OT: Washington DC help RE: hotels

[sweetp267]

Hi

Didn't know where else to post this. My family and I want to go to DC this summer for a few days. My DD wants to see the Smithsonians among other things. We plan to drive and to use public transportation when we get there. We live in Phila so the drive is cheaper than Amtrak even though I would love to use the train but the train alone would cost us about $160 round trip on the cheapest schedule.

What I would like to know is if there is anyone out there who could recommend a place to stay not necessarily right in the middle of DC but a place that may be a little further away but close to a Metro station. I have priced the downtown hotels and they are wayyy too much and if we decide to splurge then the parking fees are at least $20 a day. I have seen places close to town that have free meals and free parking.

This will be our first time so we are going in somewhat blind. I will read up on where we want to go and eat but I am not familiar with the surrounding areas but I know the further away from DC itself the less expensive the hotels get.

I would like to stay a well known reputable name e.g Hilton, Holiday Inn, Radisson, Hyatt, Embassy Suites etc. An all suite place would be perfect since we have our DD 12 with us.

Thank in advance for all your help and suggestions!

 

[bas71873]

Almost 10 years ago, DH and I stayed at the Old Town Alexandria Holiday Inn for your honeymoon (the GM was a former neighbor so we stayed for free) and it was WONDERFUL. We were close to a Metro because I remember buying a week long pass and going into DC and doing all the DC stuff and Old Town Alexandria is a quaint, pretty town too. We walked all around there and ate at neat places.

You might give that area a try.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Here is a current thread on the budget board about D.C. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2376313

You are pretty much going to have to be prepared to pay for parking no matter what. Some hotels may cut a deal but it still won't be that cheap. Keep looking on travelzoo. They have alot of hotel deals for this area.

Old Town, Arlington, and Pentagon City are some areas to check out.

The dummies guide to D.C. and the unofficial guide to D.C. are good guide books to start your trip planning also.

 

[happymommy]

I live in Maryland, kind of between DC and Baltimore. I don't go to DC frequently, but know that there is a nice area in Gaithersburg called "Washingtonian Center" (I shop at a Target there sometimes when I'm out that way). There is a nice lake and some shops and pretty good restaurants right there, and it's just off I-270 (at I-370). I know there is a Residence Inn right there, and I think another one or two hotels. Free parking I'm sure. Only thing I'm not sure about is where the closest metro station would be, so sorry I can't help any more with that! Wish I could.

I agree, as far as saving money, go over the weekend and stay outside the city a bit.

Also, you may enjoy a day in Baltimore. My kids loved the Science Center as well as the Baltimore Aquarium (we used to have passes for both). Parking costs a fortune for the day in Baltimore, but for one day we have a lot of fun! Maybe spend one night up there after DC?

I don't know your price range, but we've stayed in Crystal City/Pentagon City area before at the Ritz Carlton - they sometimes have really good weekend packages, so don't totally discount that idea! They are right at a metro stop, plus it's connected to a huge mall with lots of shops and fast food options for a quick bite (I stayed there a couple of years ago one night with my kids when we had a super early flight the next day out of Washington National airport - had to be at the airport by 5am and we'd never have made it driving and parking).

I'd check around for weekend packages - you may do well (but the rooms at the Ritz are pretty small, not enough room for 4 IMHO, but it was just me and my kids, so fine for one night for the 3 of us).

There are a ton of other name brand hotels in Pentagon City, so that is a good area to check out.

Have a great time!

 

[Swimalie]

I live about 30 miles west of DC and my husband works about 10 miles outside of DC, in Vienna. I'd recommend looking in to the Falls Church or even Fairfax area. Fall Church is closer to Metro but you'll get better deals from Fairfax and Metro will only be about a 10 min drive. Plus, there is the Smithsonian's Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport that is a great museum.

 

[torinsmom]

When we went, we used Priceline and got a room at the Marriott Wardman Park for $95/night(rack rate $279). Pretty much any hotel in the actual city should be close to a Metro station. Parking would have been $37/day at my hotel, so we parked at the Ballston Mall Garage in Arlington for $8/day. There is a Metro there right under the mall, so it was convenient. Here is the link....

http://www.co.arlington.va.us/Departments/EnvironmentalServices/dot/traffic/parking/EnvironmentalServicesBallston.aspx

 

[eatatmidnight]

When we went, we used Priceline and got a room at the Marriott Wardman Park for $95/night(rack rate $279). Pretty much any hotel in the actual city should be close to a Metro station. Parking would have been $37/day at my hotel, so we parked at the Ballston Mall Garage in Arlington for $8/day. There is a Metro there right under the mall, so it was convenient. Here is the link....

http://www.co.arlington.va.us/Departments/EnvironmentalServices/dot/traffic/parking/EnvironmentalServicesBallston.aspx

When you used priceline, how did you get a room with more than one bed? That has always been an issue with our family.

 

[Bren's Mom]

You might also want to check megabus.com. It's not going to be a crazy long trip from Phil to DC. The seats start at $1 and go up...so you can get it REALLY cheap, and also save the cost of parking. You can take public transport from where it arrives to your hotel.

And we like to stay in Alexandria.

 

[JerseyGirl84]

I live in Maryland, kind of between DC and Baltimore. I don't go to DC frequently, but know that there is a nice area in Gaithersburg called "Washingtonian Center" (I shop at a Target there sometimes when I'm out that way). There is a nice lake and some shops and pretty good restaurants right there, and it's just off I-270 (at I-370). I know there is a Residence Inn right there, and I think another one or two hotels. Free parking I'm sure. Only thing I'm not sure about is where the closest metro station would be, so sorry I can't help any more with that! Wish I could.

I agree, as far as saving money, go over the weekend and stay outside the city a bit.

