Well, I'm gotten the tickets for chump change and so I may be willing to pay more for lodging that I usually do. After reading some recent posts (seetheworld, Devonmcj)I would like some of your expertise and suggestions.

Better to be "IN" or out near Alexandria or other outskirts (we will have a car). Real honest hotel advice with a car/parking fees which we will have, special or new features we need to see/do. What day of the week is best to go to Mt. Vernon or any specific Smithsonian? Things like that. Restaurants too, but last- as to tell you the truth, we nearly always eat where we happen to fall- or right "off" the tourist strip areas where we "land".

Also any driving tips are very appreciated. And I liked your former posts too, as I've written much of that down already. I really am conflicted on where to stay. SO hates to be tied to trains or busses and insists that we have a car. We will be going to Arlington too, for sure. I have 6 whole days not in transit. Car rental better anywhere in particular? Thanks again.

How many days will you need the car? Except for Mount Vernon, a car would be a liability for seeing the sights you mention. If you were to stay in a downtown hotel, you could walk-taxi-metro to all the DC sights, and rent a car only for the day you want to venture outside the beltway.

Morrison House is probably the nicest hotel in Old Town Alexandria, if you can afford their rates. http://www.morrisonhouse.com/

The Holiday Inn Select on King Street would be my second choice. Both places you can walk to everything (food/shopping).

kayd, I agree with you. But I know we will want to get "outside" for other areas on at least 2 of the 6 days, possibly three. He can't stand being in the city without a car. He is like Daniel Boone seeing the next house- he feels imploded, and wants to leave/come as he wishes without waiting for trains, els etc. I know. Stupid?? Maybe, but he enjoyed SF with a car and hated it without. It isn't the walking involved either.

Budman, thanks!

I still have a little time, maybe a week to convince him to go city with a car just 2 days. I'll be gone for a day or two- please continue to answer without my responses. I will come back and ask more questions over time.

I really appreciate your input. This is the first trip in about 7 years where I have ambivalence about exactly where in an area to stay, and the length of 6 days with a much shorter prepare and booking period than I usually have, IS making it harder to decide.

I just came back from D.C. yesterday and I'd recommend staying right in D.C. because you should be able to walk/taxi/metro it to almost all of the sites. Parking is a pain in the you-know-what and can get VERY expensive if you use garages to overnight your car.

BUT since it sounds like your significant other is dead set on a car rental....Old Town Alexandria is pretty cute, fairly close to D.C. and has some decent restaurants and bars (but is less expensive & less chaotic than trying to drive/park right in D.C.) so I'd recommend staying out there if you must rent a vehicle.