location and metro

We are planning a family vacation to dc, i%26#39;ve been looking for a hotel near the metro. Are the alexandria or arlington areas safe and near metro stations? Also, I%26#39;ve read about trying to avoid the metro during rush hour...when exactly would you classify rush hour?

location and metro

Some hotels in Alexandria and Arlington are close - within walking distance to a Metrorail station. Metro charges higher rail fares during the following hours:

';opening to 9:30 a.m. and 3-7 p.m weekends 2 a.m. to closing)';

I guess rush hours would be around 7:30 - 9:30 and 5:00 - 7:00. The normal times people go to or leave work. It is just crowded that is all. Once you get the hang of things, feel free to join the fun. On the Metro escalators please stand on the right/walk left (leave the left side for people who walk up/down).

If you look through old threads, you will find recommendations for hotels in the areas you asked about. Also, on www.wmata.com, there are StationMasters maps that show what is the in areas right around the Metrorail stations.

http://www.wmata.com/

location and metro

I know that any hotel that is walking distance to any Orange Line metro stops is in a safe area. I%26#39;m sure most of the ones along the Blue/yellow lines in Alexandria are as well. Do some searches through this forum ... this question is probably asked twice per week. There are many that are within a few blocks of metro stops, and you will likely save some $$$ by staying in VA vs DC.

Yes, rush hour on the metro can be crowded, so you may want to avoid it the first couple of times you use the metro.

I would avoid staying rush hour on the Orange line, unless it%26#39;s a life or death situation. It really is a cattle car and on more than one occasion I%26#39;ve had to wait for a couple of them to go by before I could hurl myself through the doors.

The Old Towne Alexandria is one of the best kept secrets of a DC vacation. Many restaurants and shopping opportunities. King Street Station is just across street form several hotel/suite chains. Area very safe and yuppie. Do avoid the Metro during rush hour...not worth the hassle of the commuters. Metro ride is only about 15 minutes to the downtown mall area. A car in DC will be a hassle and really not needed. Buy a multi-day metro ticket. If you fly, Reagan AP is just two stops from Alexandria area. DC is a fantastic vacation destination. I%26#39;m going in May.

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