Commute to DC from NC (Richmond, Alexandria: where to stay, apartments, hotels)

[nikkiheaven]

I currently commute to DC from NC one night a week. The Megabus has been a money saver. I'm looking for a hotel or somewhere to stay in the DC, Maryland, VA area. I was staying at a hotel on Wednesday night, but the rate is going up to a undesirable rate. I'm looking for something around 100.00 a night. Any suggestions?

[stpickrell]

Priceline might help.

[persnicketygal]

Is this for work or for a class? Maybe you could "rent" a guestroom from somebody you've become acquainted with there?
(I'd be too chicken to go through Craigslist for that, but I think I could muster the strength to put out some feelers among the work/class networks.)

[FindingZen]

Where will you be conducting business in the area? The closer it is to Metrorail, the easier it will be to get around. There are bus options too but that might not always be convenient.

[ersatz]

Try Days Inn Alexandria South at 6100 Richmond Highway. You can probably just get by under $100 with taxes included. I stayed there years ago. It is pretty spartan but they have a shuttle to Huntington Metro and include internet and a continental breakfast. Check it out online for more details.

I have walked to the metro in daylight and nice weather from there. As I recall, there was a back way shortcut on foot though I have forgotten the details. There are public buses that run up and down Richmond Highway that will also take you to the metro and to the restaurants and grocery stores at Beacon Mall in the other direction. I believe the rooms come with a small fridge and a microwave. The area is a bit dodgy after dark but for proximity to the metro in your price range, it's doable.

[Jeanie Beanie]

Yeah I stayed here last year. Good location & a moneysaver, for sure.

[FindingZen]

Besides the Days Inn as suggested, there are perhaps three or four other hotels along that stretch of Richmond Highway. It is indeed a healthy walk to/from the Huntington Metro station. If you catch any of the Fairfax Connector buses during rush hour, odds are that you'll be standing for the 5-10 minute ride. The "cut-through" would be across Cityside (formerly Belle Haven) Apartments; I'd strongly recommend seeking out a traffic light crossing rather than trying to traverse a very wide and busy road.

This area came to mind to me initially but I was hesitant to make any suggestions before the OP was more specific about where they would be conducting their affairs here. Hopefully their destination will be convenient to a Metro station.