The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C.

Written by Washington, D.C.’s Renee Sklarew, The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C., is the insider’s guide to Washington at its best, with more than 50 restaurants and nearly 100 hotels reviewed and ranked for value and quality―plus secrets for getting the lowest rates.

This is a long-time local’s guide to navigating and treasuring your time in Washington, D.C., with summaries of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, worthwhile entertainment venues, and wide variety of sightseeing options.

A Completely Updated Edition of The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C.

This revamped guidebook caters to the traveler who is on a budget, with a family, or wants to have a truly “local” experience. The author recommends popular and convenient restaurants and diverse fast-casual options for visitors on the go. Rather than extensive looks at a few attractions, she summarizes a broad collection, including hidden gems and lesser-known museums. A chapter on Day Trips to renowned towns and historic sites within 90 minutes of the city has been added. Instead of technical hotel rankings, Renee recommends three specific hotels in each neighborhood, including luxury, mid-price, and budget. Along the way, she introduces a few Washington, D.C., guest stars who offer their personal “Unofficial Tips.”

Discover the Capitol City’s captivating history, from its founding in 1790 to becoming a global seat of political power. Get to know museums and memorials, so you can best plan on how to spend your time. This book is less technical and more narrative. The goal is to assist both new and return visitors, as well as interns and temporary workers, to make the most of their time in Washington, D.C.

About the author: Renee Sklarew is a native Washingtonian who enjoys exploring her city’s many attractions, especially its incomparable museums and national parks. As a young girl, her family lived in Switzerland, where she began her passion for travel. Renee is a Study Leader for Smithsonian Associates and leads tours of historic sites and parks in the Washington, D.C., area. She contributes travel articles and photos to newspapers and magazines, including The Washington Post, Washingtonian, Northern Virginia Magazine, and AAA Traveler. Renee serves as dining editor for VivaTysons magazine and is the co-author of the popular book 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Washington, D.C.