We are on a stopover in Washington DC (travelling from UK) 30 Oct to 2 Nov 08 and are looking for a hotel central to the major sights. We will not have a car and need to get from Dulles Airport to the hotel and back again. Any advice on hotels would be greatly appreciated.

Ann,

Here are four good choices ranging from budget to moderately expensive.

All are quite central, convenient to sightseeing, and close to Metro.

http://www.redroof.com/reservations/...sp?MotelId=254

http://www.tabardinn.com/

http://www.jurys.com/usa/washington_hotel.htm

http://www.monaco-dc.com/

Thanks for your help. Think we may go with Jurys. Do you know if taxi is the best way to get us to and from the airport? When in the States before we have used buses from the airport that do the hotel circuit and are happy to do that as long as it's a good and reliable service.

Sorry, it's me again. I've just been reading another post and noticed a link to the Marriot Courtyard Hotel in Washington. It says it's close to the sights - is this correct or would we be better with Jury's. There is (at the moment)what looks like a reasonable rate of $154/night?

I think Jury's Washington is a better location. Lot's of good restaurants and shops nearby and it's right next to the Metro (tube). The price is very good, too. Most downtown DC hotels are in the $250 range.

Yes, I think a taxi is the way to go. It will be about $55 one way.

There is an airport shuttle (van), but it is $27 per person - only a better deal if there is only one person. It sounds like you are at least two people - take the taxi.

http://www.visitingdc.com/airport/du...rt-shuttle.htm

The cheaper (but more complex) option is to take the Washington Flyer bus from the airport to the West Falls Church, VA Metro Station (orange line). Ride the Metro from West Falls Church to Metro Center Station, transfer to the Red line and get off at Dupont Circle. I would do this only if you value price over convenience.

http://www.visitingdc.com/airport/wa...-flyer-bus.htm

And the Metro system map:

http://www.stationmasters.com/System...ystem_map.html

You can also take a Metro bus, 5A towards L'Enfant Plaza from Dulles and get off at the Rosslyn Metro stop. Cost is $3.00 for the bus
http://www.wmata.com/
You can take the metro from the Rosslyn Station to your hotel. If you stay at Dupont Circle you would need to change to the Red Line at Metro Center.
Enjoy DC

I like Hotel Palomar near Dupont Circle. It's very accessible to the metro and lots of fun shops and restaurants are in walking distance.

I'm not sure what other post mentioned the Marriott Courtyard but of you can get the one at 9th and F for that price (or anywhere close), grab it.

Thanks for all the help. I have booked the Jury's hotel ($443 inc taxes) paid up front. Reviews are mixed but all say it is a great location and we intend being out of the hotel more than in it. Didn't see the post from Repete re Marriot until after I'd booked Jury's. We (that's me and my husband) will take a taxi to and from the airport. After 8.5 hours on the plane, I think it will be the best bet. We were thinking of doing trolley tours to see the sights. I guess the hotel will have plenty of information when we get there. Again, many thanks.