Over the last three years, we have traveled a lot to DC with Allen when he is working up there. We've never stayed in DC on our trips because it's a lot easier for Allen to get to work from Arlington. We have been staying in the Crystal City/Pentagon City area of Arlington because I like to be within walking distance of a Metro Station.
In the Crystal City/Pentagon City area, we have stay at three different hotels with the Marriott chain; Residence Inn Pentagon City, Crystal City Marriott and the Gateway Crystal City Marriott. The Residence Inn Pentagon City is within walking distance of both the Pentagon City and Pentagon Metro Stations. With the Residence Inn, you have a kitchen area and more room than a normal hotel room, which makes long stays nice. Also, the Residence Inn includes a breakfast buffet, but it can be very crowded in the mornings. During the off-season, you can get at the full service Marriott for cheaper than to stay at the Residence Inn.
The Crystal City Marriott has the same advantages as the Crystal Gateway Marriott because you do not have to go outside to walk to the Crystal City Metro Station, which is great on a rainy day. When it is raining, you can ride the Metro over to Pentagon City Mall or to Union Station for some shopping without getting wet. Along with having a number of fast-food or sit down restaurants within walking distance, you are not dependent on eating at the hotels. The Crystal City Marriott is smaller and is less crowded than the Gateway, but I'll admit, I love the Gateway. The staff there, even though they are often busy with meetings and conventions, has treated us very well. In the last year, we have stayed there enough that several of the staff calls A by name. A loves the indoor/outdoor pool.
All three hotels are about a 10 minute Metro ride to the National Mall. We normally use the Yellow Line to either L'Enfant Plaza or Archives/Navy Memorial. I would rather do a little extra walking instead of trying to change to the Blue Line to go to the Smithsonian station. Plus, during prime tourist season, you want to avoid the Smithsonian station because of the crowds.
Each of the hotels are great options. What it may come down to in choosing one is which fits your needs and budget the best.
I'll have to get with you whenever we decide to take the kids to DC. Probably wait until C is a little older & can handle the walking on her own (better anyway).
ReplyDeleteI can help you out there. What's funny is that A was better about walking when he was three than after he turned four. Our April trip caused him to get some extra testing at his well care visit because all the complaining about walking he was doing. LOL.
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