We'll be driving north from Charleston, SC and want to visit DC for a few days on our way home to Connecticut. I figure it might be more economical to stay just outside the city, and hope the Fodor's community can help, as I haven't been there in 20 years. We would prefer a suite hotel (something with at least a mini fridge, coffee maker and microwave) near a Metro stop for under $200. We have AAA, so that might help. Thank you very much.

Ramada Limited Suites

www.wyndham.com great for this

do it a lot might do some searching there

candlewood suites also ichotels.com

both start out in the late $60 plus tax range

and give me hotel points so might check them out.

The Residence Inn Suites in Alexandria (Duke St) is perfect for your purposes. Breakfast included, excellent location for grocery store, very nice rooms and facility, free parking and a five minute walk to the Metro. Can't beat it.

Wow, such quick replies! Thank you both very much.

Not knowing your dates of travel, I don't know what the rates will be for these two Embassy Suites, but you might want to check them out.

The Embassy Suites Alexandria Old Town is located right across the street from the King Street Metro.
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_...ginia/index.do

The Embassy Suites Crystal City (Arlington) is located about 2 blocks from the Crystal City Metro.
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_...ginia/index.do

We are two adults and plan the trip for late October/early November.
I'll check Embassy Suites, longhorn55. thank you.

I just stayed at the Residence Inn in Rosslyn and it was perfectly fine. Safeway grocery store is just up the street and the metro is just down the street (5 minute walk in each case). Definitely go for the AAA rate and also try to stay from Thursday-Sunday (if you have flexibility in your schedule). Parking also is very expensive so you might want to check out the rate each hotel charges and add it into the price!