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My daughter and I are planning a trip late May to visit Georgetown, George Washington, and American. We will be using the metro train for transportation. Could anyone recommend specific hotels, located within walking distance to a train stop, they are familiar with? I've done a lot of research on the travel websites, but not having been to DC myself, the hotel choice is a bit of a crapshoot. Budget would be $80-$130 per night. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 07:56 pm: Edit

I have had reasonable rates in Arlington, Virginia, walking distance from the Metro. Arlington is actually closer to Georgetown and GW than are many parts of DC. It's also on the same subway line that goes to GW. Georgetown and GW are relatively close to each other: About a half hour walk if you like to walk. There is not a subway that goes to Georgetown, but one can take the bus from the subway at GW to go there.

GW and GT are more centrally located than is American, which is in a much more suburban like neighborhood of DC, and is close to the Maryland state line. There are buses that go from GT to American. There also may be a subway now that goes there. When I was in college and took summer classes at GW, I used to walk from GW to Georgetown. It took about 45 minutes, and was all downhill.

As you can tell, I like to walk.

By Coureur (Coureur) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 07:59 pm: Edit

I've had very good luck with the Residence Inn on Wisconsin Ave. in Bethesda. It's right across the street from a Metro stop (Red Line), and it's a good area of town with lots of movie theaters and nice restaurants in walking distance.

By Choff (Choff) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 08:51 pm: Edit

I can't think of any in particular, but any in the Crystal City area of Arlington would be right on the Metrorail line. I'm pretty sure there's an Embassy Suites there. If you're flying into Reagan National, it's right next door to it and the metro goes from National through Crystal City. There is an all day fare card on the metrorail that will save you money if you're geting on and off a lot. It's $6.00 and good after 9:30 a.m. weekdays and all day Saturday. You can go to www.wmata.com and click on fares or metrorail to learn more about the system. Good luck and enjoy!

By Tsdad (Tsdad) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 08:58 pm: Edit

Only GW is directly on a Metro stop. You'll be better off taking taxis to American and Georgetown.

By Kidsmom (Kidsmom) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 09:34 pm: Edit

We got a great deal (<$50 per night) at the Marriot across the street from the convention center in DC a couple of years ago using priceline. I suggest you try them.

By Advok8 (Advok8) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 09:37 pm: Edit

Several nice hotels within a few blocks of GW and an easy walk to the Foggy Bottom (GW) or Farragut North metro stations. Nice all-suite hotels: The River Inn, One Washington Circle, St. James, Doubletree, Washington Suites Georgetown (actually much closer to GW than to Georgetown). Also nearby and pretty nice: Wyndham City Center (on New Hampshire Ave.), Marriott (on 22nd), Watergate.

You may have trouble with your budget, but check hoteldiscounts.com or other hotel discount sites and you may be able to find something in the $100-125 range; but remember there's a hefty hotel tax (10-15%). Also, if you're driving, be prepared to pay a ton for parking ($20-$30 per night).

By Insanity07 (Insanity07) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 09:42 pm: Edit

I'm from the D.C.-area, and I recommend staying in Virginia, preferably in Ballston or Clarendon (both in Arlington). Both are dynamic areas, and Ballston is particular is a fifteen minute walk from Georgetown. Both are easy Metro (subway) stops with lots of nice hotels around, and it makes life a lot easier to not deal with a car in D.C. Just take the Metro/cabs.

In terms of D.C., all of the colleges are "near" one another.

The DC subway system is the gem of the transportation world, and I would recommend it highly. Plus, you can take it straight to Reagan airport when you are done visiting.

By Cleveland (Cleveland) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 09:52 pm: Edit

We did the Baltimore/DC area college tour last summer. Stayed at the Washington Suites Georgetown. About $100/night, included continental breakfast. Hotel is a 5-minute walk from a Metro (subway) stop and George Washington; on the busline that takes you into the Georgetown neighborhood (but then you have about a 10-minute uphill walk to the school), and about 15 minutes away from American (take a cab). Lots of the "hotels.com"-type sites can offer you help making reservations at the hotel. Our suite had a full kitchen, living room with sofa bed and dining area, 2 double beds in the bedroom, and bath. Would stay there again.

