Washington D.C.- City or Suburban Hotel?
Mar 10th, 2004, 04:32 AM
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Washington D.C.- City or Suburban Hotel?
Hello DC Experts - We are planning a 5 day DC trip in June - two adults, 2 kids between 10 and 14. Will use Priceline to book - I was thinking it would probably be more economical (think parking charge!)to stay in one of the suburban hotels and take the Metro in to see the sights - we'd probably use the Metro anyway if we stayed within the city. We'd also have a better chance of having a pool to dip in. Does this make sense? And which of the PRiceline areas do you recommend - Arlington and/or Crystal City and/or Alexandria Pentagon - or other? Thanks for your tips!!
Mar 10th, 2004, 07:18 PM
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Whether it makes sense kind of depends on what is important to you. It wouldn't make sense to me because I have no interest in pools and don't like staying in suburbs when I visit a city. I like to be in and experience the city. It's just more convenient, also. I don't find suburbs interesting to visit, although they are okay to live in.
Any of those locations are probably okay, although it would depend on the hotel and I don't know what Priceline is likely to give you in those categories. I don't like Crystal City at all and would rule that one out. The Pentagon area isn't that far from Crystal City, though, so I don't know how they are distinguishing those. I'd probably choose Arlington at best choice, without knowing the exact hotels.
It probably will be more economical if you have some kind of metro pass anyway that covers all transportation, if you save the parking fee. If you don't have a metro pass, I don't think you'll save much by paying for four metro fares to/from the city versus a parking garage--maybe you'd save $10 or so a day.
Any of those locations are probably okay, although it would depend on the hotel and I don't know what Priceline is likely to give you in those categories. I don't like Crystal City at all and would rule that one out. The Pentagon area isn't that far from Crystal City, though, so I don't know how they are distinguishing those. I'd probably choose Arlington at best choice, without knowing the exact hotels.
It probably will be more economical if you have some kind of metro pass anyway that covers all transportation, if you save the parking fee. If you don't have a metro pass, I don't think you'll save much by paying for four metro fares to/from the city versus a parking garage--maybe you'd save $10 or so a day.
Mar 10th, 2004, 07:54 PM
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Viv, there have been quite a few threads on Virginia suburban hotels on here recently that you can read. Type rosslyn (the neighborhood of Arlington closest to DC via the Metro) in the search box and you will see many of them, including several I've posted on. (Use Rosslyn since there are a lot of different Arlingtons, and Rosslyn is probably the neighborhood most often chosen by families with the priorities that would cause you to choose the Virginia side of the river.)
Mar 10th, 2004, 08:35 PM
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Viv - we are in the same boat with planning our trip to DC - need pool, don't want to pay for parking and would like easy access to Metro. I have two suggestions - take a look at the Radison Barcelo. It gets good reviews here, has very reasonable prices and appears to be walking distance to a Metro stop. It seems to be cheap enough that I know I wouldn't mind the charge for parking. I haven't stayed here so this isn't a personal recommendation. Another suggestion would be to pick up the AAA guide book for DC if you are a member of AAA. Some of the downtown hotels have advertised free parking if you show them a copy of the ad when you check in. Can't offer any guidance on Priceline but would love to know how you make out.
Mar 11th, 2004, 05:04 AM
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Viv,
Do you need to swim EVERY day? If you can consider just swimming a few extra miles before and after your trip and not while in DC, that will give you a universe worth of more flexibility. I agree with the above post about metro cost. 4 people to&from DC/VA is about $12 each time you want to stop by your hotel. Being able to walk to a downtown hotel negates the parking issue. Also allows the possibility of splitting up. Also agree with looking at Radisson Barcelo - a perfect location and top reviews on this board.
Do you need to swim EVERY day? If you can consider just swimming a few extra miles before and after your trip and not while in DC, that will give you a universe worth of more flexibility. I agree with the above post about metro cost. 4 people to&from DC/VA is about $12 each time you want to stop by your hotel. Being able to walk to a downtown hotel negates the parking issue. Also allows the possibility of splitting up. Also agree with looking at Radisson Barcelo - a perfect location and top reviews on this board.
Mar 11th, 2004, 05:43 AM
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As I mentioned on your first post, you don't want Crystal City and you do need to be careful where in Alex. you stay. I think you might want to check out the Marriott Courtyard in Rosslyn (Arlington) -- it's very convenient (1 blk or so) to a convenient Metro station (as in, that stop is the last before DC, gets you to pretty much anywhere you want to do), has a pool, is set up for families. (The only drawback is that it's uphill from that station, which means when you come home, you have to walk uphill a block or two.)
