Tue Oct 23, 2018, 08:50 PM
Alliepoo (1,914 posts)
Anyone here familiar with Washington DC?
I hope this is where I can ask this question. My daughter and I are trying to plan a trip to DC to participate in the Women’s March. She’s looking at flights into Reagan Intl - we’ll be there 1/18-1/20. I’m wondering about hotels - if there are areas we should avoid for safety reasons etc. I know absolutely nothing about the DC area. Any suggestions would be appreciated!! Thanks!
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43 replies, 3805 views
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Author | Time | Post |
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Alliepoo | Oct 2018 | OP |
spooky3 | Oct 2018 | #1 | |
Retrograde | Oct 2018 | #28 | |
Major Nikon | Oct 2018 | #32 | |
TheBlackAdder | Oct 2018 | #43 | |
Grasswire2 | Oct 2018 | #2 | |
Grasswire2 | Oct 2018 | #3 | |
marlakay | Oct 2018 | #25 | |
Grasswire2 | Oct 2018 | #36 | |
atreides1 | Oct 2018 | #4 | |
MrScorpio | Oct 2018 | #16 | |
StevieM | Oct 2018 | #23 | |
TomSlick | Oct 2018 | #5 | |
lindysalsagal | Oct 2018 | #14 | |
likesmountains 52 | Oct 2018 | #6 | |
CurtEastPoint | Oct 2018 | #7 | |
elleng | Oct 2018 | #9 | |
CurtEastPoint | Oct 2018 | #10 | |
StevieM | Oct 2018 | #24 | |
phylny | Oct 2018 | #26 | |
riverwalker | Oct 2018 | #8 | |
cally | Oct 2018 | #11 | |
Glimmer of Hope | Oct 2018 | #19 | |
appalachiablue | Oct 2018 | #12 | |
MrScorpio | Oct 2018 | #15 | |
NastyRiffraff | Oct 2018 | #13 | |
bottomofthehill | Oct 2018 | #17 | |
MrScorpio | Oct 2018 | #18 | |
Jersey Devil | Oct 2018 | #20 | |
Ms. Toad | Oct 2018 | #21 | |
YOHABLO | Oct 2018 | #22 | |
Stinky The Clown | Oct 2018 | #27 | |
WhiteTara | Oct 2018 | #29 | |
Historic NY | Oct 2018 | #30 | |
leanforward | Oct 2018 | #39 | |
ChoppinBroccoli | Oct 2018 | #31 | |
Grasswire2 | Oct 2018 | #38 | |
technotwit | Oct 2018 | #33 | |
spooky3 | Oct 2018 | #42 | |
leanforward | Oct 2018 | #34 | |
sharedvalues | Oct 2018 | #35 | |
Grasswire2 | Oct 2018 | #37 | |
Grasswire2 | Oct 2018 | #40 | |
Luz | Oct 2018 | #41 |
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 08:54 PM
spooky3 (31,261 posts)
1. If you don't need to stay in DC proper, you have a lot of options in the Crystal City area just
across the river and just north of the airport. Several hotels have free shuttles from the airport. CC is safe, and probably less expensive than comparable hotels in the cool areas of DC. There is metro access (Crystal City and Pentagon City metro stops).
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Response to spooky3 (Reply #1)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:12 PM
Retrograde (9,089 posts)
28. Crystal City is very convenient for DC
When I was there a few years ago the hotel had a free shuttle to the Metro station; the station is also an easy walk from the main hotel areas.
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Response to Retrograde (Reply #28)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:50 PM
Major Nikon (36,137 posts)
32. One of the Marriotts in Crystal City has a metro station downstairs
Response to Major Nikon (Reply #32)
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 07:13 AM
TheBlackAdder (25,695 posts)
43. Instead of a Romney hotel, I like the Hampton Inn in Old Town Alexandria, one block from the Metro.
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I stayed at the Marriott in Crystal City, back when the underground was flourishing with stores, and since it's become rather barren. There's not much to do there, if you want to take a quick walk. That area seems more set up for business travelers who go to training events, meetings and conventions. I even think the walk from the Hampton is shorter than that dank underground concourse from the Marriott to the Metro. If staying in Alexandria, you have nice historic area with plenty of shops and restaurants to visit. A free bus takes people from one part of the town to the other, so walking is not a problem. I think the Alexandria stop is just one more stop away, on the same line. . |
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 08:57 PM
Grasswire2 (12,819 posts)
2. fair question
You could stay near the airport.
