Just got back and had a great time!

We just got back from our trip to DC, where we stayed 1 night at Crystal City Marriott and 2 nights at Crystal Gateway Marriott. Our reservation was at Gateway, but they overbooked and offered us a free night at CC and a free breakfast buffet at Gateway if we moved to CC our first night. We agreed, and saved about $150 ($120 room + $30 breakfast). After staying at both hotels, we both preferred the Gateway. The rooms were nicer and larger, and the property offered more restaurants and amenities. Both hotels are connected to the Crystal City shops and metro station via underground walkways. I’ve posted a review of each hotel, including photos.

We used the metro to get around DC, and found it relatively easy. Wow, was it ever busy on Friday morning around 8:30-9am! We did ask security for help our first morning when trying to figure out the best option for us (we ended up buying a $5 farecard instead of the unlimited use), and she was very friendly and helpful. In fact, almost every person we encountered in DC was friendly and helpful!

We also used the DC circulator bus one day ($1 each), and the Tourmobile bus another day. The Tourmobile ticket was $20 each and included a tour of Arlington Cemetery and a stop at all the monuments and major sites. We did all the touristy things (Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorial, National Archives, Natural History Museum, Air/Space Musem, etc.) and had a great time. We had perfect weather this past weekend (60 and sunny!). I’m sure we will be back in a few years when the American History Museum reopens.

Thanks everyone for your help on selecting our hotel!

Just got back and had a great time!

Glad to hear that you had a good time and that everyone you met was friendly and helpful. Yes---Metro does get very crowded during rush hour! Thanks for the feedback on the 2 Marriotts. I%26#39;ve only seen a room at the Gateway and always wondered about the other one. What restaurants did you try?

Just got back and had a great time!

We were so busy that we didn%26#39;t have time to plan out meals, so breakfast and lunch were generally on the go or in the museum cafeterias. We did eat at San Antonio grill in the CC shops and loved the margaritas! Also the breakfast at Mez was wonderful.

The rooms at both Marriott%26#39;s were pretty similar ... carpet color, bed linen color, chair fabric, wallpaper. It%26#39;s just that Gateway is newer and has a little more room due to the bay window.