Mar 11th, 2004, 05:54 AM
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Hi Viv555
My major drawback to staying outside the city would be using Metro!!
Every day I use Metro to get into the city to work - every day the lots fill up quickly between 7 and 8 am. And every day I have to ride in to work and then again out from work which just adds extra time and tires one out.
Once I took someone's advice and stayed OUTSIDE Venice, Italy and saved money. Every day I HATED that ride in and out of that beautiful city and quickly realized I made a big mistake.
You'll be much closer to the Washington activity and be able to sleep a little longer as well as eat at a different restaurant and not worry about how long the Metro runs if you stay IN town.
Dupont Circle has become a great travellers location - good restaurants, hotels with specials and close to many things.
My major drawback to staying outside the city would be using Metro!!
Every day I use Metro to get into the city to work - every day the lots fill up quickly between 7 and 8 am. And every day I have to ride in to work and then again out from work which just adds extra time and tires one out.
Once I took someone's advice and stayed OUTSIDE Venice, Italy and saved money. Every day I HATED that ride in and out of that beautiful city and quickly realized I made a big mistake.
You'll be much closer to the Washington activity and be able to sleep a little longer as well as eat at a different restaurant and not worry about how long the Metro runs if you stay IN town.
Dupont Circle has become a great travellers location - good restaurants, hotels with specials and close to many things.
Mar 11th, 2004, 06:18 AM
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I lived for 13 years in the DC area and, as is obvious from responses to this post, there's a definite District-versus-suburbs mentality.
People who live in the District kind of look down on suburbanites as boring people who drive cars and don't like city life. People who live in the suburbs sometimes find certain aspects of the District more than they want to deal with, esp. at night, and like being able to get back to their own neighborhood; and they aren't in the least fazed by using the Metro.
BTW, parking near the Metro in a suburb is only an issue if the hotel you choose is not near a station. Rosslyn or Courthouse stops have hotels near them, as does Pentagon City stop -- a Marylander will have to tell you about Silver Spring/Bethesda, etc.
That's another thing: Maryland suburbanites don't know much about Virginia suburbs -- and vice versa -- but there is a similar condescension that some suburbs are "better" than others, and Virginia usually doesn't come out on the good side of that.
But for a tourist, it's a different set of issues. You apparently want a pool, which for anyone not used to DC's heat isn't a bad idea after a hot day of sightseeing or for evening's entertainment for a 10 and 14 year old.
And there's no reason you can't find a hotel/motel near a Metro stop -- the distance into the District is not that huge no matter where you stay or on which side of the river. (Just don't take a cab across the river.) I'd be careful of Priceline, though, because some of the hotels/motels will NOT be anywhere near a Metro stop, and you won't have much control over that. Consider going directly to a hotel website to find out what their best rate would be, or even call and ask about a AAA rate. (If you don't belong, join -- it's worth it).
People who live in the District kind of look down on suburbanites as boring people who drive cars and don't like city life. People who live in the suburbs sometimes find certain aspects of the District more than they want to deal with, esp. at night, and like being able to get back to their own neighborhood; and they aren't in the least fazed by using the Metro.
BTW, parking near the Metro in a suburb is only an issue if the hotel you choose is not near a station. Rosslyn or Courthouse stops have hotels near them, as does Pentagon City stop -- a Marylander will have to tell you about Silver Spring/Bethesda, etc.
That's another thing: Maryland suburbanites don't know much about Virginia suburbs -- and vice versa -- but there is a similar condescension that some suburbs are "better" than others, and Virginia usually doesn't come out on the good side of that.
But for a tourist, it's a different set of issues. You apparently want a pool, which for anyone not used to DC's heat isn't a bad idea after a hot day of sightseeing or for evening's entertainment for a 10 and 14 year old.
And there's no reason you can't find a hotel/motel near a Metro stop -- the distance into the District is not that huge no matter where you stay or on which side of the river. (Just don't take a cab across the river.) I'd be careful of Priceline, though, because some of the hotels/motels will NOT be anywhere near a Metro stop, and you won't have much control over that. Consider going directly to a hotel website to find out what their best rate would be, or even call and ask about a AAA rate. (If you don't belong, join -- it's worth it).
Mar 11th, 2004, 06:28 AM
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Bardo - I can't speak for Viv55 but I would assume with the pool is for the kids. I know my kids ask immediately about a pool when we plan a vacation and they use it at least once a day and more if time allows. Hotels with indoor/outdoor pools are really desirable. The cooler the pool the more memorable the vacation.
Mar 11th, 2004, 06:32 AM
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I'm going to agree with "soccr"'s evaluation. I'm a frequent visitor to DC.