My personal recommendation would be the Hyatt Capitol Hill. It is just a few blocks from EVERYTHING. And it's just a couple of blocks from Union Station, and Capitol, the museums, the Mall (not shopping mall), the White House, etc. etc. etc. I don't know what your budget is. Obviously Washington can be expensive. As far as safety is concerned, it used to be the case that N.E. might be a dangerous area. Enjoy! I love Washington. |
Response to Grasswire2 (Reply #2)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:01 PM
Grasswire2 (12,819 posts)
3. I've stayed at this Hyatt many times
[link:https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/washington-dc/hyatt-regency-washington-on-capitol-hill/wasrw|
With family and without. |
Response to Grasswire2 (Reply #2)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:06 PM
marlakay (10,429 posts)
25. I got a great deal there for a week
At Christmas time, i guess its slow then because all the politicians go home. It was a great time to visit, after a storm with snow all over.
Nice buffet there and fun bar. |
Response to marlakay (Reply #25)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:15 PM
Grasswire2 (12,819 posts)
36. yeah, weekend deals are often available, too.
It's the first hotel I stayed in in D.C. and I fell in love with the location then.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:01 PM
atreides1 (15,763 posts)
4. Okay
There are several hotels near Reagan, in an area known as Crystal City...which is part of Arlington Virginia! There is a Metro station that you can catch into D.C.
Here are some of the hotels in that area. Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport |
Response to atreides1 (Reply #4)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:30 PM
MrScorpio (73,501 posts)
16. I never call NATIONAL AIRPORT by THAT name.
Response to MrScorpio (Reply #16)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:05 PM
StevieM (10,424 posts)
23. Neither do I. (eom)
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:01 PM
TomSlick (10,207 posts)
5. i agree there is no reason to stay in the District.
Anywhere near a Metro stop would work well.
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Response to TomSlick (Reply #5)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:25 PM
lindysalsagal (18,466 posts)
14. Agreed. Get a chain hotel with shuttle to the train. Parking
At the stations can be tough. Getting an uber after a march would be tough.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:02 PM
likesmountains 52 (3,975 posts)
6. I went to the Women's March in 2017
We booked kind of late, stayed in Arlington. The metro station made access easy, and the motel ( Holiday inn Express) was pretty reasonable.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:03 PM
CurtEastPoint (17,362 posts)
7. I still cringe when I hear 'Reagan' airport. It will always be 'National' to me.
Response to CurtEastPoint (Reply #7)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:14 PM
elleng (121,777 posts)
9. We DCers (even if suburban now) refer to it as National!!!
Response to elleng (Reply #9)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:19 PM
CurtEastPoint (17,362 posts)
10. When I began traveling for work many years ago, I learned it was DCA: National. And that's it!
Response to CurtEastPoint (Reply #7)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:05 PM
StevieM (10,424 posts)
24. That's why it meant so much to the GOP to change its name: to make liberals cringe. (eom)
Response to CurtEastPoint (Reply #7)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:08 PM
phylny (7,917 posts)
26. Yup. I lived in Northern Virginia when they changed it.
I live 4 hours south, but to this day, I still call it Washington National. It was ALREADY named after a president, dammit!!!!
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:13 PM
riverwalker (8,693 posts)
8. I did a tour of DC
We stayed at Crystal City Marriot. It was excellent, lots of restaurants, near the Metro, felt very safe. After tour I stayed a few nights on my own to spend a day at the Newseum (which was incredible).
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:21 PM
cally (21,451 posts)
11. You can find good boutique hotels or airbnbs in DC
I’ve stayed multiple times. Just stay near metro or major bus line. If book early, try to get near city central. last time I stayed in a great airbnb about 6 blocks from DuPont Circle. I enjoyed that. Time before, stayed at boutique hotel (typically smaller, older, smaller rooms, but more fun and less expensive, on the way to Georgetown. I would try to not stay near WH as it’s typically highly secured and restaurants are very expensive. Everything is a long walk away from there.
Alternatively, Alexandria is a great historic city and a short metro ride to DC. |
Response to cally (Reply #11)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:39 PM
Glimmer of Hope (5,823 posts)
19. I lived in the DC for 20 years and agree with the suggestion to find an Airbnb or boutique.
Dupont, Georgetown, Logan Circle Cap Hill and Penn Quarter are all great neighborhoods with character and a lot of restaurant options.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:24 PM
appalachiablue (37,727 posts)
12. Noted, try Arlington County, Va. or the city of Alexandria, Va. Charm!
Response to appalachiablue (Reply #12)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:29 PM
MrScorpio (73,501 posts)
15. I second that.
Most major hotels in ARL/ALX are within walking distance of a METRO stop a well.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:24 PM
NastyRiffraff (12,448 posts)
13. There are several decent hotels in downtown Silver Spring, MD
Walking distance to Metro, very close to DC. A few decent restaurants around.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:30 PM
bottomofthehill (7,087 posts)
17. go to travelocity put in the dates and DCA
There are some good hotels for about 100 dollars which is a great deal for DC
The Americana in Crystal City is the least expensive, nothing fancy but not bad Residence inn navy yard, close to march, lots of room for 2 people anything on the Hill Book soon, the prices will go up |
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:31 PM
MrScorpio (73,501 posts)
18. DO you know anyone with a military ID card?
You can get a great deal for a room at Ft. Belvoir.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:44 PM
Jersey Devil (9,734 posts)
20. Stayed there in September, rented a condo in Foggy Bottom
There are a lot of furnished condos in the area available for rent by the day at better than hotel prices. Make sure they have parking.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:57 PM
Ms. Toad (31,009 posts)
21. Find an Extended Stay America -
or similar chain within walking distance of the Metro.
