Last Question about Washington DC, I PROMISE!

[pjlla]

Okay.... I have read, and reread every post here about where to stay when visiting DC. While I would LOVE to stay right in the city, the prices are just out of my league!! And I would prefer walking distance to the Metro, but again, most of those are out of my price range. And I am leary of using Priceline.... afraid I will get a section of town that is less than desireable.

The only in-town hotel I can consider is the Hotel Harrington. It looks to be about $125/night including parking (no taxes). A few of you have posted good things about it. Any other opinions about it??


And I am considering staying in Old Town Alexandria. I have narrowed it down to the Hampton Inn Alexandria -Old Town Area or the Hilton Alexandria Old Town. Both have very reasonable reports on tripadvisor.com.

The Hilton averages out to $239.66/night including parking (no taxes).

The Hampton Inn averages out to $137.00 night (free parking, no taxes). Obviously at over $100/night difference, I am leaning toward the Hampton. Any personal experience with either of these?? Thanks again for any and all help with this!!.................P

 

[pjlla]

Hellooooo.... anybody out there?

 

[BuckNaked]

We stay a weekend at the Hampton Inn Old Town (on King St.) every year. It is a very nice hotel, especially for a Hampton Inn. It's only about 4 years old, and it is a block or so from the King St. metro station (and only a couple of blocks from Joe Theismann's restaurant).

I've not stayed at the Hilton Old Town, but it looks very nice. It is a good 10 or 12 blocks from the Metro station. King St. is a really neat area - lots of restaurants, small shops, and some chain stores as well.

 

[Heather Smith]

The Hilton is virtually across the street from King Street Metro. It's a very nice hotel and actually it's kind of connected to Fairfield's timeshare in old town (I think, but not sure that these properties share amenites --indoor pool, exercise room). Trust me, it's not 12 blocks (I live here). There is also an Amtrak station about 2 blocks away. Nice restaurants in area too, but it is quite a hike if you wanted to walk down to the area of old town that's on the Potomac. However, there is excellent bus service to that area.

Be very careful that the Hamton Inn you've quoted is Hampton Inn - Old Town Alexandria/King Street, because Hampton Inn has another hotel that they call Hampton Inn - Old Town Alexandria Area and you do not want to stay here (right on a major highway next to the new bridge construction). The $137 rate for a hotel right in old town sounds kind of cheap for that time of year, that's what makes me wonder.

Hotel Harrington is near a lot of the museums, but Old Town is more quaint and will have more to do in the evenings -- shopping, dining, etc.

 

[jlaspoq]

You might consider Crystal City and stay near the metro - could be pretty convenient for less.

 

[BuckNaked]

The Hilton is virtually across the street from King Street Metro. It's a very nice hotel and actually it's kind of connected to Fairfield's timeshare in old town (I think, but not sure that these properties share amenites --indoor pool, exercise room). Trust me, it's not 12 blocks (I live here). There is also an Amtrak station about 2 blocks away. Nice restaurants in area too, but it is quite a hike if you wanted to walk down to the area of old town that's on the Potomac. However, there is excellent bus service to that area.

Thank you, I stand corrected! It's the Holiday Inn Select that I was thinking of that's further down King St.

Be very careful that the Hamton Inn you've quoted is Hampton Inn - Old Town Alexandria/King Street, because Hampton Inn has another hotel that they call Hampton Inn - Old Town Alexandria Area and you do not want to stay here (right on a major highway next to the new bridge construction). The $137 rate for a hotel right in old town sounds kind of cheap for that time of year, that's what makes me wonder.

Yep, that's why I specified King St. as well. I'm not sure about the prices, because we always buy the hotel vouchers at the school auction and use those when we stay. But I think we were charged for parking last time, so I would double check the location.

 

[BuckNaked]

I just checked the Hampton Inn site - the one that says "Old Town Area" is indeed the one on Richmond Highway - not where you'd want to stay.

 

[escape]

My DH & I used Priceline and stayed at the Renaissance Mayflower downtown DC. We had a great room - 2 blocks from the metro. I think we paid around $100 per night.

www.biddingfortravel.com lists hotels that are available through Priceline.

 

[caitycaity]

i think you may want to reconsider priceline. none of the major chain hotels in dc are in really bad areas, and without a doubt that is where you will get the best bang for your buck.

 

[escape]

I just re-read your post regarding Priceline. I didn't realize that you were leary of it.

I agree with caitycaity. If you stick with a 4-star hotel, I don't think you'll go wrong. I was quite pleased with our location and wouldn't hesitate to use Priceline again for the DC area.

