Why not stay In Richmond?

As to that trip to Dulles and being there for a 9AM flight


DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT stay anywhere NEAR a 2-hr drive away from Dulles especially if your flight is on a weekday.

Coming up I-95 can be an absolute nightmare and that bad dream begins around 5 AM for some people.

I would strongly urge you to stay NEAR Dulles the night before as there are plenty of hotels with free shuttle services and that way you can turn in your rental car even earlier.

I second what Dukey said about your flight out. Do your last drive the night before and stay near Dulles.

Thanks again. You are all really helping me get my head around the planning. So if we did 2 days in Richmond and then drove back to Dulles for last night. Where would you recommend in Richmond for about 100 to 150$ a night. Are there any areas to avoid?
Also back to my redskins question, can anyone recommend best viewing for no more than $100 a seat? Thanks

I will 3rd it. All roads leading to Dulles can be absolute nightmares during rush hour.

Thanks, I have just booked an hotel at Dulles for our last night, taking on all your great advice. So now I need an hotel for 2 nights near Richmond only.

You could look at the Omni in downtown Richmond -- I don't know its prices, but it's handy to some decent restaurants and better than staying in a suburb/strip mall area. Also in that area is the Commonwealth Park Suites (more than your $100/150 but you might be able to get a deal) and Linden Row (a B&B, I've heard good things, but don't know their rates) or a hotel on Franklin that I think is a Crowne Plaza or Doubletree now. I'm biased but I'd hate for you to go stay in some chain in the 'burbs where you look out and see a Target. There's also a Marriott on Broad and 5th or 6th that I've heard is decent, although there's not a lot to walk to from there in the evening. If you decide to feel splurgy (like, double the rate you quoted) the Maury Place B&B on Monument Ave looks really lovely. http://www.mauryplace.com/ I live in this neighborhood and it's definitely an eclectic mix but very historical. That B&B looks great from the outside, I've never been in.

If I was splurging, I'd stay at The Jefferson Hotel. We are locals and stay there several times a year. http://www.jeffersonhotel.com/.

The have car service within a certain distance, the hotel's restaurant is very good and you can also walk easily to Comfort, one of the most popular places in RVA...it would also give you a good taste of US History and some good Southern US cuisine.

I agree with JanetKMR and iregula.