I am seeking cheap but yet safe accomodations!! I know that may not be able to get the best of both worlds but it is at least worth a try. I will be travelling alone from Canada, meeting people in DC and I need a cheap place to stay for a week in the downtown, Dupont Circle area. Ideally, I am looking to pay no more then $45 per night. Any comments, suggestions and thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

It is highly unrealistic to expect lodging that is safe for a woman travelling alone in DC for a rate of $45 per night. You'll never find that in the Dupont Circle area (unless it's east of 16th street - don't even think about staying in that direction). I, personally, would assume that any lodging in that price range, if you can find it, is not safe.

As the previous person said, you can't have both. If you want to stay in Laurel, MD which is an easy drive in, you can get a room at the Budget Host. Or you can spend a little more and stay in DC at the McMillan House B&B. Their rates start around $60. You can get an internet discount coupon for either of these places at LodgingDiscounts.com, that may help. Good luck and try to stay on the SAFE side!

You might check the Woodley Park Guest House 202-667-0218. Great location right at the Woodley Park Metro station,fairly short walk into Adams Morgan for restaurants and night life. Was $58 including tax for a double with bath but has been recently sold and not sure what changes that has brought. A bit on the older side and somewhat funky but a good deal for the price.

Andrea, maybe you can find one of those "Homestead Village" or "Extended Stay America" long-term stay places near a Metro station in the suburbs? You'd have to take the train, granted, but it may be cheap enough to get CLOSE to your $45 goal, which really is unrealistic for D.C. These long-term hotels often rent to people not staying really long terms and the price is usually right.

Andrea,

I agree with the Woodley Park/Adams Morgan area. We stayed at a place called Adam's Inn which was a B&B. Within walking distance (10 minutes) from the Woodley Park subway station.

Not the greatest place, but safe and cheap! We enjoyed being able to walk around the Adams-Morgan neighborhood in the evening-quite a few good little outdoor cafes in the summer.