They tend to be far cheaper (in the range of $80 - $105/night for a bed and full kitchenette in the DC area) and - as to the specific brand - they have always been clean and in a safe location. I can't remember the name of the Northern Virginia one I stayed in a few years ago - I don't think it was in the Extended Stay family. |
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:00 PM
YOHABLO (7,358 posts)
22. There are cheaper hotels/motels across the river in Arlington and Alexandria.
They have bus / transit access to the mall and shouldn't be a problem. Everyone will give you friendly directions.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:12 PM
Stinky The Clown (65,760 posts)
27. Have you thought about flying into BWI?
Usually cheaper airfares.
VERY easy to get on the MARC trains to get into DC or the DC suburbs and connect at Union Station to the DC Metro. |
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:30 PM
WhiteTara (27,888 posts)
29. There are also travelers hostels in the downtown area
and some are next to public transport to National. I never had a problem, but some people are afraid of them and have had unpleasant experiences.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:36 PM
Historic NY (36,472 posts)
30. Check out Rosslyn Va its across the Arlington Bridge near the Iwo Jima Memorial...
some reasonable motels and its a fairly young neighborhood. Shops and restaurants are up in the center. There is a tube station in walking distance to get you into the city.
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Response to Historic NY (Reply #30)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:21 PM
leanforward (1,051 posts)
39. While you're at it take the Metro to Arlington
Walk to the tomb of the Unknown. Check out the Womens Memorial.
Be sure to keep quiet at the Tomb, especially at the changing of the Guard. |
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:45 PM
ChoppinBroccoli (3,614 posts)
31. Last Summer We Stayed In A Hotel Near Wolf Trap National Park (Virginia)
It was a nice area with lots of options for things to do, places to eat, etc. There was a Metro station within walking distance of our hotel that will take you right into D.C., which made it super convenient. It was also appreciated when we returned, because we literally spent the entire day walking. D.C. is a neat place with lots of things to see, but it's very spread out, and you'll be walking A LOT. And we were there on an incredibly hot day.
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Response to ChoppinBroccoli (Reply #31)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:17 PM
Grasswire2 (12,819 posts)
38. that's a long way out! nt
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:51 PM
technotwit (71 posts)
33. stay away from
I hear the area between 15th St. NW and 17th St NW between H St NW and Constitution NW is not a good neighborhood anymore, filled with liars, tax cheats, adulterers, and those who consort with international murderous regimes.
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Response to technotwit (Reply #33)
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 06:38 AM
spooky3 (31,261 posts)
42. :-) some day that neighborhood will gentrify again. Nt
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:54 PM
leanforward (1,051 posts)
34. Use Metro from DCA or IAD, use the train from BWI
Where to stay, your choice. We've been to two marches. January 21, 2017 and January 20, 2018. If you can a hotel near one of the outlying Metro Stations, you will be better served. The train from BWI will get you to Union Station. You can walk from there or take Metro to other stations.
Keep in mind the near in airport use to be called the National Airport or DCA. Someone later changed it to R+_#$% National Airport. My recommendation is to call it DCA airport. |
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:15 PM
sharedvalues (6,916 posts)
35. First it's called DCA.
And if anyone calls it Reagan you say “Reagan courted racists for votes and brought us Trump. His assistants campaign manager was Lee Atwater.”
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Response to sharedvalues (Reply #35)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:16 PM
Grasswire2 (12,819 posts)
37. Washington National, to me. Always. nt
Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:21 PM
Grasswire2 (12,819 posts)
40. Again, my argument for staying in the District.
From my recommendation, the Hyatt Capitol Hill, you are literally steps from something that will give you goose bumps and be an indelible memory. There is nothing like being right there. Nothing. The power center of the world, really, in a most beautiful city that is more like a park. At all hours. And there are great hotel deals on many weekends.
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Response to Alliepoo (Original post)
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 05:45 AM
Luz (760 posts)
41. I just stayed in Crystal City, and we loved the area. Convenient to the metro
and lots of good restaraunts. I felt very safe there.
As a matter of fact, we felt safe throughout our visit. Everyone we spoke to was helpful and kind (and we did ask for a lot of help) and finding our way around was a breeze. It was a wonderful visit, and we fell in love 💘 with DC. |