We are headed to Florida the end of June and are taking the Autotrain. We want to leave NY the day before and spend the night in VA. We pretty much decided to stay at a Courtyard...The question is should we stay in Alexandria or Springfield. These seem to be the closet 2 and about equal distance away, but which would be best bet?

Thank you.

It doesn't make any difference, a Courtyard is a Courtyard, and they are both in some nondescript surburban area, I imagine, so just choose which has the best price and is most convenient. Neither one is anyplace worth visiting as a tourist.

Christina, boy this is really wanting to make me stay in Va. LOL

I only care about being near Lorton (autotrain). They both have indoor pools which my grandkids want.

Thank you.

Generally, Alexandria is one of the wealthier DC suburbs with plenty to do and many places to eat and drink. Springfield is a few steps lower in status and home to plenty of fast food joints and the like. Much of northern Virginia's illegal immigrant community has found its way to places like Springfield, Dale City, Woodbridge and Manassas.

Alexandria has a little more ambience than Springfield.....but both are corporate hotels, so don't think you will get much flavor of either place. Alexandria has some wondferful areas--esp. Old Town.

Don't really intend to do any sight seeing, we only want to be near the Autotrain which is in Lorton.

Thanks for your opinions.

The Springfield Courtyard is so much closer to Lorton than the ones in Alexandria (Eisenhower Ave or near the Pentagon).

Thanks Budman, Springfield it is.