DC Residents... quick question
Apr 7th, 2006, 01:35 PM
#1
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DC Residents... quick question
I am traveling to DC in May and hotel rates are through the roof, even more than normal because of a large conference. To stay within per diem I am forced to stay at the Chevy Chase Embassy Suites and commute to my meeting in Alexandria.
The first day I will depart CC around 630am and will not return until well after 9pm. The following day I will depart at 630am and return to the hotel around noon.
Can you suggest a commute strategy that will not break the bank?
I am happy to take the Red Line to the Yellow line and get off at King St and then hop a cab, if that will really save money.
Are cabs plentiful at the Alexandria stop in the morning?
Advise?
The first day I will depart CC around 630am and will not return until well after 9pm. The following day I will depart at 630am and return to the hotel around noon.
Can you suggest a commute strategy that will not break the bank?
I am happy to take the Red Line to the Yellow line and get off at King St and then hop a cab, if that will really save money.
Are cabs plentiful at the Alexandria stop in the morning?
Advise?
Apr 7th, 2006, 02:14 PM
#3
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That's a LONG daily commute.
Look at staying in the Franconia / Springfield area, at the southern end of the Blue line. There are Hilton, HamptonInn, Comfort Inn and others with free shuttles, and it's so far from DC that maybe there are vacancies and lower prices. Only 2 stops to King St.
Look at staying in the Franconia / Springfield area, at the southern end of the Blue line. There are Hilton, HamptonInn, Comfort Inn and others with free shuttles, and it's so far from DC that maybe there are vacancies and lower prices. Only 2 stops to King St.
Apr 7th, 2006, 02:41 PM
#4
Normally there are at least a couple of cabs at the King St metro. Almost guaranteed during rush hour. And if there isn't, it wouldn't take long to call for one.
But your commute sounds insane. Where in Alex is the conference? Perhaps someone can suggest a place nearer to it? What's the budget?
But your commute sounds insane. Where in Alex is the conference? Perhaps someone can suggest a place nearer to it? What's the budget?
Apr 7th, 2006, 03:58 PM
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ES was the option. I can't figure out Priceline (duh) and biddingfortravel.com is even worse. I don't understand how to do it. If I could get a 4 star closer to Alexandria for less that 150.00 I would give it a shot.
The crappiest hotels in Alexandria are running close to and upward of 200.00 per night during the time I will be there and the ES will put me up for 100.00.
I am checking in on May 17th and out on the 20th and I am somewhat picky... no 1 or 2 star properties.
My commute is 1 hour each way at home.
Can it really be so horrible to take the train to King?
Here are a sampling of the rates at the closest hotels to the office... I hope the formatting is not crazy.
