I need to spend two nights near Arlington Cemetery to attend a family memorial. Because of the timing, it is "high" season - mid-April & Cherry Blossoms in DC area.
I am traveling alone and would like to stay in an "upscale" rather than business or tourist oriented property.

Because of the extreme differences in pricing - weekend vs. weekday, I contacted two properties - the Ritz at Pentagon City, and the Hotel Palomar, a Kempton property in Rosslyn. I have previously had great experiences at both Ritz properties and Kempton properties - though not in DC, so eyed them first.
They both gave me a better rate than posted on line, after explaining the circumstances bringing me to the area.

My question to the DC experts- what are your thoughts on either one of these properties (the ONLY ones that gave me a discount, so the ONLY ones I will consider)
They are obviously in two different areas, the Ritz convenient to the metro and Pentagon City mall, and The Palomar - great reviews - and a quick taxi or walk to Georgetown. I believe it is also a block or so from a metro though I would appreciate any thoughts on that.

Travelling alone, what do you think is my best choice?

As usual, thanks so much

P.S. Palomar: $134 from $299 (Sweet) But how convenient??

Ritz: $299 from $399 (not so great-- Ritz Carleton Corp.) But perhaps very convenient?

Both neighborhoods are convenient, but dull. Pentagon City is a very average suburban mall, attached to a Ritz Carlton. Rosslyn is a 9-5 work neighborhood.

That said, they are both close to the Metro. The Palomar must have amazing views, plus the ability to walk across the bridge to Gtown.

I like modern over staid, so I'd choose the Palomar. I'd love to see the views from the hotel. But the Ritz is going to be much more plush.

I like Kimpton Hotels over Ritz properties. I also prefer the Arlington location over Pentagon City. As mentioned u can walk across the Key Bridge into Georgetown. I think both hotels are tourist oriented though.

Yestravel, thanks for your opinons, but are there any hotels in the area that are not "tourist oriented"..seems its either business or tourist there unless someone is holding out on me.

Would appreciate where you would stay if in my circumstances. You participate quite a bit on the forum so I do trust your input.

Also, apologize for submitting two queries; I did not see this when I logged on and thought a) I did not actually submit it or
b) I am crazy

so I retyped it...
Obviously

But do really appreciate anyone taking the time to give me ideas.

Have a great week,
CC

I find both of these hotels to be very business oriented, especially the RC Pentagon. I have stayed there many times and it is a favorite hotel.
The Palomar is still pretty new and I would argue that all things considered, it will be a similar experience.
The RC Pentagon is much older and has not has a recent rennovation.
Personally, I would stay in Alexandria at the Monaco, if it is available.

U r absolutely right, all hotels are geared toward tourists or business people.

I assume u want to have easy access to Arlington Cemetery and aren't going to be doing sightseeing or having nights out on the town. I think either of those hotels are fine 4 u. I didn't mean to put u off them with my comments. I also agree that the Palomar is newer so might be a bit nicer. If it's a nice day and u like to walk, u could even walk to Arlington Cemetery from there.

The suggestion for the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria is a good one. U would be farther from the cemetery than staying at the Palomar, but it's in a nice area of Alexandria with restaurants and shops. The downside is its about a mile from the closest Metro Stop. U would go to the King St Metro station, take the blue line to the Arlington Cemetery station which is about 15 minutes away.
Here is the url for the Metro system. http://www.wmata.com/

Know that feeling about feeling crazy!

I saw your other post with additonal info. Given that u have an early flight out, I'd go with the Palomar for easier access to the Metro - its only a couple blocks from the Rosslyn Station. I assume you're flying out of National (DCA)? I dont know what early is to u, and didn't see the days u r leaving, but be aware that the metro doesn't open until 7 am on Saturday and Sunday. I found that out the hard way one Satruday morning with an 8am flt from National.

Thanks again!
Yestravel, I am coming in mid-week; I think that is why the rates are high.
IF only I could do the weekend, but to have a memorial at Arlington (and it is a very special relative who was a distinctive war veteran) we had to go with what dates were available - April l6 of all times!
I have to come in a day early to get the non-stop flight I wanted; so I will have half/day to do whatever - I dont necessarily want to go into DC alone; I actually lived 2 hours from there at one time so have been in town numerous times.

But have moved quite a distance away, so thought Ritz Pentagon - at least I could meander Nordstroms!
and Palomar - I could walk to Georgetown.
My flight is at 8am, and am not checking luggage so thinking I could get there at 7??

I've loved the Kemptons I've stayed in previously (other states) so I think I will go with it; plus the rate is better and I can spend the extra $$ helping out the local retail and/or restaurant economy.

Thanks for the help and understanding my slip up in posting.

Cc

I know at ARl Cemetery u dont get much choice of dates. Sorry for your loss.

Funny, I have a flight this Sunday at 8 am and have been debating how late I can get to National. I think u shuld be fine getting there at 7. Security typically moves very quickly and lines are not generally real long like they can be at IAD.

The one advantage to the Ritz is that u could eat and shop at the Pentagon Mall. But I would pick the Palomar. There are a few things right near there, or u could walk to Georgetown or hop on the metro and go to the Pentagon Mall or wherever. Being so close to a metro is a big plus.

Hope it all works out for u.

You might look at the Mandarin Oriental in DC. A longer subway ride to the cemetery (or a short taxi ride), but accessible to the Blue Line at Smithsonian (or by transfer from the Yellow Line) or the Yellow Line at L'Enfant Plaza.

The problem with the Mandarin is there is NOTHING nearby. A gorgeous hotel completely isolated from anything even remotely interesting.

If you'd prefer to spend your spare time shopping rather than sightseeing, I'd definitely recommend the Palomar/shopping in Georgetown rather than the Ritz/shopping in Pentagon City. The Pentagon City mall is just your average mall, and turns into an absolute zoo on weekends, especially at that time of year - for some reason school tour groups are brought there and the kids allowed to run amok for a few hours. Georgetown has the standard mall stores but also more interesting options - I enjoy shopping at Cusp (a Neiman Marcus spin-off), Urban Chic, Wink, Barneys Co-op, etc.

Hey ya'll

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out.
As long as there is a metro near the Palomar, I am going with them.

Their customer service so far has been exemplary; someone in corporate contacting me asking me what I need and when, and then giving me more than 50% off the lowest rate I could find.

In addition, writing me back to make sure all was booked. Hooray for them..I would recommend (after staying there and seeing it of course) that many folks who do need to go to Arlington to honor their loved ones try a hotel like the Palomar.

They obviously took into consideration the fact that a war veteran was being laid to rest and the bottom line was compassion not numbers. It is an extremely emotional time, and worrying about air, hotel rates, location, taxis, etc. can be trying.

(Maybe a hotel in Arlington ought to come up with an Arlington Cemetery Compassionate Friends Package!)

As usual, the forum has come through also.

I'll let everyone know how the hotel
rooms, staff, amenities, etc. work out.

THANKS - a huge burden off me
Cc