House and Senate Passes The Senate and House galleries are open to visitors whenever either legislative body is in session. Tours of the United States Capitol do not include the galleries, but visitors who want to observe a session can obtain passes from the offices of their senators or representative. To contact your legislator, phone the United States Capitol main switchboard at (202) 224-3121 or visit www.House.gov or www.Senate.gov. In addition to gallery passes, your legislators can provide tickets for tours of other attractions in the District. Sites vary per office.
Same-day gallery passes are usually available and may also be obtained from your legislator's office. International visitors may inquire about gallery passes at the House and Senate appointment desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center.
Lines to enter the galleries may be long when popular topics are being debated, and time limits may be given to accommodate all guests.
When the House of Representatives is not in session, visitors with passes may visit the gallery Mon.-Fri. 9-4:15 (except holidays), but it may close without notice. When the Senate is not in session, the gallery is open during scheduled recesses of 1 week or more Mon.-Fri. 9-4:15 (except holidays).
Washington, DC
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Thompson Washington DC221 Tingey St SE. Washington, DC 20003
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Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel999 9th St NW. Washington, DC 20001
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Best Western Leesburg Hotel & Conference Center726 E Market St. Leesburg, VA 20176
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Hilton Garden Inn Dulles North22400 Flagstaff Plaza. Ashburn, VA 20148
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689,545.
Elevation
23 ft.
Sales Tax
The District of Columbia's sales tax is 6 percent. Additional increments are attached when purchasing alcohol, restaurant meals, rental cars, commercial parking and hotel rooms. The higher tax rates range from 10 to 18 percent. The sales tax in neighboring Maryland is 6 percent and Virginia taxes range from 4.3 to 7 percent.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
311 in Washington, D.C., or (202) 727-9099
Hospitals
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, (202) 444-2000; The George Washington University Hospital, (202) 715-4000; Howard University Hospital, (202) 865-6100; Sibley Memorial Hospital, (202) 537-4000; MedStar Washington Hospital Center, (202) 877-7000.
Visitor Information
1133 21st St. N.W. Suite M200 Washington, DC 20036. Phone:(202)347-7201
Air Travel
Visitors arriving by plane can land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Rental Cars
Rental car agencies in Washington are numerous; most have conveniently located offices in the city and nearby Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Arrangements should be made before you leave on your trip. Your local AAA club can provide this service or additional information. Hertz offers discounts to AAA members; phone (800) 654-3080.
Rail Service
Trains pull into the
Buses
The Greyhound Lines Inc. bus terminal is at 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.E.; phone (202) 289-5141.
Taxis
Taxicabs in Washington are metered.
Public Transportation
Transportation by bus or subway is available in Washington.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.