1 HI HOLIDAY INN SELECT ALEXAN 0N 243.
3 TL TRAVELODGE ALEXANDRIA 1N 75.
4 SI SHERATON STES OLD TOWN AL 1N 269.
5 RD RADISSON HOTEL OLD TOWN 1N 209.
7 HH HILTON ALEXANDRIA OLD TOW 1W 249.
8 ES EMBASSY STES ALEXANDRIA 1W 249.
9 HX HAMPTON INN ALEX OLD TW S 1SW 139.
10 CY COURTYARD ALEXANDRIA 2W 239.
11 HI HOLIDAY INN I 95 TELEGRAP 2W 166.
12 RF RED ROOF WASHINGTON ALEXA 2SW 79.
13 DI DAYS INN ALEXANDRIA SOUTH 2SW 67.
14 BW BEST WESTERN POTOMAC VIEW 2E 92.
15 EA HOMESTEAD WASH DC-ALEXAND 3W 135.
16 CY COURTYARD CRYSTAL CITY 3N 259.
17 HY HYATT REGENCY CRYSTAL CI 3N 379.
18 HI HOLIDAY INN NATL AIRPORT 3N 202.
19 RF RED ROOF WASHINGTON OXON 3E 77.
20 HH HILTON CRYSTAL CITY NATL 3N 309.
21 MC MARRIOTT CRYSTAL CTY REAG 3N 299.
22 MC MARRIOTT CRYSTAL GATEWAY 3N 379.
23 CP CROWNE PLAZA NATL AIRPORT 3N 229.
24 HX HAMPTON INN STES REAGAN N 4N 199.
25 UZ PENTAGON LODGE 4NW 109.
26 CI COMFORT INN AT THE PENTAG 4NW 135.
27 BW BEST WESTERN PENTAGON HOT 4NW 161.
28 QI QUALITY INN MOUNT VERNON 4SW 99.
29 UZ ALEXANDRIA HOTEL PENTAG 4NW 89.
30 ES EMBASSY STES CRYSTAL CITY 4N 309.
31 RZ RITZ CARLTON PENTAGON CIT 4N 449.
33 SI SHERATON CRYSTAL CITY HOT 4N 349.
34 RC RESIDENCE INN PENTAGON CI 4N 299.
35 HH HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CE 4NW 299.
36 VE WASHINGTON SUITES ALEXAND 4W 169.
37 SI SHERATON NATIONAL HOTEL 5N 288.
38 HX HAMPTON INN ALEXANDRIA 5NW 159.
39 HG HOMEWOOD SUITE ALEXANDRIA 5NW 199.
40 BH HAWTHORN SUITES ALEXANDRI 5W 135.
41 CI COMFORT INN ALEXANDRIA 5W 98.
42 EA ESA WASHINGTON DC-ALEXAND 5W 139.
43 CI COMFORT INN LANDMARK 5W 83.
44 LM INNS OF VIRGINIA - ALEXAN 5W 79.
45 DI DAYS INN ALEXANDRIA 5W 61.
47 BW BEST WESTERN CAPITOL SKYL 5N 159.
The crappiest hotels in Alexandria are running close to and upward of 200.00 per night during the time I will be there and the ES will put me up for 100.00.
I am checking in on May 17th and out on the 20th and I am somewhat picky... no 1 or 2 star properties.
My commute is 1 hour each way at home.
Can it really be so horrible to take the train to King?
Here are a sampling of the rates at the closest hotels to the office... I hope the formatting is not crazy.
