Frommer's Washington, D.C. [With Free]

"Frommer's Washington, D.C. '98" is a stellar guide to this vibrant and culturally-diverse cosmopolitan city. Elise Hartman Ford not only gives us astute and in-depth assessments of the shops, hotels, and museums, she provides extensive background on the city itself--everything from "History 101" and "Hollywood On The Potomac" to "Washington Calendar of Events" and "Getting to Know Washington, D.C." I especially loved Ford's "Best Bets" sections, where she gives insider-info on, say, the Best Inexpensive Hotel (The Days Inn Premier) or the Best Desserts (the "no frou-frou" sweets at Cafe Berlin). The book's maps are terrific, and Ford's "Getting There" and "Getting Around" are marvelous guides to the various airports, shuttles, and public forms of transportation. Don't miss this top-notch guidebook.

Like other Frommers books I have used, the walking tours offered here make the D.C. edition worth it. Tours and agendas are designed around how much time one has, which is always beneficial. I found three good (and affordable) places to eat thanks to the book. Why only four stars? The map. Yes, it's free, but it isn't as detailed as I would like, and the glossy surface makes it hard to highlight. Improve on that, guys, and the fifth star is yours!

This book provides all the information a savvy traveler needs for a perfect trip to DC. I planned my hotel, restaurant, and travel plans only after I consulted the book! Each listing notes the corresponding Metro stop. Great descriptions of places and services --- whether you are a business, family, sports nut, government guru, clubbie, gay, straight, or sightseer, this book will provide all the info needed for YOUR kind of trip. I highly recommend this one.