Where to stay when taking the auto train?

[Micheme]

WE are planning on taking the auto train for our trip at the end of Sept. We have a toddler so we are going to travel to Lorton the day before we board the train

Where do you usually stay? Is there any nice places in and around Lorton to visit or stay? Is there traffic that would deter us from staying right in Lorton?

Thanks

 

[AnnetteF]

Hi Micheme, I remembered seeing on the "All about the AutoTrain" thread there was talk of a Comfort Inn at Gunston Corner in Lorton. (It's on the 1st post on that thread). We'll be taking the Auto Train Sept 3 and also will be taking our DD 18 months. We'll be coming from Connecticut and are planning to just leave very early in the morning to get there before 2:00 PM so we won't be staying overnight.

I've also heard that the Polo Grill is a very good place to eat and I believe it is in a shopping center just down the road from Auto Train station. Other than that, I don't think there's very much around there. The little bit that I remember of it was that it was a pretty quiet area.

We've taken the Auto Train a few times before (most recently in 1997) but this will be the first time with a little one so it's going to be a whole new experience. Are you traveling in coach or getting a sleeper? We're going coach but I keep rethinking the idea of a sleeping compartment, so I'm just curious what your doing. BTW, your little Hannah is adorable!

 

[Micheme]

Hi Annette

I didn't even think about posting to the autotrain thread, i'll do that now. I'll check out Comfort Inn on line.


We are def looking into a sleeper with the little one, not only for sleeping at night but just letting her run around and comfort level. I think it is well worth the $$$

Let me know when you get back from your trip how the train was with a little one. Have a great trip.

 

[nordkin]

I live in the Washington area and I am very familiar with the area around the auto train. Just a few miles north of Lorton is Springfield and every major hotel is in the area as well as restuarants and the subway, but they may be more expensive than you would like. Just south of Lorton is Woodbridge and there is a Hampton Inn there that is just off interstate 95 that usually has reasonable rates. Good luck in your search.