Will be taking a long weekend in DC in late September and have narrowed down hotel choices to two in Virginia (with proximity to Metro) and three in DC and would appreciate any input.

All those being considered all represent chains in which we participate in frequent-guest programs, but if there are reasons that others should be considered (within or outside these chains), please let us know. - Thanks

In VA: Marriott Crystal City and Hyatt Arlington.

In DC: Grand Hyatt, Westin Fairfax, Westin Grand

Whoops! (These FIVE)

Also check prices at Pentagon City Ritz Carlton. It's right next to the pent. city metro station (direct link to dca airport) and shopping mall (200 ft.) (very convenient and safe) and usually has $159 friday-monday rates. Ritz Carlton is owned by marriott, but doesn't give points for stays, just free nights for points. But, hey, it's the Ritz!

Check rates at the Key Bridge Marriott. Usually, the rates are quite affordable and this hotel is a GREAT location. I went to Georgetown and always recommended people to stay here because you can walk across the Key Bridge in about 10 minutes and be in the Georgetown area of the city or take a cab anywhere in DC!

I've stayed in all 5 of these and they all have strengths and weaknesses.

Marriott Crystal City - nice hotel, right on top of the Metro, very sterile office environment (esp. in evening), a Metro ride to anything, free shuttle to National Airport, fewer dining options in walking distance

Hyatt Arlington - smaller, older hotel, closer to residential neighborhood, Metro's about a block away, walking distance to Georgetown, probably the least 'luxurious' on your list

Grand Hyatt - right in the middle of the District, large hotel, on top of the Metro (but busiest station), good access to downtown restaurants, probably closest to the Mall

Westin Fairfax - older hotel but very nice, a block away from Dupont Circle with Metro access and many restaurants, a longer walk but still walking distance to the Mall, probably the quietest (Al Gores' childhood home when they were apartments)

Westin Grand - West End area, still walking distance to Dupont and Mall (longish), also walking distance to Georgetown, furthest away from a Metro stop

Of your original 5, I'd probably go with the Westin Fairfax or the Hyatt but they are all good.

The other suggestions you've received are also good but of those two, my nod would clearly be towards the Ritz.

Sure, the Ritz at Pentagon City would be very convenient ... Metro station ... blue line downtown, yellow to L'Enfant Plaza, Archives, Chinatown. Very fast. And there's a large food court if you get tired of the Ritz food, or have kids with you. Keep travel simple in DC, and you'll have a better time and see more. Ciao