1 HI HOLIDAY INN SELECT ALEXAN 0N 243.
3 TL TRAVELODGE ALEXANDRIA 1N 75.
4 SI SHERATON STES OLD TOWN AL 1N 269.
5 RD RADISSON HOTEL OLD TOWN 1N 209.
7 HH HILTON ALEXANDRIA OLD TOW 1W 249.
8 ES EMBASSY STES ALEXANDRIA 1W 249.
9 HX HAMPTON INN ALEX OLD TW S 1SW 139.
10 CY COURTYARD ALEXANDRIA 2W 239.
11 HI HOLIDAY INN I 95 TELEGRAP 2W 166.
12 RF RED ROOF WASHINGTON ALEXA 2SW 79.
13 DI DAYS INN ALEXANDRIA SOUTH 2SW 67.
14 BW BEST WESTERN POTOMAC VIEW 2E 92.
15 EA HOMESTEAD WASH DC-ALEXAND 3W 135.
16 CY COURTYARD CRYSTAL CITY 3N 259.
17 HY HYATT REGENCY CRYSTAL CI 3N 379.
18 HI HOLIDAY INN NATL AIRPORT 3N 202.
19 RF RED ROOF WASHINGTON OXON 3E 77.
20 HH HILTON CRYSTAL CITY NATL 3N 309.
21 MC MARRIOTT CRYSTAL CTY REAG 3N 299.
22 MC MARRIOTT CRYSTAL GATEWAY 3N 379.
23 CP CROWNE PLAZA NATL AIRPORT 3N 229.
24 HX HAMPTON INN STES REAGAN N 4N 199.
25 UZ PENTAGON LODGE 4NW 109.
26 CI COMFORT INN AT THE PENTAG 4NW 135.
27 BW BEST WESTERN PENTAGON HOT 4NW 161.
28 QI QUALITY INN MOUNT VERNON 4SW 99.
29 UZ ALEXANDRIA HOTEL PENTAG 4NW 89.
30 ES EMBASSY STES CRYSTAL CITY 4N 309.
31 RZ RITZ CARLTON PENTAGON CIT 4N 449.
33 SI SHERATON CRYSTAL CITY HOT 4N 349.
34 RC RESIDENCE INN PENTAGON CI 4N 299.
35 HH HILTON ALEXANDRIA MARK CE 4NW 299.
36 VE WASHINGTON SUITES ALEXAND 4W 169.
37 SI SHERATON NATIONAL HOTEL 5N 288.
38 HX HAMPTON INN ALEXANDRIA 5NW 159.
39 HG HOMEWOOD SUITE ALEXANDRIA 5NW 199.
40 BH HAWTHORN SUITES ALEXANDRI 5W 135.
41 CI COMFORT INN ALEXANDRIA 5W 98.
42 EA ESA WASHINGTON DC-ALEXAND 5W 139.
43 CI COMFORT INN LANDMARK 5W 83.
44 LM INNS OF VIRGINIA - ALEXAN 5W 79.
45 DI DAYS INN ALEXANDRIA 5W 61.
47 BW BEST WESTERN CAPITOL SKYL 5N 159.
Apr 7th, 2006, 04:22 PM
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I've stayed at that ES, and IMHO the commute won't be so bad. Two major factors are your early departure, and the fact that the ES is literally on top of the Friendship Heights Metro Station. Therefore, you're going to spend no more time commuting than you would if you stayed at a downtown hotel that required a few blocks' walk to the nearest Metro station. Especially when getting back to the hotel late at night, it's wonderful to have just some escalators between the Metro and your room, rather than a hike. IMHO, this is much better than ANY hotel at which you depend on a shuttle to get to and/or from the Metro.
The only improvements you could make would be to stay at a hotel on the yellow line, or in Alexandria itself.
The only improvements you could make would be to stay at a hotel on the yellow line, or in Alexandria itself.
Apr 7th, 2006, 05:44 PM
#8
>>Can it really be so horrible to take the train to King?<<
No, of course not. I retract my hyperbole. The metro from Chevy Chase to the King St metro is no bigger a deal than many DC commuters make every single work day. And given your 2 hr/day commute, you won't blink. It just wouldn't be my first recommendation to a visitor but you sound more than up to the trip.
I'm a little confused by the hotels you listed and your reference to wanting a 4 star hotel for under $150/night. Most of those hotels aren't 4 stars. Do you want rec's from that list?
No, of course not. I retract my hyperbole. The metro from Chevy Chase to the King St metro is no bigger a deal than many DC commuters make every single work day. And given your 2 hr/day commute, you won't blink. It just wouldn't be my first recommendation to a visitor but you sound more than up to the trip.
I'm a little confused by the hotels you listed and your reference to wanting a 4 star hotel for under $150/night. Most of those hotels aren't 4 stars. Do you want rec's from that list?
Apr 7th, 2006, 07:47 PM
#9
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No, sorry... I just pulled a list of hotels by distance to the office.
I would not even stay at most of them, not that the Embassy Suites Chevy Chase is my 1st choice either. I generally stay at the Ritz Pentagon City but it is 399.00 a night during these dates
The ES is owned by my customer and I figured I could get a deal... and they made me a pretty good offer, considering they are pricing at 229.00!
I can't get over the hotel rates in DC. I mean, it is about time... they starved for a few years. But, damn... 299.00 for the Marriott Crystal City?
Thanks for all the help.
I think the commute will suck, but suppose it is worth 100.00+ a day.
Now, back to the original question... would you suggest a different route?
At 9pm, should i just take a cab all the way back to CC?
I would not even stay at most of them, not that the Embassy Suites Chevy Chase is my 1st choice either. I generally stay at the Ritz Pentagon City but it is 399.00 a night during these dates
The ES is owned by my customer and I figured I could get a deal... and they made me a pretty good offer, considering they are pricing at 229.00!
I can't get over the hotel rates in DC. I mean, it is about time... they starved for a few years. But, damn... 299.00 for the Marriott Crystal City?
Thanks for all the help.
I think the commute will suck, but suppose it is worth 100.00+ a day.
Now, back to the original question... would you suggest a different route?
At 9pm, should i just take a cab all the way back to CC?
Apr 7th, 2006, 09:07 PM
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Can you expense the taxi ride home? It's easily a $30 cab ride--if not more--to get to Friendship Heights from Alexandria., The Metro ride isn't awful. It's one switch at either Gallery Place or Metro Center.