By Mom08 (Mom08) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:24 pm: Edit

In November b4 thanksgiving, we got an 89.00 rate from the Hilton Garden Inn on 14th St. Metro is across the street. Parking cost almost as much as the hotel. Lots of graduations going on near the end of May, and spring is a popular time of year to visit DC. It may be difficult to get the best rates.

By Eskimo (Eskimo) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 10:56 pm: Edit

Dupont Circle area is centrally located and by the metro, and it has tons of restaurants to choose from. Stayed at Jurys Washington Hotel on New Hampshire Ave. where we found a great rate on the web. I would highly recommend the Hotel and the area.
Don't stay in Georgetown-if you plan on taking the metro-since it has no stations.

By Hoping (Hoping) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 11:10 pm: Edit

i think its called key bridge marriot,right across river from georgetown,looks over school,and you can see the stairs where the people got launched out of the town house window in the exorcist and tumbled down.theyre along side a gas station running up to the campus.probably more than you needed to know!

By Insanity07 (Insanity07) on Tuesday, April 27, 2004 - 11:41 pm: Edit

Key Bridge marriott is a good bet. Walkable to G-Town and to the Subway.

By Morley (Morley) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 09:18 am: Edit

We have stayed at the Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel several times during the summer. They have a subway stop in the lower level of the hotel and great special summer rates (I don't know if they have them yet in May though) We had rates around 130-140 for a 4-star hotel.

By Rhonda63 (Rhonda63) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 10:48 am: Edit

Don't take a taxi to AU or GU. George Washington does have it's own Metro stop (Foggy Bottom/GWU), but Georgetown is not that far from Foggy Bottom station, and the walk is nice if it's a nice day. Certainly not more than 30 minutes.

AU is reachable from the Tenleytown/AU metro, maybe a 20 min walk to the main campus.

As a Marylander, I don't know the VA burbs at all, I'm afraid. But the Bethesda hotel mentioned by Coureur above is a great location -- it's right on the Metro and Bethesda is a great area. The Georgetown hotel someone recommended is also a good idea.

Since I do live in the DC area, I'm afraid I'm not that knowledgable about hotel rates. But if you have any questions about getting around once you're here, I can help you out.

By Redr002 (Redr002) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 11:25 am: Edit

Wow, helpful responses, and thanks to everyone. This will really help our trip planning, and I'll let you all know how it turns out! Thanks again!

By Mom60 (Mom60) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 11:26 am: Edit

Last Nov when Dad and D went to DC they were prepared to stay in the outlying areas to save money. I checked the on-line travel sites daily and eventually found a great deal at the Marriot near GW. The special included parking and breakfast for 2. May is probably a more popular time though.

By Advok8 (Advok8) on Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - 12:18 pm: Edit

Oh, and whatever you do ... don't make the trip to DC over Memorial Day week-end. They're dedicating the WWII memorial that week-end and the city will be packed - hotel rooms will be scarce (and expensive) and traveling around the city will be a nightmare.

By Jkazoo (Jkazoo) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 09:03 am: Edit

For American, take the Metro to Tenleytown. When you come up to the street, walk straight ahead to an AU shuttle bus stop. It's free, and will get you to campus in less than 10 minutes.

A few years ago we stayed in Arlington (Ballston Metro) at a very nice Comfort Inn. Lots of shopping and restaurants around, and close to the Metro. The parking was free, also (are you driving?). Just checked the room rates, which are running $85.

By Ctmom (Ctmom) on Thursday, April 29, 2004 - 10:16 am: Edit

The first time we did the college tour of DC we also stayed at the Key Bridge Mariott in Arlington, and actually walked to Georgetown (just a bit of a hike).
GW was a hop on the metro, and for AU we drove, with a stop at the National Cathedral. For our 2nd visit, we discovered that Georgetown has its own hotel on campus, next to the hospital and internally linked to the student center. Got a good rate on travelocity and it couldn't have been more convenient.

By Redr002 (Redr002) on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 11:16 pm: Edit

Finally booked flights and hotel! Decided to stay at the JW Marriott Pennsylvania Avenue. Had to pay a bit more ($159.00 per night), but friends whose son is also a junior decided to go on the trip as well. Got the airfare from Tampa for $178 direct into National. We will be visiting Georgetown, George Washington and American, possibly adding one more for their son. My daughter and I are excited. Thanks again for all your great comments and tips!