Also, those who do use Metro daily are not going to be crazy about something that's a daily routine. 5 days will still have your kids enjoying the system. Even if you don't stay there, get off the Metro & let the kids take the escalator up and down at Rosslyn -- there's only 1 longer one in the Metro system ... it's length/height is amazing! If you plan to go to Georgetown, get a transfer pass at the Metro station you BOARD at, and you can take the Georgetown Shuttle for only 25 cents from Rosslyn, FoggyBottom, or Dupont.
Also, those who do use Metro daily are not going to be crazy about something that's a daily routine. 5 days will still have your kids enjoying the system. Even if you don't stay there, get off the Metro & let the kids take the escalator up and down at Rosslyn -- there's only 1 longer one in the Metro system ... it's length/height is amazing! If you plan to go to Georgetown, get a transfer pass at the Metro station you BOARD at, and you can take the Georgetown Shuttle for only 25 cents from Rosslyn, FoggyBottom, or Dupont.
Mar 11th, 2004, 07:23 AM
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I admit it's been a couple of years since I've been to DC, but what is wrong with Crystal City? I've stayed there several times and enjoyed the very quick trip into the city. The metro is great and gets you to where you want to go quickly.
Mar 11th, 2004, 08:43 AM
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Well, now that Viv is thoroughly confused over what to do, let me weigh in with an opinion as a former resident and sometime-visitor.
Viv, first consider shopping for a specific hotel via Expedia, Orbitz, etc. rather than at Priceline. I would look for good rates at Loews L'Enfant Plaza (in D.C.), Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington/Crystal City, and Embassy Suites in Alexandria.
All have the requisite pool. L'Enfant Plaza is within easy walking distance to the museums on the Mall and has a Metro stop in the complex that will get you to other areas you may want to visit. I've stayed at the Marriott Crystal Gateway and found it very convenient to Metro (and just two stops into DC), and a 'junior suite' accommodated a family of four very easily, with free breakfast thrown in. The Embassy Suites in Alexandria is directly across from the King Street station, and has the beautiful Old Town area to explore in the evening.
My principal beef with Rosslyn as a place to stay is that it's on the Blue line, which requires a change of trains to get you to the Mall. A small point, but it adds at least ten minutes to every trip.
Priceline, by contrast, requires you to go 'blind' into an area, which means you may end up at a hotel that's half a mile from the nearest Metro station, or one of the dumpier properties in a place like Crystal City (which has both nice hotels like the Crystal Gateway and dumps like the Hyatt).
Viv, first consider shopping for a specific hotel via Expedia, Orbitz, etc. rather than at Priceline. I would look for good rates at Loews L'Enfant Plaza (in D.C.), Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington/Crystal City, and Embassy Suites in Alexandria.
All have the requisite pool. L'Enfant Plaza is within easy walking distance to the museums on the Mall and has a Metro stop in the complex that will get you to other areas you may want to visit. I've stayed at the Marriott Crystal Gateway and found it very convenient to Metro (and just two stops into DC), and a 'junior suite' accommodated a family of four very easily, with free breakfast thrown in. The Embassy Suites in Alexandria is directly across from the King Street station, and has the beautiful Old Town area to explore in the evening.
My principal beef with Rosslyn as a place to stay is that it's on the Blue line, which requires a change of trains to get you to the Mall. A small point, but it adds at least ten minutes to every trip.
Priceline, by contrast, requires you to go 'blind' into an area, which means you may end up at a hotel that's half a mile from the nearest Metro station, or one of the dumpier properties in a place like Crystal City (which has both nice hotels like the Crystal Gateway and dumps like the Hyatt).
Mar 11th, 2004, 12:40 PM
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I'll defend what I said about Crystal City this way: it's kind of a soul-less place hemmed in on one side by the highway and the other by the river. In bad weather it's nice that you can get from wherever to wherever without ever going outside, but in general it feels like living in a great big indoor mall. There no such thing as poking around local restaurants other than what's in the buildings.
Alexandra is a destination in itself, so if you stay either in Old Town or at the other end of King Street near the Metro stop, you have places around you to check out. Rosslyn can seem a little lacking in character at night but there are lots of restaurants within walking distance toward Courthouse Sq. Being on the Blue Line is just not an issue, and even if it is, there's a lot to be said for being able to walk across the bridge (in good weather) to Georgetown, which is otherwise not very accessible by Metro.
Just my two bits.
Alexandra is a destination in itself, so if you stay either in Old Town or at the other end of King Street near the Metro stop, you have places around you to check out. Rosslyn can seem a little lacking in character at night but there are lots of restaurants within walking distance toward Courthouse Sq. Being on the Blue Line is just not an issue, and even if it is, there's a lot to be said for being able to walk across the bridge (in good weather) to Georgetown, which is otherwise not very accessible by Metro.