 

[OhMari]

When are you going?

 

[mcnuss]

I just re-read your post regarding Priceline. I didn't realize that you were leary of it.

I agree with caitycaity. If you stick with a 4-star hotel, I don't think you'll go wrong. I was quite pleased with our location and wouldn't hesitate to use Priceline again for the DC area.

You can also narrow the neighborhood down very nicely, and Priceline doesn't have any hotels in "bad" areas of the city. Pretty much anywhere you'd get a 4* you'd be fine.

ps: We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Old Town, right across the street from the metro, 2 years ago. Free parking, free breakfast & I think it was around $150/night. Loved having 2 rooms!

 

[pjlla]

When are you going?

April vacation (I know, a busy time).... April 22 thru April 29.

Well..... I hadn't seen all of your posts until today. I have spent EXTENSIVE time researching this over the past two days and had finally narrowed it down to the Hampton Inn-Alexandria Old Town area. Price was right and tripadvisor.com reports were mostly okay. But now I read that it is not a good place???? Yikes! What to do, what to do??? I already made a reservation, but it is cancellable. I'll go back and look at the King St. Hampton.... but as I recall the price was much higher. Is the one on Richmond Highway really that bad??

Maybe it is time to get over my Priceline phobia!! Thanks for all the great advise! I really appreciate it!..............P

 

[Christine]

April vacation (I know, a busy Is the one on Richmond Highway really that bad??

Maybe it is time to get over my Priceline phobia!! Thanks for all the great advise! I really appreciate it!..............P

Yes, Richmond Highway is *that* bad. Sorry.

I wouldn't hesitate to try Priceline.

I also second the Crystal City recommendations. Probably not in April, but often, I do hear of them running $99 rates here and there.

 

[BuckNaked]

April vacation (I know, a busy time).... April 22 thru April 29.

I'll go back and look at the King St. Hampton.... but as I recall the price was much higher. Is the one on Richmond Highway really that bad??

I haven't been inside the HI on Richmond Highway, so I don't know what the rooms are like. But it's on a busy 4 lane road in a rather congested area.

 

[pjlla]

Yes, Richmond Highway is *that* bad. Sorry.

I wouldn't hesitate to try Priceline.

I also second the Crystal City recommendations. Probably not in April, but often, I do hear of them running $99 rates here and there.

What exactly is the Crystal City area?? What would the address be?

Anyhow, I just called the "other" Hampton Inn and it figures out to be over $400 difference between the two for the same # of nights.

DARN IT! Guess I'll be taking a look at Priceline tonight...........P

 

[Christine]

What exactly is the Crystal City area?? What would the address be?

Anyhow, I just called the "other" Hampton Inn and it figures out to be over $400 difference between the two for the same # of nights.

DARN IT! Guess I'll be taking a look at Priceline tonight...........P

Crystal City is technically "Arlington" Virginia but you have to be careful because there are lots of areas that use the Arlington address.

It is VERY close to the Pentagon and DC. Has its own Metro station. It is predominatly a "working" city filled with office buildings and hotels. There is nothing to "see" in Crystal City and all the workers go home in the afternoon. There are some apartment buildings there but it is mainly a commercial area. But it is very nice with lots of restaurants (Ruth's Chris, Jaleo, Legal Seafoods). If you stay at the Crystal City Marriott, you will be directly connected to the subway. I'll see if I can find a link.

 

[Christine]

Okay this is the Marriott you want to try:

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage.mi?marshaCode=WASGW

It is the Crystal Gateway Marriott. I believe there are two other Marriott's in Crystal City, but only this one has direct access to the Metro. As I said, normally they can be pricey, but they often run specials.

 

[pjlla]

I have read the bidding for travel website and I am thoroughly confused. I SWEAR they make it appear more difficult than it probably really is!

Couple of quick questions about Priceline....

#1. Are you limited as to the number of times you are allowed to bid on an area?

#2. If my bid is rejected would I be better of raising my bidding amount or waiting a week or so and trying again (if that is allowed)?

#3. What would you say is the most frequently made mistake by first timers to Priceline?

#4. Would the Downtown Washington and Capital Hill areas be okay to bid on (for 3 or 4 stars)?

#5. Should I ONLY bid for 4* to be sure I get a decent property, or would it be okay to bid on a 3*?? (Not sure I would dare bid on anything lower).

Thanks!!..................P

 

[pjlla]

Bumping for help please!............P