Frommer's Washington D.C.

Ike Allen is a journalist and food writer from Washington, DC. He is on staff at Washingtonian, where he writes about affordable restaurants, city politics, transportation, and local culture. He studied anthropology and linguistics at Columbia University and earned an MS in journalism from the University of Southern California. Before returning to his hometown, Ike worked as a newspaper reporter covering northern California and a freelance food writer in New York City. In 2025, he won the National City and Regional Magazine Award for reporting.

"Frommer’s guides cut through influencer noise and AI-generated jargon to give genuine recommendations born from personal journeys and deep understanding. It's the trusted voice of someone who's truly been there, offering insights you won't find anywhere else.” – Samantha Brown, Host of PBS’ Places to Love“Frommer’s earnest prose, alternately lyrical and artless but always compulsively informative, convey a near-missionary zeal for travel and elevated “Frommer’s” from the how-to genre to the kind of book that could change a person’s worldview.” – The New York Times“Frommer’s has now re-established themselves among the leading travel titles… These human-scale books, written and published by people who genuinely know and love their subject, are perfect for travel’s post-pandemic recovery”. – The Guardian“One of the most recognized guidebook brands in the world, Frommer's influence on the traveling public over the past seven decades has been profound. More than 75 million guidebooks bearing the Frommer name have been sold since the mid-1950s.” – Travel Weekly Magazine“Amazingly easy to use. Very portable, very complete.” – Booklist“Detailed, accurate, and easy-to-read information for all price ranges.” – Glamour Magazine“Frommer’s Guides have a way of giving you a real feel for a place.” – McClatchy Media Company"It has been decades since I got my start as a travel writer,  writing for Frommer's during my years living in Florence, but in my eyes they remain an unwavering go-to source and last word for any of the countless destinations they cover today. I’ve consulted them more times than I can remember and have never once been disappointed. Am so happy to see that Pauline Frommer and her cracker-jack team continue the enduring legacy of her father Arthur Frommer.” – Patricia Schultz, author “1000 Places to See Before You Die" “If you are a budget-conscious traveler looking for value-for-money recommendations, which includes most family travelers, Frommer’s guidebooks offer an excellent choice. Focusing on affordable travel, Frommer’s offers practical advice, insider tips, and a reliable rating system. It assigns one to three stars to places and experiences worth your time and money.  Three factors that set Frommer’s apart:1. Budget-friendly recommendations: Frommer’s guidebooks provide a wide range of budget-friendly recommendations. Expect information for affordable accommodations, dining options, and attractions. They also offer money-saving tips to help you stretch your travel budget.2. Practical information: Frommer’s guidebooks are known for their practical and detailed information. They contain everything you need to plan your trip efficiently, from transportation to multiple sample itinerary options.3. Local insights: Frommer’s guidebooks include insights and recommendations from local experts, helping you experience a destination like a local. This unique perspective will enhance your travel experience.” – Gather + Go Travel Magazine