Hotel Information
Renaissance Washington, D.C. Downtown Hotel
999 Ninth Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 1-202-898-9000
Map and Directions
The centrally-located Renaissance Hotel is situated between Capitol Hill and the White House, putting you just a few blocks from the Verizon Center, the Spy Museum, Chinatown, National Portrait Gallery and the world-famous National Mall monuments. You’ll be just a 15 minute walk away from the White House and a 20 minute walk away from the Smithsonian museums.
Travel Information
Traveling by Air:
Washington, D.C. is accessible via three airports: Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Amtrak and Commuter Trains:
Union Station is home to Amtrak and multiple commuter rail services, and is just a short ride on the Metro Rail system to the hotel.
Metro Rail:
Washington, D.C. has an extensive Metro system. The conference hotel is closest to the Gallery Place – Chinatown and Metro Center metro stops.
Parking:
The Renaissance hotel has a large on-site parking facility. On-site parking costs $33/day plus tax; valet parking costs $40/day plus tax. In/out privileges included in daily fee. No vans allowed in the garage.
Explore D.C.
Come early, stay late! Discover (or rediscover!) D.C.’s inspiring museums, powerful monuments and memorials, diverse neighborhoods, and more. The city is full of free attractions and festive events, making D.C. a favorite destination for travelers from around the country and the world.
While you’re here, explore the city’s famous restaurant scene. D.C. has been called “one of the most exciting restaurant cities on the East Coast” by Travel + Leisure. There are more than 100 restaurants located in downtown Washington, D.C. alone, not including fast food, delis, and take-out.
Restaurant information >>
Information for International Attendees
Washington, D.C. offers direct flight connections to more than 30 international destinations, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting to or from the Forum. Here is some useful information to help you feel at home while you’re here.
EmbassiesMany embassies offer guided tours with prior notification, and they’re an essential starting place for any international visitors who wish to tour the White House during their visit. Go to embassy.org to find contact information for each of the more than 150 embassies in DC.
White House & Capitol Tours
Non-US citizens must contact their embassies in DC to inquire about White House tours. Contact information for embassies is available at embassy.org. International visitors may join public tours of the Capitol; tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis.
Multilingual Services
The White House Visitors Center, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Mount Vernon and other attractions offer brochures in several languages. The Smithsonian Institution provides multilingual information at the visitors center in the Castle Building.
Complimentary foreign language tours are available by appointment at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, Freer and Sackler Galleries of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Visit si.edu for more information.
The Kennedy Center offers free tours on request in Spanish, German, French and Japanese. Tour scripts are available in 11 languages for self-guided tours. Visit kennedy-center.org for more information.
The Meridian International Center offers multilingual services at its information desk at Dulles International Airport, and staffs a telephone language bank. For details, call Meridian International Center at 202-667-6800 or visit www.meridian.org.
Tipping
Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill except in some cases for large groups. Tipping guidelines: servers – 15%, for outstanding service – 20%; taxi drivers – 15%; doormen, skycaps and porters – $1 per bag.
Electricity
The electricity used in Washington, DC is standard electricity, 110 volts. Appliances brought from Europe, Africa and most of Asia and Latin America will require a voltage transformer.
Passport & Visa Requirements
All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable. International visitors who need a visa to travel to the US must apply for one at an American embassy or consulate. For more information visit travel.state.gov.
Customs
You must complete customs and immigrations formalities at the first point of arrival in the U.S.
