I mentioned a while back that we were taking the kids to Washington DC for April vacation. They're in 4th and 2nd grade, respectively; TheBoy is certainly old enough to appreciate the history in DC (at least the Spy Museum and the Air and Space Museums). We also have friends in the area that we hope to meet up with, and I've been promised a tour of a prominent DC fixture by Newbius that I'm quite keen on attending. Plus I'll be there on my 40th birthday, so I'm hoping some of the DC-area bloggers can help ease my pain...
We're pretty well set, itinerary-wise. What I need help with are accommodations. Back when I was a wee sprog, Mom and Dad G. decided to bring the G. clan (The Original Series) down to DC for a school vacation, and opted to stay at a "hotel" (I use the term loosely) in Northern VA that I hesitate to call a dump - because it would be insulting to actual dumps. Our first indication that something was wrong was when Dad stopped to talk to a DC cop about finding this place, and the cop took one look at Dad and our family and said, "You folks are too white to be in this neighborhood at this hour of night"... We got to the "hotel" to find roaches on the floors, stains on the sheets, and one black and white television that would have been outdated on The Honeymooners. We wound up leaving at midnight (woken by gunshots) and staying at the Marriott instead.
So, yeah, I'm not looking to repeat that experience.
DC proper is insanely expensive for hotels - plus there's no such thing as free parking. We'd rather find a spot 20 - 30 minutes out off the Metro that's more reasonably priced without being a health hazard, or requiring an armed escort. Our price range is negotiable based on distance to DC itself, amenities, etc. - we don't mind paying a little extra for a suite, frex. We'll be staying for six nights - driving down Sunday and leaving on Saturday - so even a difference of $50 a night saves us a fair amount of cash. I'd say we'd be willing to go as high as $200 a night, give or take. Hotels.com lists hotels in the greater DC area from anywhere from $70 a night to $450 a night, so we should be pretty much in the middle.
Absolute requirements are free parking and high-speed internet and it should be within easy walking distance of a Metro stop and at least one decent restaurant. A chain would be preferable, in that we have a reasonable chance of a decent room (moreso than some hotel we've never heard of), but that's not a deal-breaker. We don't know the area all that well, so we need to know which places to avoid at all costs - i.e. we have to step around skinned hobos to get into the hotel - or just look elsewhere - i.e. it's in the middle of nowhere right next to a hog rendering plant.
So, any thoughts on where to stay - or to stay away from - in the greater DC area?
That is all.
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25 comments:
Ask and it shall be done.
http://forum.opencarry.org/forums/showthread.php?84943-New-England-gun-blogger-needs-help-finding-NOVA-hotel&p=1435507#post1435507
Just watch out for a guy by the handle of NovaCop.
stay safe.
Jay, if you're pressed, the hotels out by BWI are just fine, and there's easy access to the light rail station, which gets you where you want to be. It's about 30 minutes outside the city, but there are lots of options and the price is right. I used to take maritime classes right up the road from BWI- the area is like a tech park atmosphere, which is uninteresting, but it's a rock solid backup.
Courtyard Washington, DC/Dupont Circle
I stayed there with my family over the summer. There is a pharmacy across the street as well as some nice restaurants. The price was just right and is close to a metro station. Bonus is a 5 Guys Burgers 2 blocks over. On-site valet parking was included.
Vinny: "Yesterday you told me that freight train hardly ever comes through here at 5:00 A.M. in the morning."
Hotel Clerk: "I know. She's supposed to come through at ten after 4:00."
I'm a friend of Violent Indifference - and live a few miles outside of DC. Let me see what I can come up with and will get back to you asap. - Maura
Crystal City is a good area and has some good hotels, but no free parking. It's about 3 or 4 stops from the Air and Space Museum (yellow line).
There's a Red Roof Inn just south of the beltway in Alexandria (it's close to the Yellow line, they probably have a shuttle) that's probably not too expensive.
My friends stayed at the Days inn on rt 1 in Alexandria that was okay, my friend is very cheap and his girlfriend (wife now) won't stay in a crappy hotel, so that one is probably a good bet.
You don't want to go any farther south on Rt 1 (think Rt 1 north of Boston except they pronounce their Rs).
If you get ideas, you can email me and I'll let you know if it's in a good part. I don't know MD all that well, but I know NoVa pretty well.
If you want to make some stuff go "boom", let me know. I'd be happy to take you to a range.
Try a Google search for hotels out by King Street Station in Old Town Alexandria.
Thanks everyone!!!
skidmark,
Thanks for the post! I'll be checking back periodically, as we want to book something soon.
Paul,
BWI area is definitely a consideration - as I've mentioned, we have friends in the area and we're vaguely familiar with that section.
Witin,
Thanks for the recommendation - I'll definitely check that out.
BTW, IIRC you're in my area and have a S&W Sigma, correct? If so, shoot me an e-mail. I have a proposition... ;)
Maura,
Thanks!!! Like I said, I vividly remember that experience from my childhood, and desperately want to avoid such an incident with my kids. Since we have this marvelous invention of Al Gore's today, it's much easier to get information...
Veeshir,
Thanks for the pointers - we'll definitely look into these.
As far as shooting goes, I wish I had the time, but we're going to be on the go pretty much the whole time.
I wouldn't rule out dinner one night, though - I know there's a good number of NoVA/DC area bloggers and I'd love to get together...
Confederate Son,
Thanks for the recs!
I'd second what ConfedSam suggested. Ther's a Quality Inn(?) on Van Dorn Street that was pretty nice when I stayed there. Free breakfast and not far from the Van Dorn metro station IIRC.
emdfl
Within a 2 minute walk of the King street Metro station in Alexandria, there is a Hilton(fairly expensive) An Embassy Suites (medium to high prices but it is a two room suite) and a nice Hampton Inn. All have free parking.
