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Alliepoo

(2,196 posts)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:50 PM Oct 2018

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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Anyone here familiar with Washington DC? (Original Post) Alliepoo Oct 2018 OP
If you don't need to stay in DC proper, you have a lot of options in the Crystal City area just spooky3 Oct 2018 #1
Crystal City is very convenient for DC Retrograde Oct 2018 #28
One of the Marriotts in Crystal City has a metro station downstairs Major Nikon Oct 2018 #32
Instead of a Romney hotel, I like the Hampton Inn in Old Town Alexandria, one block from the Metro. TheBlackAdder Oct 2018 #43
fair question Grasswire2 Oct 2018 #2
I've stayed at this Hyatt many times Grasswire2 Oct 2018 #3
I got a great deal there for a week marlakay Oct 2018 #25
yeah, weekend deals are often available, too. Grasswire2 Oct 2018 #36
Okay atreides1 Oct 2018 #4
I never call NATIONAL AIRPORT by THAT name. MrScorpio Oct 2018 #16
Neither do I. (eom) StevieM Oct 2018 #23
i agree there is no reason to stay in the District. TomSlick Oct 2018 #5
Agreed. Get a chain hotel with shuttle to the train. Parking lindysalsagal Oct 2018 #14
I went to the Women's March in 2017 likesmountains 52 Oct 2018 #6
I still cringe when I hear 'Reagan' airport. It will always be 'National' to me. CurtEastPoint Oct 2018 #7
We DCers (even if suburban now) refer to it as National!!! elleng Oct 2018 #9
When I began traveling for work many years ago, I learned it was DCA: National. And that's it! CurtEastPoint Oct 2018 #10
That's why it meant so much to the GOP to change its name: to make liberals cringe. (eom) StevieM Oct 2018 #24
Yup. I lived in Northern Virginia when they changed it. phylny Oct 2018 #26
I did a tour of DC riverwalker Oct 2018 #8
You can find good boutique hotels or airbnbs in DC cally Oct 2018 #11
I lived in the DC for 20 years and agree with the suggestion to find an Airbnb or boutique. Glimmer of Hope Oct 2018 #19
Noted, try Arlington County, Va. or the city of Alexandria, Va. Charm! appalachiablue Oct 2018 #12
I second that. MrScorpio Oct 2018 #15
There are several decent hotels in downtown Silver Spring, MD NastyRiffraff Oct 2018 #13
go to travelocity put in the dates and DCA bottomofthehill Oct 2018 #17
DO you know anyone with a military ID card? MrScorpio Oct 2018 #18
Stayed there in September, rented a condo in Foggy Bottom Jersey Devil Oct 2018 #20
Find an Extended Stay America - Ms. Toad Oct 2018 #21
There are cheaper hotels/motels across the river in Arlington and Alexandria. YOHABLO Oct 2018 #22
Have you thought about flying into BWI? Stinky The Clown Oct 2018 #27
There are also travelers hostels in the downtown area WhiteTara Oct 2018 #29
Check out Rosslyn Va its across the Arlington Bridge near the Iwo Jima Memorial... Historic NY Oct 2018 #30
While you're at it take the Metro to Arlington leanforward Oct 2018 #39
Last Summer We Stayed In A Hotel Near Wolf Trap National Park (Virginia) ChoppinBroccoli Oct 2018 #31
that's a long way out! nt Grasswire2 Oct 2018 #38
stay away from technotwit Oct 2018 #33
:-) some day that neighborhood will gentrify again. Nt spooky3 Oct 2018 #42
Use Metro from DCA or IAD, use the train from BWI leanforward Oct 2018 #34
First it's called DCA. sharedvalues Oct 2018 #35
Washington National, to me. Always. nt Grasswire2 Oct 2018 #37
Again, my argument for staying in the District. Grasswire2 Oct 2018 #40
I just stayed in Crystal City, and we loved the area. Convenient to the metro Luz Oct 2018 #41

spooky3

(34,303 posts)
1. If you don't need to stay in DC proper, you have a lot of options in the Crystal City area just
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:54 PM
Oct 2018

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).

Retrograde

(10,073 posts)
28. Crystal City is very convenient for DC
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:12 PM
Oct 2018

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.

