I have been on all hotel sites online, over phone, etc. It is so tough trying to find afforable hotel that is close enough to the Mall, white House, the touristy spots. (for further questions...see my previous post under my name to follow this saga)

I found this hotel and wonder if it is good, safe area and near subway for touristy spots? Its probably abt two miles but I dont know what else to do cuz price is just right so far.

Any comments before I book this. Thanks!

This is a great location, unless you need to be in the heart of downtown. The Metro entrance is right next to the place and there's a nice variety of dining right there on Connecticut Ave.

It's a fine, safe area and the Metro ride is quick to just about anywhere you want to go. Dupont Circle is one stoop away, but it's also walkable on a nice day/evening. Also, it's close to the Zoo.

I could just repeat what repete said.

This Marriott isn't within walking distance of any attraction other than the zoo, but it is in a very safe neighborhood, and has not only plenty of interesting restaurants nearby, but also a handy little convenience market.

This is a huge, nice convention hotel, very spread-out, with lovely landscaping. If you want to be handier to the nearby Metro station, ask to be in the older wing.

A site that you might find useful is stationmasters.com , which has a "Hotels" link on their home page that lets you click on any hotel name and get a nice street map of the immediate area, showing other hotels, attractions, etc.

Don't worry about the hotel being "about two miles" from the Mall - once you're on the Metro, the stops are only a minute or two apart, so staying very close to a Metro stop farther out is actually just as convenient as being downtown but a few blocks from the nearest Metro stop.

The zoo grounds open very early, hours before the buildings, 6 AM in summer IIRC, and this is when the animals are most active, especially in warmer weather.

You are luck to find anything for your dates and the Wardman Park is a solid choice. Grab it.

It is a nice hotel in a great neighborhood with dining options, and (most important) is right next to Metro so you can quickly get to any of the tourist sights.

I'd grab it, quick! It should make a nice base for touring.

Thanks everyone!

I booked this hotel this morning. Really excellent rate of 199 per night and it DOESNT go up any night after first night! Many hotels were like 299 then zoomed to 600-1 thousand a night and it was just a very standard room in "not expensive" hotels!

I am glad for subway nearby that should help.

Now, I am working on airport shuttle service. Too bad this hotel doesnt off one. Any good reasonable price shuttle? It will be around 8 pm at night arriving airport and i need shuttle ready to go. Thanks!!!!

Compared to a lot of cities, Washington doesn't have that many hotels with their own shuttles, but there are plenty of ways to get into town from BWI.

Are you looking for an easy or cheap shuttle? Anon has mastered lower-end, with a slick bus-Metro option. Depending on the time, there's also a commuter train to Union Station, where you could catch the Red Line Metro to the hotel or grab a cab. Or you could catch a SuperShuttle or a cab/limo direct from BWI.

It's most a personal convenience vs. price balancing act, but it sounds like SuperShuttle (as much as I hate to recommend them) might be what you're looking for.

Wow Lori,

The hotel sounds great and what a terrific rate for this time of year! Your daughter is going to be so surprised.

You're a good sport and mom to make all the plans and stay home ! Now when you go you'll know exactly what you want to do!

For air transport, I'm thinking taxi is the quickest option. Did you look on the airport's website at www.bwiairport.com. Click ground transportation and all the options are there. The taxi is listed at $63, and private car/sedan $95.

They could do that route going in since it's going to be late, and then use the Metro/B-30 bus going back.

I hope they have a really nice time. Let us know how it all went when they get back!

The B-30 bus from BWI to the Greenbelt Metro station, with a transfer to the Red Line at the Fort Totten station, would certainly be the cheapest alternative. It's perfectly safe at night; my college-age daughter and her friends use it all the time.

But with luggage, a 10-year-old and an 8 PM arrival, I think even I would opt for the taxi (after verifying the cost, of course).