Help with DC area Marriott

[Embel]

I hope someone here might be able to help me. I booked a Category 3 Marriott with our points for a week in Washington, DC in April. Well, it turns out that I booked a hotel in an area that is better avoided.

I need to change my reservation & I need suggestions. I'd like to keep Cat 3, but can go to Cat 4 Marriott if necessary. I'm doing a budget trip with my family, and we are driving there. I am willing to go to a nearby area (ex- Tysons, etc), but I just really don't know what I'm doing & don't want to end up too far from DC, or in too scary an area.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Snow Orange]

We stayed this summer at the Arlington Marriott. I am not sure of its rating. It's over the bridge from Georgetown (walking to shops and restaurants) and its an easy walk to the Metro (about 7 - 10 minutes depending on ability) and on site free parking. My sister and fam is returning in April - chose same hotel because it was such a deal and good experience. Metro and metro pass your bff in DC. Cherry Blossom time then so it should be beautiful but maybe crowded.

 

[DisneyFed]

Marriott Crystal City an Crystal Gateway are right next to each other and both right on the Metro line (the Crystal City Marriott has the metro in the "basement" LOL)

I would recommend either of those!

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Not sure what category it is, but the Key Bridge is very nice. We had a room with a view of the Potomac, the Capitol building, and Washington monument. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/waskb-key-bridge-marriott/ Look under deals, they have a really great one right now if you stay 3 nights you get 30% off or 4 nights for 40% off.

 

[dis-happy]

Not sure what category it is, but the Key Bridge is very nice. We had a room with a view of the Potomac, the Capitol building, and Washington monument. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/waskb-key-bridge-marriott/ Look under deals, they have a really great one right now if you stay 3 nights you get 30% off or 4 nights for 40% off.

Key Bridge is nice (my dh lived here for several months one travel season) but it's a cat. 5 for rewards. In the OP's shoes, I'd choose Crystal City. We used to live in the DC suburbs and I have to agree that it's a very convenient location.

 

[disny_luvr]

Marriott Crystal City an Crystal Gateway are right next to each other and both right on the Metro line (the Crystal City Marriott has the metro in the "basement" LOL)

I would recommend either of those!

I second this! We stayed in Marriott Crystal City a few years ago and it was very nice. We also loved the metro being so close - it was extremely convenient and a hop, skip and jump from everything. You aren't "right in" the heart of DC, but from our window we could see the Capitol.

 

[Binnie]

I have no idea about the category, but the Wardman park is in a lovely area (near the zoo and Rock Creek Park) and seemed nice from down the street when we were at the Omni. My plan is to stay there the next time we visit the zoo.

 

[Storm632]

Not sure which Marriott you had booked, but we stayed at the Residence Inn- Capitol. It was near a Metro and within walking distance of the Air and Space Museum. It is quiet at night because it is in an office area, but we felt very safe walking in the evenings. We had to go down the street to find green space for our dog, and felt very safe doing this...although the only green space was at the police station a block down!!

 

[DRS_Are_Best]

It comes down to where you are looking to stay (VA vs. MD type thing). I live near Gaithersburg, MD and there is EVERY type of Marriot right off I-270 which is the main highway to get to the Washington Beltway. It's approximately a 20-30 minute drive to downtown DC. Seriously -- they have courtyards, full marriots, residence inn, etc -- every type of Marriot I've ever heard of so they MUST have one of the rating you are looking for.

If they are asking for more specifics when trying to book -- I'm talking about the ones at or around Washingtonian Center or the Rio complex in Gaithersburg, MD.

Good luck!

 

[eeyorefan74]

We also loved the Crystal City Marriott. It was so nice to just walk downstairs to the Metro. It's connected to a whole complex of stores and restaurants, and it had a nice indoor pool.

 

[Embel]

Thanks for all the suggestions!