Where should I book a hotel for my first-ever trip to DC? (Washington: rentals)

[Jericho-79]

Hey everyone. I'm at a bit of a loss as to what I should do.

I'm traveling to Washington for the first time next spring. Right now, I'm having a difficult time trying to find an affordable hotel to stay in for two nights.

I initially thought about staying in Chinatown, right by the Verizon Center. But the hotel prices around that part of town are so outrageous. In fact, after studying Google Maps, it seems like all the hotels in downtown DC cost an arm and a leg. I'm on a budget, and I need to find a place that is under $100/night.

I'm now thinking about finding a reasonably priced hotel that is located in one of DC's suburbs. That way I could ride the metro into the downtown area for sightseeing, and not have to worry about spending a fortune on lodging.

So where in the DC suburbs should I find a hotel? Arlington? Crystal City?

Which DC suburbs should I stay away from?

Do you guys have any other alternatives in mind?

[Winter2010]

I am sure there tons of Motel 6, Supper 8, etc. around.

[Pitkin]

The Days Inn Van Ness:

Days Inn | Washington District of Columbia Hotel | Washington, DC 20008 | Near Colonial Williamsburg, Jefferson Memorial & Lincoln Memorial

Only 1 block from the Van Ness-UDC metro station on the red line in a very safe neighborhood.

[terrence81]

Have you thought about using hotwire or priceline? I know a frequent DC visitor that swears by them.

[Jericho-79]

I'll try Priceline. But I need to find one that's close to a metro station. I also need one that's NOT in a bad neighborhood.

[Plokivos]

InterContinental THE WILLARD WASHINGTON D.C.

That's where I booked my hotel the first time I got here. It's walking distance to a lot of things, near the metro, hotel actually has a view of the White House (on select rooms) or the National Monument.

Just don't try to print anything there, their business center is horrible.

[Plokivos]

But if you're budget conscious, you should check out Silver Springs, MD or Alexandria VA. about 7 miles from DC, and hotels are a lot cheaper. But staying at the Willard will save you a lot of headache in parking.

[ACWhite]

Crystal City offers many hotels and has metro access. But you may need to go Priceline, etc., to keep under your budget.

[slowlane]

The City-Data forum is intended more for people moving to an area, long-term.

This other website is better suited to short-term visitors: Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor and then click on "District of Columbia" and either "Lodging" or "Forum". You will find TONS of advice there.