Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the deadline to register and pay?

If you are planning to participate in the lunch cruise on Saturday, the deadline to register and pay your $10 deposit is February 15, 2024. Your remaining balance is due April 30, 2024

If you are not planning to participate in the lunch cruise, the deadline to register and pay your full balance is April 30, 2024.

2. Why do I have to pay a $10 deposit for the cruise?

Our contract with City Cruises requires a deposit to guarantee our date and discounted rate for the cruise. Your deposit helps us confirm our total count for the contract  and provide funds so that the committee does not have to cover this expense out of pocket.

3. What should I do if I can no longer attend?

We understand that life happens. If you are no longer able to attend the reunion, please reach out to a member of the reunion committee to let us know. Due to contractual obligations, we can only guarantee a full refund through March 15, 2024. If you have to cancel after March 15, the committee cannot guarantee any refunds, but will work with you to see if we are are able to refund a portion of your payment without breaking our contractual obligations. 

4. How early can I reserve my hotel room(s)

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport is honoring our reunion group rate now through June 1, 2024. Any rooms booked after this date will be charged at the hotel's regular rate at the time of booking.

5. What is the hotel's cancellation policy

Hotel rooms booked under our group rate may be cancelled up to July 14, 2024 with no penalty or charges. Please visit the 2024 Family Reunion Info page for instructions on how to book.

6. What does the reunion hotel rate include?

All hotels rooms reserved with the Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport will include:

• Free made-to-order breakfast

• A complimentary evening reception including hors d'oeuvres, alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages

• Complimentary shuttle service to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

• Access to amenities, including indoor pool and fitness center

7. What time is hotel check-in and check-out?

Check-in time is 4:00pm. Check-out time is 12:00pm. Early check-in and late check-out are subject to room availability and hotel approval.

8. How much does the hotel charge for parking?

Parking at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport is $30/day and includes unlimited in and out priveleges.

9. I would like to extend my stay in Washington DC. Can I book additional nights under the reunion group rate?

The reunion group rate is available starting Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21. If you plan to arrive before July 18 and/or extend your stay beyond July 21, you will be charged at the hotel's regular rate for those days.

10. Do I have to stay at the reunion hotel?

Absolutely not. If you would prefer to lodge at another hotel, air bnb rental, or with family/friends in the local area, you are welcomed to do so. Please keep in mind that all events outside of the hotel will include transportation that will pick up and drop off at the hotel only. Therefore, you will be responsible for getting to and from the hotel and paying any associated parking fees.

11. What airport should I fly into?

The closest and most convenient airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) which is ~5 minutes away from the hotel. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is ~35 minutes from the hotel. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is ~50 minutes away from the hotel. 

12. What's the best way to get around the area?

Bus transportation will be provided for all family members to/from Friday and Saturday's events and is covered in your reunion cost. The hotel area is commuter-friendly with easy access to and around DC via metro, ubers/lyfts, and taxis. There is also easy access to bike/scooter rentals for quick commutes or exploring the area. If you choose to drive or rent a vehicle, please be mindful that traffic can get pretty heavy due to local commuters and lots of tourists during the summer. Parking can also be costly and hard to find.

13. Why do the events include bus transportation?

Due to high tourism in the summer, DC traffic can be unpredictable and street parking can be extremely difficult to find. Garage and valet parking near the National Mall and Wharf/River Cruise areas can average around $40-$60. To avoid the additional costs and ensure our group arrives on time for each event, we are providing bus transportation to/from Friday and Saturday's events. If you choose to provide your own transportation, please contact a member of the committee for updated costs. Please note that the committee will not be responsible for any events missed due to late arrival and refunds will not be provided.

14. Where can I find local activities to do in my spare time outside of the planned activities?

A full list of attactions, activities and black owned businesses will be added to the website soon. If you are interested in coordinating activities for a larger group of family members, please let a member of the reunion committee know and we will include the information in our future communications and provide your contact information for details and questions.