I'm also planning a trip soon and there's so much good advice on these forums. I havn't decided yet but I'm leaning towards Dupont Circle at the Jurys Washington because it has internet fares at $99/night (http://www.jurys-washingtondc-hotels...ngtondc/OFFERS) and the area and hotel have gotten good reviews.

Our family is going the end of May and we have decided on the Marriott Residence Inn @ Pentagon City. Near the Arlington Cemetery and The Pentagon. One block to the Metro station and very near the Pentagon Mall with a large food court. It also includes breakfast everyday and with all Residence Inn a full kitchen. I've read reviews on other sites etc. tripadvisor.com and they were all favorable, We got a greatAAA rate of 3 @$113 a night and 4th-night $237 since it's a weeknight, But it inludes a dinner meal also. I thought it sounded great. You are also out of the city for the traffic factor andwhen we go to Mt. Vernon and Old Alexandria we will have a headstart from the DC traffic.

That Residence Inn is great. But one thing. The comment about being out of the city for the traffic factor. The hotel faces probably the worst traffic corridor into and out of D.C., the famous 395/95 lanes that go onto the 14th St Bridge. You are right on to mention metro, because that is the only sane way to get into D.C., and it is right there. And there is a back way to get the start on getting down to Mt Vernon, ask the hotel for those directions.
Use metro and that surface rd. back way and you'll like the hotel alot. Shopping and food nearby is very good, also movies in the PC Mall, and i think some outdoor cafes now at the newer Pentagon Row part of that complex. Just stay off of 385/95 there to the extent possible.

For the record the movies in the Pentagon City mall are closed.

There is absolutely no reason to stay outside of the city - unless you want to be in suburbia that looks like anytown USA. There is a TON to do after 5 in the city, from free shows at the kennedy center, to top restaurants downtown, there is PLENTY to see and do.

I strongly disagree, irog411.

Savings of $100 or more a night, and free parking if someone arrives by car is PLENTY of good reason to stay outside DC. Yes, when I can get a good price in town, I'll stay there but when I can't ... out the the burbs I go. With the Metro hours (especially the last few years weekends) one doesn't have to return to their hotel at 5; they can still enjoy night life in DC. Once my eyeballs are closed, I don't care what the hotel surroundings are -- the hotel is only a place to sleep, not a destination of itself.

Not sure how I could *save* $100 per night, when I've never *paid* that much to stay in a DC hotel, thanks to Priceline.

Priceline is great when traveling alone or couple. With a family & special needs one needs to KNOW for certain what the accomodations are and what amenites. And while DC is great for the monuments & museums, it really ain't all that great after they're closed anyway. Give me King Street at night anytime.