there (except the Washington Monument).
Are you curious about the possibilities for a business trip or a group or incentive trip to Washington D.C.? Then don't hesitate to contact with us!
Travel Well!
Anne-Marie Koopmans,
Manager of Operations Arnhem