The Hampton Inn on Richmond Highway in Alexandria. Breakfast included in the room price and they have a free shuttle service.
Don't forget that there are actualy 2 Air and Space museums.
the one on the Mall and the Udar-Hazy Center out by Dulles Airport.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy/
Both are great but the Udar-Hazy Center is MUCH larger and has better aircraft. Expect to spend a Full Day there.
I brought a bunch of sorority sisters in last year. We stayed at the Holiday Inn on First St in Old Towne Alexandria.
Free parking
Free shuttle to the Metro station (but it's a pleasant 10-minute-or-so walk in good weather)
North end of Old Town Alexandria - quieter than the main blocks, but with EASY walking distance
Grocery store across the street for last-minute items
Welcoming, helpful staff
Appropriate prices. Not cheap cheap, but quite good for Northern Virginia and in my mind worth every penny (and I only live 15 miles south of there; I just stayed for the weekend to be with my friends).
Oh, yeah, and easy walks to parks, waterfront, etc. -- things to do that are relaxing and only take an hour or two as opposed to museum visits and in-city stuff.
I just booked into the Hilton in Silver Spring for $88/night. It's the 3.5 star option in Bethesda/Silver Spring on hotwire. That's not a bad area, lots of cheap hotels and the metro stop is right there.
-Dave not in PA anymore
First, you need to be aware that the Cherry Blossom festival is March 26 - April 10. If your dates fall in that time, book as soon as possible. And the Metro will be crowded during those weekends with people trying to see the cherry blossoms. Not trying to discourage you from doing that... they truly are a sight to see.
Second, if you are planning to use the Metro to get around DC, you should know that the day passes are only good after 9:30am. Also, some of the Metro stations have parking decks (such as East & West Falls Church, Dunn Loring, etc...). Knowing that, you could actually stay further out (like near the NRA Museum) and drive in. The only thing you need to be cautious about with that is the parking decks can fill up... and it is pay parking, but not nearly as bad as parking in DC.
And, as notDilbert said, the Udvar-Hazy Air & Space building is out near Dulles airport (actually in Chantilly). I very much recommend you see that if there is an interest in planes.
Finally, if you do book a room in Virginia... you are staying in a free state and there should be no worries about a gun for personal protection. You can even open carry it if you like, or leave it the glove compartment of your car - you don't need a permit because the citizens of VA like the cut of your jib.
The Holiday Inn in Alexandria is gone, it's hoity-toity looking place called "Hotel Monaco" with doormen in monkey suits.
Old Town is expensive, that's why I was suggesting down route 1. You just don't want to go outside Alexandria on Rt 1.
Old Town is a good place to go for a blogger get together, there are a bunch of good places that could fit in a bunch of people.
Oooh, Andy - good point on the Cherry Blossom Festival. Prices go sky high those weeks.
I second Witin who said the Courtyard Washington on Dupont Circle. Good hotel, about $100 a night, decently safe neighborhood where you can walk back to your hotel after dinner - lots of decent restaurants in the area, and walking distance to the Metro. You'll actually spend about the same $ if you stay in Alexandria or Arlington.
Have fun. DC is a great place to visit.
Oops - dumbass. That was my anonymous comment above.
Parking at the Dulles Air & Space Museum is $20; great museum but be warned.
Also - parking at the Metro station, if you use the metro rail, is only $4.25 per day.
By the way - apply online NOW for your free tickets (plus $1.50 processing) to go up the Washington Monument. http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm
They keep a few for people who show up the day of, but those tickets go fast.
By the way, if you want tickets to the good part of the Holocaust Museum, you need to order them in advance too
http://www.ushmm.org/visit/
If you want in the Capitol (and it is awesome), you've got to contact your representative's office - http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/Visit/
Just to pile on, Mount Vernon is a good thing to check out, they have added a lot of things over the years, there is a large museum and a Colonial farm that the kids will enjoy. You have to drive or take a tour bus but the parking is free. ALso, Arlington Cemetary is a must see when you come to town and it is on a Metro stop. Good luck with your vacation! I hope you enjoy our area.
Vicki (Nancy "ExcelsAtNothing" friend)
Look at the Dunn Loring Marriott. Per their web site they have free parking and high speed wireless (dont know if its free or not). rooms look to be about $250 a night. The hotel is right next to the Dunn Loring Metro station (about 200 yards across the metro's parking lot). There isn't a whole heck of a lot in the immediate vicinity, but within 10-15 by car you can be in Falls Church which has several great ethnic restaurants (Thai, Indian, Sushi) plus your typical chains (Panerra) and there are 2 count them 2 Five Guys Burgers within 10 mins. One of those is at Tysons Corner Mall (its a kind of mecca) that has everything you could ever want. Even better, the NRA museum (the Boy would go ape there and heck so would you) is 15 min's due west. Conveniently co-located is the NRA range if you need some range time.
How do I have all this inside info, simple - I live in Falls Church. If you want I can provide a lot more info on the area as my wife and I play tour guide for lots of folks coming into the area.
There isn't a whole heck of a lot in the immediate vicinity, but within 10-15 by car you can be in Falls Church which has several great ethnic restaurants
And don't forget the cultural mecca of Falls Church that is Super Chicken. And Falls Church will make the G clan feel right at home by trying to subvert their gun rights.
Vesheer said the Holiday Inn is closed I don't know which one he refers to; I verified today the one on First Street is still there. I stand by my recommendation for Old Town Alexandria because it meets the criteria. I believe Old Town has a lot to offer for those times when you don't want to "do something" but just want to wander and look.
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