We are coming from England to spend 5 days in Arlington. Could anyone recommend any reasonably priced small hotel/b/b?

Last year we were v disappointed with a booking we had made for a small hotel in Washington. For $120 room it was v poor. We had booked online and it looked fine.

Does the hotel have to be in Arlington? If you can expand your borders a littlke I really like using Quikbook to reserve rooms in the DC area. Never been disappointed with one of the hotels they use and you can get some great rates.

One question, sophie, is whether or not you will be renting (hiring!) a car. You will probably get a better response if you post your question with the Washington D.C. keyword instead of Virginia.

Sophie - I have stayed several times at the Quality Inn Iwo Jima in Arlington. It is about a 10 min walk to Rosslyn Metro Station, and was clean, safe, and reasonably priced. The surrounding area, while safe, does not offer a lot to do. The hotel appears to be part "motel" (rooms opening to outside corridor and/or parking lot) and part "hotel" (multi-floor, inside corridors). Nearer to the Rosslyn Metro station is a Hyatt, a Holiday Inn, and Best Western Key Bridge. There is a Marriott, and also "Virginia Suites" nearby. You probably would not walk from the Metro to Qual Inn with luggage, but for regular trips it would be ok. The first three of the other hotels I listed might be ok with luggage if you don't have too much. There is no X in my REAL eddress.

The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City might have some promotional room rates. ( I know, I know, Ritz-Carltons are usually pricey). But it wouldn't hurt to check to see if anything in your budget range is available for your travel date.
The Pentagon City Ritz sits directly atop a Metro station and is connected to a shopping mall. The Metro will get you to most of the museums and monuments in and around Washington DC.
There are restaurants a very short walk away ( and also one or two inside the shopping mall).