jz166

Hi all,

We (4 adults) plan to visit DC in the coming weekend. I heard the "Doubletree Hotel Falls Church - Tysons Corner" is just 10 miles from DC. How's the hotel? And how long is going to take to drive to DC area(places like white house, the capital)?

Thanks!

angeleno

Don't do it - it's very inconvenient for sightseeing. There's no metro in Tysons, and while there might be a shuttle to the metro station, you'll have to fight through horrible traffic, anywhere from 15-30 minutes to the metro station - probably Dunn Loring - from there it's a 22 minute train ride into DC - never mind waiting for the train.

And if you're thinking about driving into DC from Tysons, well, we use the term Angry Virigina Drivers for a reason. it's a brutal drive because of traffic, potholes, protestors blocking bridges, etc.

What other choices do you have for accommodation?

Anonymous

As angeleno said, there is no "just 10 miles from DC." Ten miles is a lot more there than most other cities! Driving into DC is totally inadvisable except perhaps on weekends. I agree, you should stay in town or at least near a Metro stop, and use the Metro instead of driving. With a party of 4, it might even be worthwhile to take taxis.

jz166

Thanks for the replies.
So which hotel(s) do u recommend?

Thnx again.

angeleno

Arlington wouldn't be too bad if you're within walking distance of a metro stop.

Anonymous

Just search these Fodors boards for discussions of hotels in DC. Even if you have to pay for parking, you'll come out ahead in metro fares (since there are 4 of you) and certainly in time saved.

Check out Embassy Suites hotels -- sometimes they offer free parking for AAA members; there's one right near the Metro stop in Alexandria.

jz166

what about"Washington Plaza Hotel"? It's on 10 Thomas Circle NW.

Thanks!

rb_travelerxATyahoo

I like the Quality Inn Iwo Jima. I walk to it from the Rosslyn Metro, but maybe you wouldn't want to with luggage. It has free parking and an enclosed pool. Closer to Rosslyn Metro are Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Best Western Key Bridge, and (maybe?) a Courtyard by Marriott.

Embassy Suites Alexandria is a across the street from King Street Metro station, and closeby are Hilton, Radisson, and Hampton Inns.

I considered Tysons corners last year and decided against it when one Fodors reader said she'd rather get poked in the eye than stay there!

Don't drive to DC - really. I don't mind driving, but a car is just too much a bother and the Metro is so convenient.

Budman

I don't think Tysons Corner is convenient for touring Washington, DC. There are plenty of places in Arlington/Crystal City area or even Old Town Alexandria that are much more convenient to DC.

Tysons Corner is just so busy a place and a good hike into the District.

jz166

So, any idea about the 'Washington Plaza Hotel' on Franklin Square business district?

Thanks.

The_Banking_Scot

Hi,

I stayed at this hotel ( DT Falls Church-Tysons corner) for 1 night on 1st January ( I had flown in from Scotland and wanted to explore the Tyson's corner mall).
Including tip it was a $10 fare from West Falls Church metro to the hotel( 5 minute drive).

While it does have a shuttle to the Mall ( handy) and metro ( West Falls Church) I agree with all the above posters- it is not handy if you wish to sightsee in DC as the shuttle to the mall runs to a timetable but there is a large gap in the middle of the day ( ie nothing from 2pm to 5pm).

The hotel itself is very good with good service. The restaurant is good, I got a whole tin of doubletree cookies at check in and the pool is large and one of the deepest pools I have seen at a hotel ( from 3ft to 9ft-lifeguard present).

After shopping at the mall I moved to the Doubletree Crystal City for 2 more nights(5-10min walk to Pentagon City mall/metro) to explore DC this is a good hotel .

Hope this helps

Regards
TBS

LN

seems that you've asked about the "Washington Plaza" hotel on franklin square. I am aware of the Washington Plaza on Thomas circle and it's the only Washington Plaza hotel in DC (to my humble knowledge) Great hotel it's been a standard in the DC area for some time. For Metro use the hotel is about two blocks away from Farragut North and so it's then a short ride to downtown.

If you can get a good rate there that would be great - you could do a search on Google.com for Dupont Circle hotels as it's proximity to Metro and restaurants is probably greater. It's one station past Farragut North. Generally they offer good rates at dupont Circle hotels.

LN

Another good idea is to look at www.wmata.com/ which is the site for the washington subway. There you can see where the station stops are.

Tysons Corner is way too congested to try to stay at. Pentegon City area has a Ritz Carleton and a subway stop. The area of Arlington near Ballston is also very good for getting in and out of DC. If, by chance, you would like to be very close to the DC attractions (Smithsonians, monuments etc) then you might look into the JW Willard hotel around 13th and Pennsylvania NW/ It is very convenient for sightseeing. Another might be the Holiday Inn or the Hyatt on capital Hill (great for sightseeing - not much night life) Metro doesn't go into Georgetown - sorry. Hope this helps - if not ask all the questions you want. we'll try!!

angeleno

The second hotel you asked about is at Mass and 14th - an area that has undergone a bit of a gentrification. I work pretty close to there, and there is still a bit of a problem with homeless people, but it's a short walk to the McPherson Square metro and the White House is about a 15-20 minute walk from there. It would be a much, much more convenient location for sightseeing.