We are planning to stay four nights in the DC area. I have no idea about the are and how far are the hotels from each other.

Day 1: Arriving at IAD

Night 1: Days Inn Pentagon, 3030 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA

Night 2: Ramada Inn Rockville, 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD

Night 3: Ramada College Park, 9113 Baltimore Av, College Park, MD

Night 4: Ramada Inn Rockville, 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD

Day 4: Leaving from IAD

a) Do we have good luck with our hotels or are they far away from each other and from public transportation?

b) If someone knows the area: Would you tell me the names of the approprate bus/subway stops?

c) How can we travel around on budget without renting a car? Only price is important, not traveling time. What price can we expect for transportation?

Wow, you sure got the grand assortment pack. Why so much moving around?

But, to get to your actual question:

Metro has very good maps and routing help at www.wmata.com. There are bound to be bus options, particularly for the Days Inn Pentagon to get you to the Pentagon Metro station, but I know the train system best, so that's what I'll tell you about.

The closest Metro stations to the Days Inn Pentagon would be Clarendon or Virginia Square (Orange Line), but they're not very close. I'll bet that a bus to the Pentagon station is better yet (busses to the Pentagon station are a big commuting route).

Ramada Inn Rockville is very close to the Twinbrook Metro station (Red Line). This is your best bet for a pure Metro ride.

The closest Metro station to the Ramada Inn College Park is College Park (Green Line), but it's not very close.

If you can work out getting to the Metro stations, you won't need a car.

Thanx Erich, I am happy to hear that I can do it with the metro. The reason why I have so many different locations is that I got some free nights :D

Is there some "bad" neighbourhood around my hotels or are all areas safe to go?

Thanx Erich, I am happy to hear that I can do it with the metro. The reason why I have so many different locations is that I got some free nights :D

Is there some "bad" neighbourhood around my hotels or are all areas safe to go?

The area around the Ramada College Park isn't the greatest. No need to be paranoid, but just use common street sense.

The area around the Ramada College Park isn't the greatest. No need to be paranoid, but just use common street sense.

I'll agree with this. There is not much to be afraid of around there. The problem is, it is a long walk. There is a bus from the Metro that goes that way, but I don't remember the number of it. WMATA (http://www.metroopensdoors.com) 's rideguide will tell you that info.

The area around the Ramada College Park isn't the greatest. No need to be paranoid, but just use common street sense.

I agree with this too.. but its nothing to worry about. Its a little bit away
from the public transportation though.
Just stay put at Rockville, MD if you can.
You'll be wasting anywhere from 2-6 hrs per day in moving
from hotel to hotel, checkout/checkin/travelling etc..
and its not very easy if you are using public
transportation.

I agree with this too.. but its nothing to worry about. Its a little bit away
from the public transportation though.
Just stay put at Rockville, MD if you can.
You'll be wasting anywhere from 2-6 hrs per day in moving
from hotel to hotel, checkout/checkin/travelling etc..
and its not very easy if you are using public
transportation.

I know you said you were staying on points so that is why you were changing hotels, but i agree that you will spend half your trip driving from hotel to hotel. Sounds like you don't mind that so maybe its not a big deal, but you would probably have a lot more success with the bus routes and metro schedules if you were able to just stay in one area and figure those scehdules out rather than trying to figure out and time a new bus or train line every day.

Best of luck whichever you decide. Have a good trip.

I second the comment on the Metro website for having great maps and being an excellent resource for the automobile-impaired driver in D.C. I am assuming that there is no way for you to schedule your two nights at the Ramada College Park back-to-back - it seems somewhat annoying to have them separated like that?

Have you looked at trying to use the free nights in Alexandria or Crystal City?

I second the comment on the Metro website for having great maps and being an excellent resource for the automobile-impaired driver in D.C. I am assuming that there is no way for you to schedule your two nights at the Ramada College Park back-to-back - it seems somewhat annoying to have them separated like that?

Have you looked at trying to use the free nights in Alexandria or Crystal City?

Uff, seems that I booked a lot of non-sense :(

If I want to avoid traveling to much around, what would you DC folks recomand me to do now?

a) Alexandria or Crystal City instead of which night(s)?

b) On which area shall I try to focus?