Apr 8th, 2006, 04:00 AM
#12
>>>Now, back to the original question... would you suggest a different route?<<<
No, if you're going to take the metro from CC, take the red line to (1) Metro Center and a blue line train to King St. or, (2) red line to Gallery Place and a yellow line train to King St.
Do you know for sure that King St. is the closest Alex station to your conference?
>>>At 9pm, should i just take a cab all the way back to CC?<<<
AT 9pm, I'd probably take the metro back to the hotel, although the cab ride would be mighty tempting after such a long day. Your OP mentioned "well after 9pm" in which case I'd almost certainly take a cab, especially if I'd been out to eat or had something to drink.
And while I get you aren't looking for hotel rec's, I'm curious as to why aren't you considering the ES in Alexandria? It's only $20 more a night that the ES in Chevy Chase? Surely that's worth skipping the commute across town.
No, if you're going to take the metro from CC, take the red line to (1) Metro Center and a blue line train to King St. or, (2) red line to Gallery Place and a yellow line train to King St.
Do you know for sure that King St. is the closest Alex station to your conference?
>>>At 9pm, should i just take a cab all the way back to CC?<<<
AT 9pm, I'd probably take the metro back to the hotel, although the cab ride would be mighty tempting after such a long day. Your OP mentioned "well after 9pm" in which case I'd almost certainly take a cab, especially if I'd been out to eat or had something to drink.
And while I get you aren't looking for hotel rec's, I'm curious as to why aren't you considering the ES in Alexandria? It's only $20 more a night that the ES in Chevy Chase? Surely that's worth skipping the commute across town.
Apr 8th, 2006, 09:28 AM
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Thanks for the info...
The Embassy Suites Alexandria is pricing 249.00 per night. The ES Chevy Chase is 100.00 per night.
I wish I could get the closer one for 20 more.
The ESA property listed is Extended Stay America.
The Embassy Suites Alexandria is pricing 249.00 per night. The ES Chevy Chase is 100.00 per night.
I wish I could get the closer one for 20 more.
The ESA property listed is Extended Stay America.
Apr 10th, 2006, 04:55 PM
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We're staying at the Washington-Capitol Holiday Inn in May for $150/night and it's right on the Mall (550 C Street SW). I got this rate from Expedia after looking a long time for something under $200.00. I think it's a good deal, but maybe it's no better than the commute you now have.
Apr 12th, 2006, 12:30 PM
#16
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I just found out my buddies at the ES have offered my a rate of 75.00 so I am very committed to this commute.
I will have to work 1/2 day with the hotel management to earn my keep but it is worth it to keep the total expenses down.
Now I face the same scenario in London in June ... grrrr
I will have to work 1/2 day with the hotel management to earn my keep but it is worth it to keep the total expenses down.
Now I face the same scenario in London in June ... grrrr
May 26th, 2006, 05:59 AM
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Just a follow up post to say that staying in Chevy Chase was no problem at all.
I left for the meeting in Alexandria at 715am. Took the Red line to the Yellow line and then 1 bus straight to the office in old town. No matter where I stayed I would have had at least one train and the bus part, so really this only added some time on the metro.
I arrived to King street and hopped the bus to oldtown.
The whole thing took just under an hour and was a piece of cake.
There were few people on the train at 715am. Going home at 5pm was a little more crowded. Funny thing, the afternoon bus ride took more time to go up King street than the metro ride across DC.
So I say, in DC, if the hotel is near the metro it is a viable option.
You can base your selection on property & rate, possibly saving a ton of money as I did.
And the DC area of the Chevy Chase Pavillion is just a few minutes from everything.
I left for the meeting in Alexandria at 715am. Took the Red line to the Yellow line and then 1 bus straight to the office in old town. No matter where I stayed I would have had at least one train and the bus part, so really this only added some time on the metro.
I arrived to King street and hopped the bus to oldtown.
The whole thing took just under an hour and was a piece of cake.
There were few people on the train at 715am. Going home at 5pm was a little more crowded. Funny thing, the afternoon bus ride took more time to go up King street than the metro ride across DC.
So I say, in DC, if the hotel is near the metro it is a viable option.
You can base your selection on property & rate, possibly saving a ton of money as I did.
And the DC area of the Chevy Chase Pavillion is just a few minutes from everything.
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