Inexpensive hotel near the DC Mall? (Washington: rental car, rental, how much)

[Little-Acorn]

Is that a contradiction in terms? Is there such a thing as an inexpensive (less tha $150/night) hotel within a mile or two of the mall?

I'm bringing the family to DC as tourists in June. Anybody know of a hotel that's at all reasonable?

Alternatively, we might stay at an inexpensive place ten miles away. We'll have a rental car. Is it possible to drive in to the Mall and PARK??? Would I spend all the money I saved, on parking-lot fees?

How much does it cost to park for a day, within walking distance of the Mall?

Lastly, is anyone here familiar witth the Harrington Hotel, four blocks east of the White House? It seems fairly inexpensive. A decent place to stay for two days? Or is it one step from being condemned?

Thanks, all!

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Little-Acorn

Alternatively, we might stay at an inexpensive place ten miles away. We'll have a rental car. Is it possible to drive in to the Mall and PARK??? Would I spend all the money I saved, on parking-lot fees?

I would expect to pay $200 per night for a downtown hotel. The reviews of the Hotel Harrington are not great, and one says parking is 4 blocks away and $15/per day. I think you are better of staying in Springfield, VA or Silver Spring, MD, and taking the Metro in.

BTW, if you are tempted by the motels along New York Avenue, NE, be aware that they are used by the city as shelters for homeless families.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by Little-Acorn

Would I spend all the money I saved, on parking-lot fees?...How much does it cost to park for a day, within walking distance of the Mall?

Here's the best info on parking: Parking Near the National Mall in Washington, DC . The summary is $10 to $19 per day for parking.

I know I recommended Metro., however, it may be less costly to take the car in, depending on the size of your family. Metro has all day passes for $9.00 per person. Here's the info on them: Metro - Fares - Metrorail

The other reason for using Metro it that it is very confusing and nerve-wracking to drive in DC if you are not familiar with it. I think you would find it more enjoyable to take the train. There are also trolley tours and shuttle buses downtown, and the kids would find them a treat.

[killabunnies]

I would suggest looking at Crystal City and taking the Metro from there. I did this the very first time I visited DC forever ago and it wasn't difficult to figure out how to get downtown at all. Hotels out that way are still pretty pricey but probably better than what you'll find around the Mall.

[Flamingo13]

Check for hotels around Metro and you could take that in, especially if you're not familiar w/driving in the area.

[WASHINGTON BULLETS]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

Here's the best info on parking: Parking Near the National Mall in Washington, DC . The summary is $10 to $19 per day for parking.

I know I recommended Metro., however, it may be less costly to take the car in, depending on the size of your family. Metro has all day passes for $9.00 per person. Here's the info on them: Metro - Fares - Metrorail

The other reason for using Metro it that it is very confusing and nerve-wracking to drive in DC if you are not familiar with it. I think you would find it more enjoyable to take the train. There are also trolley tours and shuttle buses downtown, and the kids would find them a treat.

Nope.
From what I have heard all day passes cost $14 now.
Yes thats right.
$14.

[killabunnies]

Originally Posted by WASHINGTON BULLETS

Nope.
From what I have heard all day passes cost $14 now.
Yes thats right.
$14.

It says $9 on WMATA's site Metro - Fares - Purchase - Passes & Farecards

[WASHINGTON BULLETS]

Originally Posted by killabunnies

It says $9 on WMATA's site Metro - Fares - Purchase - Passes & Farecards

Well somebody needs to update the website to reflect the latest fare changes.

I know people who have worked for WMATA for over 25 years.
So who do you think knows more about WMATA?
25+ year employees or some crappy internet website?



I stopped caring about WMATA a long time ago.
The last time I purchased an all day pass it cost me just $5.

[killabunnies]

Originally Posted by WASHINGTON BULLETS

Well somebody needs to update the website to reflect the latest fare changes.

I know people who have worked for WMATA for over 25 years.
So who do you think knows more about WMATA?
25+ year employees or some crappy internet website?



I stopped caring about WMATA a long time ago.
The last time I purchased an all day pass it cost me just $5.

The price hasn't been updated because it hasn't been changed yet Fare Enough? Metro Cites Savings, Increased Ridership for Lower Than Expected Fare Hikes: DCist The $14 pass takes effect July 1st Metro Board Approves Fare Hike | NBC4 Washington for the purpose of this post, these people are coming in June so they can take advantage of the $9 pass while it still exists.

You don't have to give a flying rat's backside about WMATA but if you're going to give out info, at least care enough to give the right info.

[WASHINGTON BULLETS]

Well I was told by a reliable source the all day pass price has been raised to $14. This person has worked for WMATA for decades.

I dont rely on WMATA for transportation anymore. I drive.
I stopped relying on them a long time ago.

$9 for an all day pass is a rip off

Metrobus, Metrorail, Fairfax Connector, DASH, Ride-On, MARC, VRE, Amtrak, Taxi Cab, Bicycle, Skateboard, Moped, Dirt Bike, Go Kart, Roller Skates, Roller Blades etc...
Been there and done all that when I was a kid.