It would also be nice for me if I could visit a friend in Baltimore. From which hotels/points that I have shall I go? In other words: Which hotel shall I cancel and go for one night to Baltimore instead?

Uff, seems that I booked a lot of non-sense :(

If I want to avoid traveling to much around, what would you DC folks recomand me to do now?

a) Alexandria or Crystal City instead of which night(s)?

b) On which area shall I try to focus?

It would also be nice for me if I could visit a friend in Baltimore. From which hotels/points that I have shall I go? In other words: Which hotel shall I cancel and go for one night to Baltimore instead?

Just look at the metro web site and stick to just one or two hotels
(if you must) again, hopping around every day is not a good idea.

Check the room availability using points and then decide.

Strikes me that the Rockville - College Park - Rockville bit is going to be especially tough (although I had no idea there was College Park-White Flint metrobus route - C8 - that comes kind of close; www.wmata.com is a really good resource)

I'd personally key off the metrorail routes, and try for hotels that work on those corridors. Thus, if you can swap College Park out for, say, Bethesda or Friendship Heights, life will be a lot easier - even if you still end up moving around each night.

IIRC the Days Inn that you have a reservation at has a shuttle that runs once or twice an hour between the hotel and Pentagon City metro station; I would call the actual hotel and ask about it.

Crystal City (where I live) is about 10-15 mins closer to downtown DC then Alexandria and has plenty of restaurants and easy access to public transporation. There is a Hampton Inn and a Holiday Inn both of which I think are on the lower end of the price range for the area. There is also a (relatively) new Residence Inn near Pentagon City and across 395 from the Pentagon that might be worth checking out.

To get to Baltimore take the Marc train. It is heavy commuter rail paid for by the State of Maryland and it costs about $10-12 (I can't remember exactly) to get to Baltimore from Union Station and only takes about 1 hour +/-. Check out http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/schedulesSystemMaps/ ; both the Camden and Penn lines go to Baltimore. Penn goes to Baltimore Penn Station (which Amtrak also uses) and Camden goes right into downtown Baltimore and terminates about a two minute walk from Camden Yards where the Orioles play.

Hope this helps,
GWU

Crystal City (where I live) is about 10-15 mins closer to downtown DC then Alexandria and has plenty of restaurants and easy access to public transporation.

I have 4 upcoming priceline nights in Crystal City (two different stays), as that really works well for me when I'm arriving/departing from DCA. With priceline rooms there around $55 for a 3*, I might even suggest using the "free" hotel nights at a future date so you're not hopping all over the place.

Oh - sorry about not picking up on the Baltimore part; thanks GWU ESIA STUDENT for the add'l info.

Not clear when you're coming to town, but I'd note that MARC is strictly M-F; no weekend service. There's a work-around that involves metrorail Green Line to Greenbelt, metrobus route B30 to BWI airport, and Baltimore Light Rail to downtown/Inner Harbor, but that's a hike. Amtrak also runs on the MARC Penn Line route, but will be much more expensive.

There's a work-around that involves metrorail Green Line to Greenbelt, metrobus route B30 to BWI airport, and Baltimore Light Rail to downtown/Inner Harbor, but that's a hike..

If the OP was staying in College Park, getting to Greenbelt Metro would be easy. I can't be more helpful than that as I still don't get why they would want to stay in so many hotels.

If the OP was staying in College Park, getting to Greenbelt Metro would be easy. I can't be more helpful than that as I still don't get why they would want to stay in so many hotels.


The reason why I booked different rooms: I got free night stays :D

On the other hand, I also don't mind moving around as long as it is possible within a reasonable time every day and if the costs are not exploding.

I remember that there was a rental car office in LA with cars for around 20 USD per day (100 miles max, no insurance). Are there similar "low budget" rental car agencies in the DC area? It might be a good option.

The reason why I booked different rooms: I got free night stays :D

On the other hand, I also don't mind moving around as long as it is possible within a reasonable time every day and if the costs are not exploding.

I remember that there was a rental car office in LA with cars for around 20 USD per day (100 miles max, no insurance). Are there similar "low budget" rental car agencies in the DC area? It might be a good option.

cars tend to be cheap in dc area on weekends. use of car in dc during the week is extremely untidy. now that it is tourist season, probably not too much fun trying to park on weekends either.