TheBlackAdder

(28,076 posts)
43. Instead of a Romney hotel, I like the Hampton Inn in Old Town Alexandria, one block from the Metro.
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 08:13 AM
Oct 2018

.

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.

.

Grasswire2

(13,564 posts)
2. fair question
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 09:57 PM
Oct 2018

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.

marlakay

(11,370 posts)
25. I got a great deal there for a week
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:06 PM
Oct 2018

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.

Grasswire2

(13,564 posts)
36. yeah, weekend deals are often available, too.
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 12:15 AM
Oct 2018

It's the first hotel I stayed in in D.C. and I fell in love with the location then.

atreides1

(16,046 posts)
4. Okay
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:01 PM
Oct 2018

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

lindysalsagal

(20,444 posts)
14. Agreed. Get a chain hotel with shuttle to the train. Parking
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:25 PM
Oct 2018

At the stations can be tough. Getting an uber after a march would be tough.

likesmountains 52

(4,093 posts)
6. I went to the Women's March in 2017
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:02 PM
Oct 2018

We booked kind of late, stayed in Arlington. The metro station made access easy, and the motel ( Holiday inn Express) was pretty reasonable.

phylny

(8,353 posts)
26. Yup. I lived in Northern Virginia when they changed it.
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:08 PM
Oct 2018

I live 4 hours south, but to this day, I still call it Washington National. It was ALREADY named after a president, dammit!!!!

riverwalker

(8,694 posts)
8. I did a tour of DC
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:13 PM
Oct 2018

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).

cally

(21,589 posts)
11. You can find good boutique hotels or airbnbs in DC
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:21 PM
Oct 2018

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.

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.
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:39 PM
Oct 2018

Dupont, Georgetown, Logan Circle Cap Hill and Penn Quarter are all great neighborhoods with character and a lot of restaurant options.

NastyRiffraff

(12,448 posts)
13. There are several decent hotels in downtown Silver Spring, MD
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:24 PM
Oct 2018

Walking distance to Metro, very close to DC. A few decent restaurants around.

bottomofthehill

(8,261 posts)
17. go to travelocity put in the dates and DCA
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:30 PM
Oct 2018

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

Jersey Devil

(9,863 posts)
20. Stayed there in September, rented a condo in Foggy Bottom
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:44 PM
Oct 2018

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.

Ms. Toad

(33,915 posts)
21. Find an Extended Stay America -
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 10:57 PM
Oct 2018

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.

 

YOHABLO

(7,358 posts)
22. There are cheaper hotels/motels across the river in Arlington and Alexandria.
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:00 PM
Oct 2018

They have bus / transit access to the mall and shouldn't be a problem. Everyone will give you friendly directions.

Stinky The Clown

(67,695 posts)
27. Have you thought about flying into BWI?
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:12 PM
Oct 2018

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.

WhiteTara

(29,676 posts)
29. There are also travelers hostels in the downtown area
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:30 PM
Oct 2018

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.

Historic NY

(37,449 posts)
30. Check out Rosslyn Va its across the Arlington Bridge near the Iwo Jima Memorial...
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:36 PM
Oct 2018

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.

leanforward

(1,073 posts)
39. While you're at it take the Metro to Arlington
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 12:21 AM
Oct 2018

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.

ChoppinBroccoli

(3,764 posts)
31. Last Summer We Stayed In A Hotel Near Wolf Trap National Park (Virginia)
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:45 PM
Oct 2018

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.

 

technotwit

(71 posts)
33. stay away from
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:51 PM
Oct 2018

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.

leanforward

(1,073 posts)
34. Use Metro from DCA or IAD, use the train from BWI
Tue Oct 23, 2018, 11:54 PM
Oct 2018

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.

sharedvalues

(6,916 posts)
35. First it's called DCA.
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 12:15 AM
Oct 2018

And if anyone calls it Reagan you say “Reagan courted racists for votes and brought us Trump. His assistants campaign manager was Lee Atwater.”

enjoy!

Grasswire2

(13,564 posts)
40. Again, my argument for staying in the District.
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 12:21 AM
Oct 2018

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.

Luz

(769 posts)
41. I just stayed in Crystal City, and we loved the area. Convenient to the metro
Wed Oct 24, 2018, 06:45 AM
Oct 2018

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.

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