I'm planning trip to DC in June and I've been looking at the surrounding areas to stay. I've narrowed it down to Landover Hills, Md., Silver Spring, Md. and Fairfax, Va. Can anyone give advise on what area might be best and safest?

Of those three, Fairfax.

However, what criteria did you use to come up with those three?

If subway access is the reason, then I'd recommend Alexandria (King Street area), so you can walk to Old Town. Also, Chevy Chase has a subway stop and is a nice place to wander around in the evenings.

Mark

Since Southwest has started flying from ALB to BWI, I've made several trips to DC, and am always looking for ways to economize .. so I can travel more often. I'd be glad to answer any questions. to email me Add .com and remove the x from the above address, and of course AT becomes @

btw, I like Arlington too. Stayed at Quality Inn Iwo Jima a few times for ~$60, very safe walking distance to Rosslyn, free parking, enclosed pool. Motel 50 next door looked ok.

I don't know what your plans for the visit are, but none of those places are very close to DC. Silver Spring has a subway stop (or stops) nearby, but I don't think Landover Hills does and I know that Fairfax does not.

If you're looking for a location outside of DC that is still convenient to DC tourism, I recommend Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Bethesda MD, or Rockville, MD. All of those locations have subway stops nearby, making it easier to get to DC. Please don't plan to drive into DC unless it's on a Sunday morning. Even if traffic isn't a huge problem, navigating the roads and parking (especially parking) is very likely to be a difficult situation. Plus the subway is very clean and easy to use.

Enjoy!

Hi

Fairfax VA covers the entire county, Fairfax County VA. Is there a specific area that you're thinking of?

Landover Hills MD is kind of an area of change that's been occuring. I believe I would give that more thought.

Silver Spring MD is an older, established area and certain sections are close to Metro.

What area will you new job be in? Or are you just coming to visit?

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and warnings. I found a deal on Orbitz for the Virginian Suites in Arlington for $90 a night. I hope it's nice. Again, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!

A folow up for anyone else considering Landover Hills, as you did.

Today's Washington Post reports That a fight at a Landover Hills Strip club left 3 dead.

Definitely not anice neighborhood in which to stay.

I live in Silver Spring. I would not recommend staying there or Landover Hills or Fairfax. If you want to stay in the suburbs, look at Friendship Heights (Chevy Chase) - there's an Embassy Suites there or Bethesda (Hyatt and Residence Inn) or Arlington/Alexandria (Rosslyn, Crystal City or Pentagon City). When you make your reservations, ask how far you'll be from metro. You can get a metro map from www.metroopensdoors.com

Have fun.