To get to Baltimore take the Marc train. It is heavy commuter rail paid for by the State of Maryland and it costs about $10-12 (I can't remember exactly) to get to Baltimore from Union Station and only takes about 1 hour +/-. Check out http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/schedulesSystemMaps/ ;

Keep in mind, MARC trains only run Mon - Fri .. no weekends.

The reason why I booked different rooms: I got free night stays :D

On the other hand, I also don't mind moving around as long as it is possible within a reasonable time every day and if the costs are not exploding.

I remember that there was a rental car office in LA with cars for around 20 USD per day (100 miles max, no insurance). Are there similar "low budget" rental car agencies in the DC area? It might be a good option.

Not really, unless you want a POS car of 80s or 90s vintage and questionable reliability from a mom-and-pop place. Rental car rates from chains in DC are relatively high. Not as bad as New York :eek: , but not cheap either.

It looks to me as if you have 2 choices:

(1) Get rid of the College Park reservation and stick to metro only
(2) Get rid of the Days Inn Pentagon reservation and rent a car

Personally, I would rent a car and stick to the suburbs. It will also make it easier to visit Baltimore. Then again, that's because I'm a local and I've seen just about everything in downtown DC and don't like to go downtown unless absolutely necessary.

Oh - sorry about not picking up on the Baltimore part; thanks GWU ESIA STUDENT for the add'l info.

Not clear when you're coming to town, but I'd note that MARC is strictly M-F; no weekend service. There's a work-around that involves metrorail Green Line to Greenbelt, metrobus route B30 to BWI airport, and Baltimore Light Rail to downtown/Inner Harbor, but that's a hike. Amtrak also runs on the MARC Penn Line route, but will be much more expensive.


It is more (Amtrak) expensive but if you the code listed in the Amtrak forum here on FF, there is a 25% discount...and if I remember correctly, the regular non-discounted fare from BWI is around anywhere from $15.00 - $37.00 + or -

The reason why I booked different rooms: I got free night stays :D

On the other hand, I also don't mind moving around as long as it is possible within a reasonable time every day and if the costs are not exploding.

I remember that there was a rental car office in LA with cars for around 20 USD per day (100 miles max, no insurance). Are there similar "low budget" rental car agencies in the DC area? It might be a good option.


Like robert_paulson said it "is" quite expensive in this area and the closest I could point you to would be the Zipcar service which is ok if you want a vehicle for a few hours. If you need one for the whole day :(

Zipcar is one of those things you will have to weigh the need of having a vehicle versus use public trans................more info

http://www.zipcar.com/dc/check-rates

cars tend to be cheap in dc area on weekends. use of car in dc during the week is extremely untidy. now that it is tourist season, probably not too much fun trying to park on weekends either.

It shouldn't be too much trouble parking at the places he wants to stay..

You couldn't pay me to do the driving that would be involved in switching hotels as you have them listed. Especially since some of the travel would be during the week when traffic can be, and mostly is, a nightmare.

What are you plans? What did you want to do on this trip? If it's for pleasure, get rid of your plans to Rockville and College Park. There really isn't much to do in that area, especially College Park. If you had a car, then you can get around easily into DC and other more interesting areas but since you'll be relying on public transportation, stick with areas like Arlington.

It looks to me as if you have 2 choices:
(1) Get rid of the College Park reservation and stick to metro only
(2) Get rid of the Days Inn Pentagon reservation and rent a car


One option that I found could be to book here:

Travelodge Gateway
1917 Bladensburg Road NE
New York & Bladensburg Road
Washington DC, DC, 20002

and get rid of the College Park. Metro station would be Friendship Heights which is much nearer from Rockville.

However,
a) the metro fare is only 0.15 $ cheaper
b) some people on Tripadvisor say that the area is very bad (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g28970-d223031-r2845836-Travelodge_Gateway-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html) :eek: Can I bring there my girl or is it really not a good area?

As for shopping (i.e. 99 cent shop, Ross, TJ Mexx): Is the area around Rockville or around Bladensburg Road better?


Another option could be for one night:
Washington, D.C.-Days Inn Camp Springs/Andrews Air Force
5001 Mercedes Blvd.
Camp Springs , Maryland 20746

But this is near Branch Ave metro, and hence also far away from the other two hotels. Area ok?


