Hotels near Autotrain?

[even1]

Hi all, We are taking the autotrain from Lorton Va. and we are driving down the day before so we can tour around D.C. Can anyone suggest a nice hotel? We hear the traffic around D.C. can be a problem. Any suggestions?


Also can anyone tell me the fastest route to WDW from the Sanford, FL station? Thanks for your help!

 

[Debs5angels]

We are going to Disney in August and are taking the Autotrain. Like you we are going down the day before and staying overnight. The hotel we are staying at is Comfort Inn in Lorton,VA. It is right across the street from the train station. I have no idea how the hotel is but I like the location. Also if you tell them that you are taking the Autotrain they give you a discount. Hope this helps you. Have a good trip!!!


debs5angels

 

[even1]

Thanks Deb. Is the Comfort Inn across from the Amtrak station or the Metro station into D.C.? Awhile back someone posted hotels that were about 20 min. from Amtrak but right across the street from the Metro. They just checked in, crossed the street and rode into D.C. for the day!!! I think the hotel included breakfast too....

 

[Debs5angels]

The Comfort Inn is across from the autotrain station. I don't know if that was what you were looking for.

debs5angels

 

[sters]

The Autotrain in Lortan, VA is MILES away from DC. Be advised that it can take up to 3 hours to collect your car on the other side. Plan accordingly.

 

[even1]

Please explain what you mean by "collecting your car from the other side" Thanks.

 

[jimmybop]

maybe they ment "collecting" your car, they were saying that it could take up to 3 hours to unload your car from the train.

 

[DVC Chris]

We've taken AutoTrain a few times and have never heard of folks waiting three hours for their car. Once ours was the 3rd to last off and the car in front us us had a dead battery and had to be pushed out. We were still in our car within an hour. I'm not saying 3 hrs is impossible, but it IMO it seems a bit long.

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn -Eisenhauer. Its right off of 95 outsude of Alexandria. We toured DC for 2 days and then hopped onto the Auto Train. The Metro Station is acrss the street from the hotel and downtown Alexandria is a short 10 min. drive away. It takes about 20-30 minutes to get from the Holiday Inn to Auto Train based on traffic. You still do have to travel on I-95, but you're already most of the way around the beltway, so there should not be too much traffic.

 

[JudithM]

One factor is getting your vehicle off the Autotrain is how many vehicles are on the train. If it is a busy time of the year, then you may be in for quite a wait.

Personally until CSX improves the rails, we are not riding the Autotrain again.

 

[even1]

Thanks for all replies.

Thanks DVC Chris for the info. Do you remember how long the Metro took from hotel to downtown D.C.?
Was it easy to navigate your way around? What are the "must sees" in your opinion? We will only have 1 day there so we would love to have a general idea. Thanks for your help. Eileen

 

[DVC Chris]

HI..

If I remember corrctly, it was less than 1/2 hour metro ride from the Holiday Inn hotel to DC. Touring DC is rather easy if you pick up a map or guidebook. We walked around the Mall, browsed around some of the Smithsonian Museums and walked by the White House.

 

[meandtheguys]

FYI we are staying near Dulles airport at the Embassy for $59 (from hotwire) a room. (We have 2) I felt the extra driving time was worth it, and we will have all morning to make our way to the train station. Just wanted to share in case something like this would work for you. Have a lovely trip!
Michelle

 

[TinkHappy]

We have done this and LOVED it!! We ALWAYS stay at the Embassy Suites in Alexandria VA. It is a GREAT hotel and it includes a very nice breakfast in the morning. It has a parking garage with secruity (so you don't have to worry about unpacking your entire vehicle). It is also right across the street (directly) from the metro station, very easy. You just buy a day pass and you can ride the metro all day and you don't have to drive and worry about your vehicle. It is very hard to find parking in the DC area sometimes. The Embassy Suites is very easy access off the highway and very easy right back on. It is about 3 exits to Lorton.
Old Alexandria is very nice too. We walk to a place called Hard-Times Cafe and they have GREAT food (chili, burgers, frys...great food-and not a lot of $)
If you need any more info, please let me know. We do this a lot and this has worked out for us the best.
Also, Lorton Va, is not the best area (it's not the worst-just not the best) I am not sure I would want to leave my vehicle, with all my vacation stuff. Just my own opinion.