Hotel opinions for weekend in October

We%26#39;re visiting the DC area for the first time this October. We%26#39;re arriving on Thurs 10/12 and leaving on Sunday 10/15. Hotel prices for the downtown area seem to be $180-210 (Embassy Suites, Marriotts, etc.), so we%26#39;ve booked a room at Crystal City Marriott for $109/nt w/$100 in bonus bucks for future Marriott stays. The reviews seem pretty decent, and the staff said rooms are being renovated due to their 100% non-smoking policy. Anyone stay here recently that can comment on the rooms and hotel in general? Are there other areas or hotels we should consider? The Hilton Garden Inn Arlington Courthouse was $125/nt.

We are planning to see the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument and the National Archives. What else should we see while we%26#39;re there, considering we only have 2 full days? There are so many museums to pick from!! Are the trolley tours worthwhile?

Thanks for your advise and opinions!

Hotel opinions for weekend in October

You have a good deal at the Crystal City Marriott. This hotel is connected to the Crystal Underground meaning that you won%26#39;t have to go outside to get to the Metro station. Just note--in Crystal City there are 2 Marriott hotels that are very close together which can be confusing. (The other one is the Crystal Gateway Marriott). FYI---we recently stayed in a Marriott in Philadelphia and got that $100 coupon, too. We weren%26#39;t surprised to find that we would have to use it before mid March. When you check in, be sure to mention the coupon to the desk clerk. We did just that and she told us we would have to go to the desk to check out in order to get the coupon. In other words, no leaving the keys in the room and calling the front desk to say you%26#39;re checking out.

Hotel opinions for weekend in October

Thanks SueFee. We%26#39;ll probably use the Marriott shuttle from the airport on Thursday night, so we won%26#39;t have to worry about confusing the two Marriotts! Friday and Saturday we%26#39;ll be using the Metro and I think it will be very convenient having direct access to the underground. Thanks again!

You%26#39;re welcome, Vegas--enjoy your stay!

Sue Fee --

Do I see a trip back to Philly before March to use that $100 coupon at the Marriott as well as dinner at Mezza Luna???!!!

That%26#39;s a great deal, by the way - how did you find out about it?

Suzanne

LOL, Suzanne! Actually, that%26#39;s not a bad idea! I found out about the coupon deal when I called the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott to reserve our room and the reservations clerk informed us of the deal. Incidentally, there was no mention of this deal on Marriott%26#39;s website at the time. In addition to the coupon we also saved $40/night on the room rate. Good thing I thought to call the hotel directly. I%26#39;ve often heard that you can get the best rates and deals by doing this---and sure enough!

The shuttle from DCA may stop at both Marriotts, so let the driver know which one is yours!

Just wanted to let others know how I found the Marriott special. Here%26#39;s the link I used marriott.com/property/specials/default/wascc but basically I went to marriott.com and selected my hotel. On the hotel%26#39;s main page, there was a link to hotel specials and packages. It%26#39;s the Never Ending Getaway rate, and you have to sign up for Marriott Rewards. The sign-up was free, and it saved me $20 per night, plus the $100 bonus bucks for staying 2 nights or more.

Thanks SueFee and iluvvegas for telling me about those deals/coupons at the Marriott and how to find them - always looking for a good hotel deal!

Suzanne

iluvvegas:

Posters in this forum have generally posted very positive reviews of the major trolley tours. It is a good way to cover alot of ground in a short time. It may be a good option for you. For which museums to choose, check www.si.edu closer to your arrival date to see which exhibits are most interesting to you. Since the museums are free, there%26#39;s no guilt in just going in to see one or two things, then moving on the next museum. Enjoy your stay!

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