And there is finally also:
Howard Johnson Inn - Cheverly
5811 Annapolis Road/I-295
I-295 & Rt 450
Cheverly , Maryland 20784

No idea about this last option.

What are you plans? What did you want to do on this trip? If it's for pleasure, get rid of your plans to Rockville and College Park. There really isn't much to do in that area, especially College Park. If you had a car, then you can get around easily into DC and other more interesting areas but since you'll be relying on public transportation, stick with areas like Arlington.

My plans are basically:
- Sightseeing in downtown DC (takes about half a day since I already know the city).
- Shopping
- Relaxing

Due to the fact that DC is a stop over on the Toronto-Larnaca MR, I also don't want to spend much money.

One option that I found could be to book here:

Travelodge Gateway
1917 Bladensburg Road NE
New York & Bladensburg Road
Washington DC, DC, 20002


Try to avoid that area. Stick to the North west of DC.

but cant you get all 4 nights at the same hotel?
@ Rockville? If you have to pay for one night.. so be it
you'll save a lot of headache.

Agree that your new options are a step down from what you have, and that you could certainly steer clear of the Travelodge (generally, 'Gateway' is pretty universal code for 'really bad location,' isn't it...). No way that's near Friendship Heights metro - you're getting bad info somewhere.

As for the other hotels - Camp Springs and Branch Ave are pretty far from the other places; at that point, College Park is probably better. Howard Johnson isn't much better - looks kind of scary from the Parkway, and I don't think transport will be very convenient.

Since budget is a big issue for you, I think the best compromise is to cancel College Park and pick up a paid stay somewhere on the Red Line/Rockville corridor. Maybe there's a priceline option that would give you a reasonable enough chance to get something within walking/bus/shuttle distance to the metrorail. To the extent you're going to/from Downtown, I really don't think Rockville area is all that bad - after all, gazillions of people make the commute from the end of the line at Shady Grove daily.

Moreover, there are some shopping/sightseeing options en route. Friendship Heights has both expensive and budget shopping (TJ Maxx, Filene's Basement, etc., along with Saks, Tiffany, etc.). Likewise, you have the Zoo at the Cleveland Park, and restaurants in and around Bethesda. Rockville Pike itself has lots of shopping, but it's very much a car-oriented destination; if you end up walking up and down the Pike, be very careful. (on the plus side, Matthew Lesko, the guy who appears in the infomercials wearing the suit adorned with question marks and who tells you how to get free money from the government, was hanging out at the Starbucks on Mid-Pike Plaza in Rockville one evening mid-last week - in full regalia - so there are sights to see out in the burbs if you know where to look)

I work in College Park and used to live in Bethesda (not too far from Rockville). Way back when when there was a gasoline crisis I thought I would be a good citizen and avoid gas lines and I took the C8 (I believe) from CP to my apartment. I did this exactly once--it took over an hour and an half on the way there and three hours (many buses didn't arrive) on the way home. That was before Metro came to CP (it didn't come anywhere near where I lived either). But now to get from CP to Rockville, you have to go to DC and change trains. You'd be spending your vacation just seeing the area's public transportation system. I second the general consensus--pick one (or at most two) place(s) even if you have to pay for a room.

Rockville is good for shopping. Avoid Bladensburg, Camp Springs, and Cheverly. Crime is a problem at all three, though Camp Springs would be the least. I liked living in College Park (Up until 2 months ago) but it doesn't seem like it fits in with your plans. Also, as mentioned before, the hotel is a very long walk from the Metro. I say Arlington and/or Rockville seem o fit better.

Have you calculated how much it would cost for you guys to move about by public transportation. Public transportation in DC area isn't all that cheap and since it sounds like it'll be more than two people, the cost might add up -

Also, you've mentioned that you're using award stays, I take it that you'll have to stick with chains related to Days Inn. Looks like there's two Days Inn location in Arlington that would provide you with free shuttle to the metro stations. I'd think they would be much more convenient and shorter distance to DC so cheaper metro rides.