Just my two bits.
Mar 11th, 2004, 12:50 PM
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bardo - Unfortunately we've never been to Paris or Amsterdam. And when we stay in Manhatten we stay at my brother's where there is an indoor pool. When we've gone to San Diego, Toronto or other cities we've stayed in a central location in a hotel with a pool. My kid's enjoyment of a city vacation is definately enhanced by the ability to come back from a day of sightseeing and jumping in the pool. That's why I'm probably booking the Barcelo - pool, close to Metro, near Dupont Circle and a great rate. I hope its good.
If we ever make to Paris and the kids are still kids I hope to God that I'll be able to find a hotel with a pool or I'll be stuck staying at Disneyland Paris.
If we ever make to Paris and the kids are still kids I hope to God that I'll be able to find a hotel with a pool or I'll be stuck staying at Disneyland Paris.
Mar 11th, 2004, 02:15 PM
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I wouldn't assume that parking at all the suburban hotels is free. I suspect there is a daily charge for hotel parking in Crystal City and Rosslyn. If this is part of your strategy, you might want to look at an earlier post regarding parking at the airport or the metro stations that allow overnight parking.
Mar 11th, 2004, 02:29 PM
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I do believe that Washington DC is the only city where people debate a city hotel versus a suburban hotel.
Most any Washingtonian, Virginian, or Marylander would say "Please stay wherever it would make you happy."
Most any Washingtonian, Virginian, or Marylander would say "Please stay wherever it would make you happy."
Mar 11th, 2004, 02:40 PM
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None of those areas we're talking about are suburban. Suburbs in DC means Vienna, Rockville, Laurel, etc...
All you guys are debating is a few subway stops. More important is how far a hotel is from the subway trains - but of course with Priceline you can never tell where you end up.
All you guys are debating is a few subway stops. More important is how far a hotel is from the subway trains - but of course with Priceline you can never tell where you end up.
Mar 11th, 2004, 06:10 PM
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If you're on a tight budget, you might consider the Holiday Inn Arlington in the Ballston neighborhood. It has a pool, parking, and is about three blocks from the Metro station. It's also directly off route 66. Here's a link to their web site:
http://www.holidayinnarlingtonva.com/
http://www.holidayinnarlingtonva.com/
Mar 11th, 2004, 07:23 PM
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Viv, some doubly incorrect information was given you above about riding the Metro from Rosslyn station. Rosslyn is on both the Blue and Orange lines. And both of these lines do go to the mall, and most other major attractions, without need to transfer trains. These lines run direct to the closest stations for the Kennedy Center, the White House, Downtown, the Monuments, all the museums on the south side of the Mall (including Air and Space, Holocaust and the Smithsonian castle) and the Capitol. You would need to transfer at Metro Center downtown for the Red Line to go to DuPont Circle, the stations closest to the the museums on the north side of the Mall, and Union Station.
Here are some hotels you might want to consider in Rosslyn, all moderately priced (for the D.C. area), in what I think you'd find to be the order of decreasing price:
Holiday Inn Rosslyn--about a block or so from Metro, no parking fee, indoor pool, rooftop restaurant open for 3 meals/day with panoramic view of the river, monuments and DC.
Best Western Key Bridge--about a block or so from Metro, no parking fee, outdoor pool.
Quality Inn Iwo Jima--about six blocks from Metro, about two blocks from the Iwo Jima memorial,no parking fee, indoor pool. I've stayed here and was quite satisfied with it, although I'd recommend asking for a room in the newer, multi-story, hotel-type part of it, where I was, rather than their older motel units. I remember that the restaurant on site, MacArthur's (get it?) had a surprisingly good breakfast buffet for the money.
Here are some hotels you might want to consider in Rosslyn, all moderately priced (for the D.C. area), in what I think you'd find to be the order of decreasing price:
Holiday Inn Rosslyn--about a block or so from Metro, no parking fee, indoor pool, rooftop restaurant open for 3 meals/day with panoramic view of the river, monuments and DC.
Best Western Key Bridge--about a block or so from Metro, no parking fee, outdoor pool.
Quality Inn Iwo Jima--about six blocks from Metro, about two blocks from the Iwo Jima memorial,no parking fee, indoor pool. I've stayed here and was quite satisfied with it, although I'd recommend asking for a room in the newer, multi-story, hotel-type part of it, where I was, rather than their older motel units. I remember that the restaurant on site, MacArthur's (get it?) had a surprisingly good breakfast buffet for the money.
