Washington DC Hotels Welcome Terra Cotta Road Warriors from $144/N

Featuring life-sized terra-cotta soldiers and horses frozen in time, the "Terra Cotta Warriors" exhibition presents genuine artifacts of antiquity from Xi'an, China that are sure to pique the interests of any youth. This show, currently at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, DC, has brought to life the story of China’s first unifier, Qin Shi Huang.  His final wish was to be buried with these impressive guardians to protect him in the afterlife.

Expected to be one of the fall’s hottest cultural draws, according to the Washington DC Convention &  Visitors Bureau, Terra Cotta Warriors brought record crowds to its previous host venues. The National Geographic Museum has sold more than 55,000 advance tickets to the exhibition, and some weekend dates are already sold out. To build on the buzz surrounding the show, DC’s cultural venues, hotels and restaurants have developed China-themed events and programs. In addition to the main attractions, visitors can catch a special exhibition on Renaissance views of China at the Folger Shakespeare Library, take a China-focused tour of the Sackler Gallery, sample Xi’an-style menus at Mie N Yu and savor a Chinois-inspired tea at the Willard.

Through December 2009, families who book two-night “Weekend Warriors” hotel packages on the C&VB website enjoy exclusive access to any-day, any-time tickets to see the exhibition, tips for tackling DC’s powerful lineup of fall and winter events, plus complimentary breakfast for two or valet parking.

Several of our favorite local hotels are offering autumn and winter packages based on the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibition. One such place is The Liaison Capitol Hill, a new Affinia Hotel that is proud to offer families a chance to "Discover the New DC" with this package. Through January 1, 2010, families can check into a spacious, stylish room with two queen beds and select from a variety of amenities, such as a pillow menu or in-room yoga kit, that can be customized to your liking. In addition to tickets to the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit which the concierge can arrange, the kids might enjoy learning  about the history of DC’s firefighters at the Engine 3 Fire Station’s Museum.

The Affinia, located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood at 415 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001, on can also work with your teens to help them follow the Presidential family's example by volunteering at DC Central Kitchen. Or, for a little family together investigative work, try the GPS Scavenger Hunt -- “Spy in the City” game -- from the International Spy Museum. There are many fun new museums to visit in this town.

We priced this package at $144/N plus tax the first weekend in December, but it's available through the run of the show, March 31, 2010.  If it interests you, contact your travel agent, visit the Affinia Hotels website, or call their agents at 866/246-2203. Don’t forget to mention offer code DISCDC.

For another family-friendly hotel in a different neighborhood, consider The Madison, a Loews Hotel located at 1177 Fifteenth St. NW Washington, DC 20005 not far from the White House. Grab the family unit and head down for a one-night stay and enjoy one of the 353 renovated guestrooms, a spa and 24-hour fitness center. Rates begin at $149/N plus tax and this offer lasts through the end of March 2010.

While the "Loews Warriors package" provides two tickets to this must-see presentation in their guestroom rate, there's also a 20% discount coupon included for the National Geographic Store. (Families who book the pet-friendly hotel should keep in mind that the Terra Cotta Warriors show does not welcome pets.)  For more information on Loews Hotels and other special offers, call the hotel directly at 202/862-1600 or check out the Loews Hotels website.

Autumn is a great season to visit the nation's capital and the weather is usually mild. And let's not forget the upcoming Christmas school break, an especially festive time of year when the city goes all out with the national Christmas Tree, national Menorah and other monuments to celebrate the holidays with all Americans. The nation’s capital also has plenty to do and see, including countless free museums, theatres and national historic buildings. Be sure to read our Washington DC Family Activities and learn more about other Washington D.C. attractions.