Have you calculated how much it would cost for you guys to move about by public transportation. Public transportation in DC area isn't all that cheap and since it sounds like it'll be more than two people, the cost might add up -

Also, you've mentioned that you're using award stays, I take it that you'll have to stick with chains related to Days Inn. Looks like there's two Days Inn location in Arlington that would provide you with free shuttle to the metro stations. I'd think they would be much more convenient and shorter distance to DC so cheaper metro rides.


We are actually two of us. According to my understanding, the cost for a one-way-ride (e.g. from College Park to Rockville) comes to around 2 - 2.50 $ per person. Sure, if we want to take the metro once a day from the hotel to downtown and back it will come to around 5 - 7 $.
a) Are there some recomendations for a three-day stay in Washington?

You are completelly right, we are staying with the Days Inn/Ramada chain. I could have them to re-book us from the College Park to another hotel BUT I don't know anymore where to go. Almost all locations seem to be either far away from each other (i.e. Rockville-College Park) or the hotels seem to be in a shaddy neighbourhood. Grrrr... People in Tripadvisor left bad comments about almost all locations around DC :confused:
b) Could you advice me for some specific Ramada/Days Inn related hotels? (http://www.triprewards.com)

To remember, we are currently booked:

- Ramada College Park
- Days Inn Pentagon, Arlington
- Ramada Rockville
- Ramada College Park
- Ramada Rockville

Most likely, we will not going to use the first night in College Park.

As for the fourth night, the solution could be to visit a friend up in Baltimore for one night (though this solution is not really cheap).

My main concern is to be in a safe neighbourhood. My impression is that especially the Ramada Rockville seems to be safe.

Rockville would be the safest, but Arlington should be okay, depending on its location. College Park is safe enough. I lived there until recently and I can't think of anything really bad, except to not use the Paint Branch trail at night.

One option that I found could be to book here:

Travelodge Gateway
1917 Bladensburg Road NE
New York & Bladensburg Road
Washington DC, DC, 20002

and get rid of the College Park. Metro station would be Friendship Heights which is much nearer from Rockville.

However,
a) the metro fare is only 0.15 $ cheaper
b) some people on Tripadvisor say that the area is very bad (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g28970-d223031-r2845836-Travelodge_Gateway-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html) :eek: Can I bring there my girl or is it really not a good area?

As for shopping (i.e. 99 cent shop, Ross, TJ Mexx): Is the area around Rockville or around Bladensburg Road better?


Another option could be for one night:
Washington, D.C.-Days Inn Camp Springs/Andrews Air Force
5001 Mercedes Blvd.
Camp Springs , Maryland 20746

But this is near Branch Ave metro, and hence also far away from the other two hotels. Area ok?


And there is finally also:
Howard Johnson Inn - Cheverly
5811 Annapolis Road/I-295
I-295 & Rt 450
Cheverly , Maryland 20784

No idea about this last option.


None of these areas is OK. :td:

b) Could you advice me for some specific Ramada/Days Inn related hotels? (http://www.triprewards.com)


OK - here's a list of hotels, per their website. Pickings are pretty slim - there are a lot of properties that won't meet your criteria. Here's my attempt at a grouping, with comments

Super 8 - 501 NY Ave DC
HoJo Express - 600 NY Ave DC
Travelodge Gateway - NY & Bladensburg DC
Days Inn Gateway - 2700 NY Ave DC
- Not good (area; look of hotels; ability to get around - you name it). Avoid.

Days Inn Arlington - 50 & Pershing, Arlington
Alexandria Travelodge - 700 N Washington, Alexandria VA
Days Inn Arlington - Columbia Pike, Arlington
Days Inn Alexandria Route 1 So, 6100 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria
Alexandria Days Inn, 395 & Little River Tpk, Alexandria
- These are actually all over the place in No. Va., so even if you get several different, you're still going to have problems getting between them. Looks like the Days Inn @ 395 has metro shutles (I'd check with the hotel directly, though). Columbia Pike Days is on a pretty busy Metrobus route that feeds into the Pentagon; don't know anything about the hotel. Arlington Days Inn has been discussed - this is close-in and has a shuttle. Alexandria Travelodge is an older property and, while near Old Town and some of the budding development on the North end of Alexandria, it's still close to a sketchy area - e.g. the walk to the metro, while close, probably isn't good off hours. The Route 1 Alexandria Days Inn is too far - from their website: "We are also a convenient 1 1/2 mile walk from the closest Metro" (my emphasis)

Ramada Silver Spring - 7990 Ga Ave, Silver Spring MD
Days Inn Silver Spring - 8014 13th St, Silver Spring MD
Silver Spring Travelodge - 8040 13th St, Silver Spring MD
- Silver Spring has a recently revitalized downtown and is an easy metro ride into the city. These hotels are outside the re-gentrified zone ("unsprung" - it's an inside local joke) in a tired neighborhood. These might fit the bill - or maybe stay away. Someone who lives up there should offer additional insight.