Also, you may enjoy a day in Baltimore. My kids loved the Science Center as well as the Baltimore Aquarium (we used to have passes for both). Parking costs a fortune for the day in Baltimore, but for one day we have a lot of fun! Maybe spend one night up there after DC?

I don't know your price range, but we've stayed in Crystal City/Pentagon City area before at the Ritz Carlton - they sometimes have really good weekend packages, so don't totally discount that idea! They are right at a metro stop, plus it's connected to a huge mall with lots of shops and fast food options for a quick bite (I stayed there a couple of years ago one night with my kids when we had a super early flight the next day out of Washington National airport - had to be at the airport by 5am and we'd never have made it driving and parking).

I'd check around for weekend packages - you may do well (but the rooms at the Ritz are pretty small, not enough room for 4 IMHO, but it was just me and my kids, so fine for one night for the 3 of us).

There are a ton of other name brand hotels in Pentagon City, so that is a good area to check out.

Have a great time!

Stayed in a few of the hotels in the Washingtonian center. They are all nice. I think they are all Marriots (springhill suites, residence Inn, Courtyard and the upscale one - I can't remember the name, but the beds were excellent!). The metro center is about a 5 minute drive. The only problem is that these hotels cater to the business class, so they are cheap on weekdays and expensive on the weekends. Most have free breakfast and some have dinners too. Have Fun!

 

[eeyorefan74]

We used Priceline and got great deals (about $55 a night, if I remember) in Crystal City. There are several 3.5 star hotels- Marriott, etc., close to the Metro station, and an underground area with restaurants. Worked out great for us.

 

[czycropper]

Crystal City is very convenient and you can get some good deals and it's a 5 minute Metro ride into DC.

Also, the Marriott chain usually will have special packages for the hotels in DC proper. We got a rate of $179 a night for Marriott Metro Center in DC which includes continental breakfast and a discounted parking.

 

[Aristocath]

Check out the deals on Travelzoo. We found a great rate for the Omni Shoreham through Travelzoo and it was a lovely hotel. Close to a Metro station and lots of places to eat around it and within walking distance to the National Zoo. Our room had two queen beds and a separated living area with a foldout sofa.

We are a family of five so I don't like to risk it with priceline or hotwire...we always have to get two rooms with them.

 

[AnnaS]

The Hilton, Old Town, King Street. My sister lives in Alexandria and she recommended this hotel to my cousins. They were visiting from outside the U.S. less than two years ago and were very happy.

Check their prices - book in advance, AAA for discounts. Metro I think was either downstairs or across the street so you might not need a car (they did not have one).

 

[MEM]

Check out the deals on Travelzoo. We found a great rate for the Omni Shoreham through Travelzoo and it was a lovely hotel. Close to a Metro station and lots of places to eat around it and within walking distance to the National Zoo. Our room had two queen beds and a separated living area with a foldout sofa.

We are a family of five so I don't like to risk it with priceline or hotwire...we always have to get two rooms with them.

I'll be staying there in March - which of the umpteen restaurants in the area can you personally recommend?

 

[Aristocath]

I can't remember the names of them but we ate Chinese one night, Mexican one night and one night at the hotel. I was very impressed with the hotel restaurant...not your typical bland food. They gave us a map of the restaurants when we checked in. There are lots of ethnic restaurants in the area. I can't say I'd push any of them, it'd be better to check with TripAdvisor experts. And I think the closest Starbucks was on Connecticut Avenue, on the way to the Zoo.

My kids loved that we had turndown service and they were given cookies and milk, too.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[G&GMom]

When you used priceline, how did you get a room with more than one bed? That has always been an issue with our family.

When I use priceline as soon as I get the hotel details, I call the hotel directly and let them know the details of the reservation and that I need 2 beds. It has never been a problem for us.

As for DC, last spring break I used priceline and stayed at the Grand Hyatt on H Street. You can get to the metro without going outside, it worked out great for us.

 

[torinsmom]

When you used priceline, how did you get a room with more than one bed? That has always been an issue with our family.

I just called as soon as I got my bid accepted and told the reservation person I needed two beds. It also helps to get there early, as you are more likely to get what you want.

Marsha

 

[sweetp267]

Hi folks!!!

Just bumping here if anyone else has any thoughts. I think we might settle on Old Town since I got a good deal at a Courtyard there that has free parking and free internet and it was under $100 a night and across from the Metro. I just want to know about the area. Can we walk to a restaurant without any traffic problems. I know there is alot there. Where online can I go to get a listing of what there is. I have tried mapquest and google maps but is seems that if the business didnt pay them, it won't show up on the map. How is the area at night? What kind of shopping is there?

thanks for your thoughts

 

[lovemygoofy]

Hi folks!!!

Just bumping here if anyone else has any thoughts. I think we might settle on Old Town since I got a good deal at a Courtyard there that has free parking and free internet and it was under $100 a night and across from the Metro. I just want to know about the area. Can we walk to a restaurant without any traffic problems. I know there is alot there. Where online can I go to get a listing of what there is. I have tried mapquest and google maps but is seems that if the business didnt pay them, it won't show up on the map. How is the area at night? What kind of shopping is there?

thanks for your thoughts

This is a great area. You can take the King Street metro to the city OR take the King Street trolley down to where there is lots of shopping and things to see. The harbor area is just gorgeous. One of our favorite places to eat is King St Blues. It's nothing amazing to look at but they have good homebrew beer and good size portions. We love the homemade chips and beer cheese dip.

There is also a Joe Theisman not too far from the King St metro and I find it's all very much within walking distance unless you shop alot then drive or take the trolley.

If you want to google, try King Street and Duke Street in Old Town, Alexandria.