Explore Our City
For your convenience, The Ritz-Carlton has provided the following information to help you plan for and enjoy your stay with us.
Taxes
- Washington, DC: Sales tax is 5.75%. Total hotel tax including sales tax is 14.5%. Food and beverage tax is 10%.
- Maryland: Sales tax is 5%. Hotel tax varies by county with most counties averaging between 5% and 8%.
- Virginia: Sales tax is 4.5%. Hotel tax varies by county with most counties averaging between 9.5% and 10%.
Tipping
Tipping is voluntary; gratuities are not automatically added to the bill. Here are a few tipping guidelines: Servers are usually given 15% of the bill. For outstanding service, tip 20%. Taxi drivers usually receive 15% of the fare, and doormen, skycaps and porters are usually tipped $1 per bag.
Electricity
The electricity used in Washington, DC is standard electricity, which is 110 volts. European appliances will require a voltage transformer.
Embassies
Many embassies offer guided tours with prior notification. Arrangements can also be made by some embassies to host meeting functions and private parties, offering an unmatched asset for any meeting planner. Embassy phone numbers are available by calling directory assistance at (202) 555-1212. A comprehensive listing of embassies is also available online at embassy.org.
New Passport Requirements
• As of October 26, 2005 all countries must issue passports with digital photos or the required
chip (e-passport) containing biometric information about the individual.
• However, anyone issued a machine-readable passport prior to October 26, 2005, will be
“grandfathered in” and allowed to visit the US until the passport expires.
• 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.
How Can I Get A Tour of the White House?
Tours of the White House have been expanded from school, youth, military and veterans' groups to include any groups of ten. Groups of ten should submit a request through their member of Congress at least one month and up to six months in advance. The tours are self-guided and will run from 7:30 am until 11:30 am Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call the White House Visitors Center at (202) 456-7041 or visit www.whitehouse.gov.
How Can I Get A Tour of the Capitol?
The US Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 4:30 pm except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tours are given free of charge, although tickets are required and can be obtained the same day of the tour on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket distribution begins at 8:15 am at First Street and Independence Avenue. Guided tours last approximately thirty minutes and are organized in groups of 40 people.
When are the Cherry Blossom Events?
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to coincide as close as possible with the blooming of the trees. This year (2007) the festival begins March 31 and ends April 15. The National Cherry Blossom Festival parade will be April 14th from 10 am - Noon. For the most recent predictions, see the National Park Service's web site at nps.gov/nacc/cherry. For information on the National Cherry Blossom Festival, see nationalcherryblossomfestival.orgor call (202) 547-1500.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Museums?
Most museums in Washington, DC, including all Smithsonian Institution museums, are free. Some private museums charge admission or encourage donations.
What Should I Expect for Museum Security?
Most tourist attractions have airport style security screening and many items are prohibited. A general guide to avoiding security delays includes:
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Avoid carrying large bags or backpacks. These will usually have to be checked, which can slow you down quite a bit.
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Most venues allow you to carry (concealed) clear bottles of water, but all other types of drinks and food are often prohibited.
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The increasingly familiar list of prohibited items at the airport is a good general guide to follow. If you have a specific question, it is always a good idea to check ahead of time with the venue you are planning to visit.
Baseball
Football
The Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins play at the beautiful FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. http://www.redskins.com/
Hockey
The Washington Capitals
National Hockey League action at its finest! The Capitals play at the Verizon Center from October through April.
Soccer
The DC United
DC United is Washington, D.C.'s Major League Soccer Franchise. The team plays at RFK Stadium. More informaiton is available at http://www.dcunited.com/
Basketball
Airports
Taxi
Taxi service is plentiful and economical in Washington, D.C.. Taxis operate on a zone, rather than meter, system, and by law all rates must be posted in each cab. Rates are usually $1.50 for each additional passenger. Cabs for Maryland and Virginia can take passengers from DC to locations in their respective states but not to different locations within the city
Subway and Bus Systems
Metrorail and Metrobus provide the safest, cleanest and most efficient way of getting around Washington, DC and the metropolitan suburbs. Five rail lines and an extensive bus system connect the District with the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Train lines are named for colors: Red, yellow, blue, green, and orange. Station entrances are marked by brown pylons, capped with the letter “M” and colored stripes indicate which lines are available.
Route maps are posted at each station and inside each subway car. Metrorail opens 5:30 am weekdays and 7 am on weekends. It closes at midnight Sunday to Thursday. On Friday and Saturday nights, it stays open until 3 am. Each train displays the name of its farthest destination. Base subway fare is $1.35 and increases during rush hour and for longer trips. Rail farecards can be purchased at vending machines located inside the stations. Farecards are inserted into the turnstile gates to enter and exit subway platforms. The fare is automatically deducted each time you exit a station. To continue your trip by Metrobus, obtain a transfer at your originating station before boarding the train. Buses travel to Georgetown and other areas not serviced by the subway.