I'd love some opinions on the various Marriotts/Residence Inns in Pentagon City, Crystal City and Rosslyn. I'm leaning towards the Pentagon City one, since it is #1 on Trip Advisor for Arlington and it is one block from the metro and has a shuttle etc. I guess what is bothering me is the parking fee is $18 a day while the one in Rossyln is on $10.

I'm just not really sure what to do! I wanted to keep it under $150 a day, but with the rate of $139 a night at Pentagon City it will bring it over (tax also).

I should have put VA in the title but it is filed under Wash. DC.

Don't know if the Pentagon City location is walking distance of Crystal City. Very close areas. Crystal City has the underground shopping, metro, and walking distance to the restaurants in Arlington. Rosslyn is walk across the Key Bridge from Georgetown and the Erie Canal walking/running path. Rosslyn has a metro shop a block from the hotel as well.

I say go with the cheapest one. They are both fine neighborhoods and equally as convenient to the Metro.

I have stayed many times at the Pentagon City RI and recommend it very highly. I've also stayed a couple times in Rosslyn, although not at the RI there. It's a long Metro ride to the tourist areas and I don't think the area is nearly as nice. On top of that, the staff at Pentagon City is just wonderful. Probably the only RI I'd rank higher in the DC area is the one in Old Town Alexandria. Both are probably the nicest RIs I've ever stayed in (and I'm a platinum Marriott rewards member), in terms of staff and welcome.

Pentagon City is just across the
street from the Pentagon, but it's also just a block from Pentagon City itself, which is very European in feel--a grassy square (which is an ice rink in winter) surrounded by cafes and shops, some excellent restaurants (Irish pub to Lebanese taverna style to Wolfgang Puck and a creperie), convenient grocery (Harris Teeter) and huge mall (Fashion Center) with even more casual restaurants nearby (Starbucks, California Pizza Kitchen, a good Mexican restaurant). The shuttle will take you to the grocery store or shopping areas as well as to the Metro, if you don't want to walk. And finally, the "reception" nightly Mon-Thurs is pretty much a meal and comes with two wine or beer coupons per person and, of course, unlimited soft drinks and bottled water. Good breakfast buffet, too. I love the place. And I have to say, I did park on the street one time, although it would not be something I would recommend--the parking garage is completely secure day and night, with an attendant and a roll-down door. Not a bad deal in DC.

Thanks for this. Based on this thread and tdmort's trip report "64,000 steps in DC" (something similar to that) I have just booked the RI at Pentagon City for August. We are currently booked into the Hyatt Arlington, but it doesn't seem to come anywhere near this hotel and it is $100 dearer overall for a 5 night stay.

Thank you so much Ann, you've totally reassured me now (I did end up booking the Pentagon City location yesterday). The whole cafe / European feel sounds great!

Here's a question, as far as the parking goes, do you get charged $18 for the day you check out at 11 or earlier?

Also, we will probably get there before the check in time on the first day, will it be easy to just park there and leave our bags in the trunk of the car and come back later?

I think you made a good choice, although the Rosslyn location is also quite good.

Let me reframe Pentagon City, tho. Your hotel is well located to the Metro, but there is nothing "European" feeling about the area. It is a typical Suburban/urban neighborhood. Lots of office buildings, apartment buildings, a gigantic mall, etc. etc.

There is an area--that is a bit of a walk to your hotel--called Pentagon Row which does have the ice rink during the winter and does have some nice restaurants and shops. But it is a typical, modern manufactured "Town Center" you can find everywhere these days.

It's nice and pleasant, but I don't want you to be misled.

Thanks Mike! How far of a walk to Pentagon Row would it be do you think? Is it safe?