Update: Washington DC now need restaurant recommendations

[DizneyDogs]

We are flying into BWI and staying at the Super 8 in Downtown DC. What's the best way to get from the airport to the hotel? Taxi? Metro? bus? I really don't want to have to walk far with my luggage.

 

[Snow_White]

We are flying into BWI and staying at the Super 8 in Downtown DC. What's the best way to get from the airport to the hotel? Taxi? Metro? bus? I really don't want to have to walk far with my luggage.

LOL, well walking is out of the question...BWI is in between Washington and Baltimore If it were me, I would either rent a car or take a taxi.

 

[Christine]

LOL, well walking is out of the question...BWI is in between Washington and Baltimore If it were me, I would either rent a car or take a taxi.

Depending on how many people you have, some of the shuttles may be cheaper. There is the Washington Flyer and Super Blue (I think that's the name). Anyway, they have websites and can tell you how much they cost. You can't catch the Metro (subway) from BWI to DC. But, I believe, you can get the MARC train to the Metro (not sure on this). But I wouldn't want to hassle with it. Cab fare seems like it would be VERY expensive. BWI airport is a good 30-45 minute drive to DC.

 

[LukenDC]

You can also take the train to and from the airport. The inexpensive MARC commuter train runs M-F and Amtrak runs seven days a week. There is a free shuttle to and from BWI and the BWI train station. Once you are at Union Station in DC, you can either take the Metro or a taxi to your hotel.

The last time I took a taxi from BWI to my home in downtown DC it cost $65.

 

[Servants of Evan]

A few years ago when I was traveling for a previous job, three of us went into DC from BWI. The boss of the company had the bright idea of taking Amtrak from the airport to Union Station and then walking the two blocks to our hotel. Ugh. For the way back, the three of us took a cab. It was actually CHEAPER to take a cab!!!

 

[debabe723]

We went from BWI to DC using Super Shuttle. If you check their website, there should be prices listed. I remember it being very reasonable and easy to use. HTH

 

[mcnuss]

We are flying into BWI and staying at the Super 8 in Downtown DC. What's the best way to get from the airport to the hotel? Taxi? Metro? bus? I really don't want to have to walk far with my luggage.

I feel like I need to ask you if you know where this Super 8 is in DC...the only one I could find in "downtown" DC is at 501 New York Ave, NE, which is, to put it very mildly, a sketchy neighborhood and is definitely not "downtown". I just want to be sure you know where you're going...

If you take the MARC or Amtrak, you'll end up at Union Station and would probably be best off taking a cab from there. I think the MARC costs about $7 each way. Amtrak may be a bit more. A cab is definitely expensive. I've done the Super Shuttle and hate that it makes so many stops, plus my driver left a lot to be desired. I always take the train.

 

[Christine]

I was a little concerned about the "Super 8" reference too. I don't know of any "nice" ones in DC.

 

[DizneyDogs]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I am cancelling the reservations at Super 8 I have heard too many things now about it being in a bad neighborhood.

Anybody have any recommendations we want to be close to a metro stop and close to the mall area. Willing to pay up to $150 a night.

 

[LadyyRedd]

Does it have to be in DC? Does the hotel itself near to be near the Mall? There are some nice places just over the line in MD where you could be near a metro stop and would easily take you down to the Mall if you need.

Kimya

 

[LukenDC]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I am cancelling the reservations at Super 8 I have heard too many things now about it being in a bad neighborhood.

Anybody have any recommendations we want to be close to a metro stop and close to the mall area. Willing to pay up to $150 a night.

You might be able to get a good deal on Priceline or Hotwire. If you are a member of AAA, you should also check out the AAA web site.

I'm glad to hear that you have decided not to stay at the Super 8. DC is generally quite safe, but there are some neighborhoods that are dangerous.

 

[justhat]

For under $150 in DC you're not going to be near a metro, by the mall, and in a safe area. I would look at MD or VA-the Crystal City area in VA can be pretty affordable-there's a Hampton Inn that has free breakfast, right by a metro stop, and is under $150/night (at least the nights my in-laws are staying there in May it is). In DC, I'd really only want to stay in NW, and definitely not by New York Ave., so look at what part of the city (NW, SE, etc.) the hotel is in.

About transportation from BWI, we generally use Super Shuttle, but have also taken the MARC to Union Station, then switch to the metro in DC. It doesn't run on weekends though, so you'd have to take Amtrak, which is like $40 so it would cost more than the Super Shuttle and may take longer.

 

[Kimickey]

Try Club Quarters Hotel www.clubquarters.com it's two blocks from the White House and right on the Farragut West Metro line.

 

[mcnuss]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I am cancelling the reservations at Super 8 I have heard too many things now about it being in a bad neighborhood.

Anybody have any recommendations we want to be close to a metro stop and close to the mall area. Willing to pay up to $150 a night.

Whether or not you can get that kind of price depends on the dates. If it's midweek, or anytime near Cherry Blossoms, forget it.

Your last hotel choice was close to 3 miles from the Mall, so is that really a priority? If not, I would suggest the following hotels:

1. Embassy Suites, Alexandria. Directly across the street from metro, about a 10 min ride into the city. Lots of inexpensive dining options nearby. You get a 2 room suite and full b-fast every day for the rate.

2. Sheraton 4 Points on K Street. I have stayed here several times on business. It's about a block from my DC office. It is very nice, very clean - much improved over Super 8. Some people will not like the neighborhood bc it used to be sketchy. Now with the new Convention Ctr and all the new office bldgs, it is perfectly safe and nice. It usually costs just about $150.

3. Embassy Suites Convention Ctr. This hotel is BRAND new. I've now stayed there 2x bc it's our new contract hotel. I love it. Same deal as the Alexandria Emb. Suites, same basic neighborhood as the 4 Points. It can get pricey though, again, depends on your dates.

4. Hilton Garden Inn in Arlington. Again, a short metro ride out of the city in a great location. Usually costs aroun $130. They have shuttle service to/from metro. It's pretty close to Arlington National Cemetary (coupla miles).

Hope this helps you. You made a really good decision. Aside from that neighborhood, the Super 8 is not known for quality...

 

[DizneyDogs]

Thanks for all the replies. We have now switched to the Holiday Inn @ Key Bridge since it was near a metro stop and booked the Super Shuttle. I feel so much better about this now.

Now what are some good restaurnts that you would recommend eating at? My DH I both like Mexican and Italian. We plan to also hit the Hard Rock.

 

[caitycaity]

My DH I both like Mexican and Italian.

my favorite tex-mex is lauriol plaza at the south end of adams morgan. http://www.lauriolplaza.com/

rosa mexicano in penn quarter is good too.

i belong to a restaurant club and can give you LOTS of recommendations if you let me know a price range.

 

[DizneyDogs]

That restaurant sounds good probably want to stay around $20 per person at the most

 

[nordkin]

Since you are staying by Key Bridge, I would recommend Orleans House in Roslyn. Good inexpensive prime rib.

 

[mcnuss]

Sadly, you cannot eat dinner at Rosa Mexicana for $20 pp but I bet you could have lunch there. (I had dinner there once by myself and it ran close to $40 with one glass of wine.) You may want to try Taqueria el Poblano not too far from your hotel. I think that should run about $15 pp.

My favorite Italian is Filomena in Georgetown. It's kind of old world, and it used to be pretty reasonable. It's been around 2 years since I've been there and a friend and i had dinner for about $50.

Be prepared that dining out in DC is pricey. You can find much better bargains near your hotel in the burbs.

Nordkin - I can't believe Orleans House is still in Rosslyn!! It was there when I was in college, oh so many years ago.