DC vaction (WHERE TO STAY??????)

[Jeb Stonewall]

After all the replies on what to do and where to go in DC
I thank you and the wife really thanks you all for all the info.
Now for one last question before we head out.
Where is the best place to stay?
I heard Georgetown , ALEXANDRIA, and Fairfax.
Which is you all's picks and why?
Planning on going next week.
Thanks again for any info.

 

[Fred in Alabama]

I vote for Alexandria. I stayed in the Residence Inn there several times and really liked it. The Metro is just a block away. Where ever you stay, try to make it close to the metro as this is the easiest way to get around in my opinion. Also, there is the George Washington Masons shrine in Alexandria. You can't miss it. It is a tall white tower several hundred feet tall at the top of the hill overlooking Alexandria. It is open to the public and the tours are great,

 

[ohiobuckeye]

Alexandria and Georgetown are both good and safe. It's not safe to stay most places in DC...day or night. Make sure the hotel you choose has tour bus pickup at the hotel. I think most of them do but not certain. Whatever you do..DO NOT attempt to drive your own car to go sightseeing. There IS NO parking and the traffic is a nightmare. The tour buses are clean, air conditioned, reasonably priced, and they drop you and pick you up at all the points of interest. It's the only way to go.

 

[safearm]

Crystal City, Alexandria, Springfield or any of the Virginia suburbs west of the Beltway are pretty good to stay. I wouldn't stay at a hotel in DC; although the hotels have decent security, the area around them is generally lousy. Bethesda is not bad, but is getting worse. The Metro is safe, and if you can find a hotel near to a Metro stop, that's the best way to see the capital city.

 

[OKFC05]

Stay in VA near a metro stop.
Georgetown is not on the Metro.
If you have a gun in your car, DO NOT drive it in Maryland and especially the District of Columbia.

 

[R. Walter]

Key Bridge Marriot in Rosslyn (VA) just across the river from Georgetown. Walk across the Key Bridge (Francis Scott Key) and you're in Georgetown about 5 blocks from ground zero in Georgetown, the intersection of Wisconsin Ave and M Street. The Key Bridge Marriott is also only 1 block from the Rosslyn Metro stop on the Blue and Orange lines of the Metro.

 

[sjmjax]

I'd also suggest Alexandria especially if you're interested in more than just DC proper.

Old town Alexandria itself is nice to visit with lot's of interesting restaurants, shops and nice waterfront area. The old Torpedo factory is interesting if you're into original art. It's been turned into a collection of studios for a wide range of artists. The also have quite a few torpedoes on display and pictures of the factory in it's hayday. Town has a convienent metro stop, is a short drive into DC via 395 and it's also a pleasant drive from there along the Potomac to Mount Vernon. If you're in Alexandria on a Saturday morning, check out the farmer's market downtown at the main square on King Street.

Where every you stay, have fun and be safe.

 

[Badger Matt]

Another vote for the Key Bridge Marriott. There's also an excellent cajun restaurant nearby; The Orleans House.

 

[ChuckS1]

As someone who commutes to DC every day, just be prepared for the traffic and rush hours on the Metro. Metro doesn't take credit cards and fares are more expensive during normal commute times than after 0900 and before 1600. Plan on it taking at least twice as long as you think to get anywhere. Parking on the National Mall is impossible during the work week. Parking at the Metro stops is difficult during the work week because of the commuters and expensive to boot. If you drive up 395, plan on it taking at least an hour. I live 40 miles from the Pentagon and it takes me almost 2 hours to get to work and at least that to come home and this is on I-95. If you can stay closer in where you don't have to drive, it's worth the extra cost. Have a nice vacation...

 

[Jeb Stonewall]

You guys came through AGAIN with the needed info!!!
Thanks --AGAIN

 

[cincinnatijim]

I used to stay at the Old Colony Inn in Alexandria, it is now the BW Old Colony Inn. Their shuttle will drop you off in Old Town or take you to National Airport where you can catch the Metro. We used to walk to and from Old Town from the hotel. I haven't stayed there since I retired in 1993, so I don't know if the area has deteriorated. Maybe someone here can provide that information.

 

[dave-arlington-va]

Anywhere in Arlington. The Key Bridge Marriott is a good suggestion. Its located in the Rosslyn area of Arlington and has good Metro access. A number of other hotels to choose from also are nearby. The same for Crystal City. More hotels to choose from in Crystal City and probably better weekend rates given the competition. CC is also a quick cab or car ride to Old Town Alexandria. Georgetown on the weekends is young and loud and no Metro as someone pointed out. Somewhat limited in hotels and at a higher price I think. Being close to Metro is key. The District of Columbia is writing a great many more parking tickets to raise revenues so if you drive into the city take care as to where you park. If you are parked illegally or don't feed the meter you will be ticketed. That's a given. Otherwise have a good time. One more thing. People have been arrested in D.C. for a few loose rounds on the floor or glove box. Be aware.

 

[The Big D]

Stay downtown. No travel worries...Metro during the workweek is waaaay busy.

Lotsa Starwood, Marriott, and Hilton properties within walking distance (easy walking distance) from everything you'll want to see/visit.

Be safe.

 

[Waldo]

There is a Hilton on Connecticut Ave, just above Dupont Circle. It is a nice hotel, might be more then you want to spend. But it is within easy walking distance of the zoo and metro. Lots of restaurants around and pretty good area. Also not a bad cab ride to any of the major sights. Room may cost more but it will eliminate parking hassles. The D. C. government hates cars with out of state tags and aggressively tickets and tows illegally parked cars. Plus red light cameras and mobile speed cameras. Unclear speed limit signs and confusing parking signs. Some streets it is illegal to park on one side one day and the other side the next day , so the street cleaners can work. I would spend the extra to save the hassles. The Orleans House was a very good restaurant, excellent prime rib. Was torn down last year. I drove into D.C. daily for over 30 years and would strongly advise against it if at all possible.

 

[sparkgap]

Crystal City Marriott. I always stay there and it's nice and close to the Metro.

Bob

 

[gunsmith11]

I havent been to DC in over 45 years,,after reading some of the feedback,,makes me want to go again,,,,NOT

 

[nvgunner]

Lots of good ideas here. For a very cheap but decent place to
stay, google the Americana in Crystal City. It is next to the
Embassy Suites, they take you to the airport or Metro (Pentagon City, a great shopping center). Old place, chintzy continental breakfast, but a "sleeper." Some flight crews stay there. If somebody else is paying, I stay downtown (Hotel Monaco is very historic and neat, the original downtown Post Office built by Lincoln, across the street from the Verizon Center entrance to the Chinatown Metro station, near the Nat'l. Portrait Gallery and my favorite, the Int'l. Spy Museum. Also free wine happy hour.) If I am paying, I stay at the Americana.