Ramada Rockville, 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
- one of the few winners of the bunch

Conn Ave Days Inn - 4000 Conn Ave NW DC
- a fine hotel, and would pair up with Rockville quite well. In a very good neighborhood, right at the metro. Know people who have stayed here as a budget option, and they've reported it was fine.

HoJo Cheverly, Annapolis Rd & B/W Parkway, Cheverly, MD
Days Inn Lanham, 9300 Annapolis Rd, Lanham, MD
- not convienient to transport, no compelling reason to stay here

Ramada Ltd College Park, 9113 Rt 1, College Park, MD
HoJo Express College Park, 9113 Rt 1, College Park, MD
Days Inn College Park, 9137 Rt 1, College Park, MD
Super 8 College Park, 9150 Rt 1, College Park, MD
- College Park has been discussed. Properties seem generally OK, will be quiet, especially if U MD is not back in session. Somewhat inconvenient to transport (not as bad as others), limited shopping options around there.

Ramada Camp Springs, Allentown Rd, Camp Springs, MD
Super 8 Camp Springs, Allentown Rd, Camp Springs, MD
Days Inn Camp Springs, Camp Springs MD
- Way far out. Unless you're hitching a ride into town on Air Force One, really no reason to pick these

Laurel MD properties - Ramada Ltd (x2), Days, Knights
- Even further out. Unless you have a car, these aren't realistic options.

Seriously, it'd mean cash out of pocket, but have you considered Priceline? If you're doing ramada/days inn, etc I think that is 2* on PL, so start with 3* and see what you can bid for. It might save you a whole lot of hassle during your trip.

For the metro costs it is from hotel A to hotel B, then hotel B roundtrip to downtown - that is a lot of wasted time and double the cost of metro transportation, etc.

Conn Ave Days Inn - 4000 Conn Ave NW DC
- a fine hotel, and would pair up with Rockville quite well. In a very good neighborhood, right at the metro. Know people who have stayed here as a budget option, and they've reported it was fine.


A friend of mine once stayed at this Days In and reported it to be a good budget option. ^

Just adding a bit of additional info to Mr. July's informative post.

Super 8 - 501 NY Ave DC
HoJo Express - 600 NY Ave DC
Travelodge Gateway - NY & Bladensburg DC
Days Inn Gateway - 2700 NY Ave DC
- Not good (area; look of hotels; ability to get around - you name it). Avoid.


New York Avenue is definitely not a convenient or particularly safe area to be in. Hotels in this area tend to be run down. Some have been used as homeless shelters.

Days Inn Arlington - 50 & Pershing, Arlington
Alexandria Travelodge - 700 N Washington, Alexandria VA
Days Inn Arlington - Columbia Pike, Arlington
Days Inn Alexandria Route 1 So, 6100 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria
Alexandria Days Inn, 395 & Little River Tpk, Alexandria
- These are actually all over the place in No. Va., so even if you get several different, you're still going to have problems getting between them. Looks like the Days Inn @ 395 has metro shutles (I'd check with the hotel directly, though). Columbia Pike Days is on a pretty busy Metrobus route that feeds into the Pentagon; don't know anything about the hotel. Arlington Days Inn has been discussed - this is close-in and has a shuttle. Alexandria Travelodge is an older property and, while near Old Town and some of the budding development on the North end of Alexandria, it's still close to a sketchy area - e.g. the walk to the metro, while close, probably isn't good off hours. The Route 1 Alexandria Days Inn is too far - from their website: "We are also a convenient 1 1/2 mile walk from the closest Metro" (my emphasis).

The best pick of these to my mind is the Columbia Pike location. The bus service was designed to be like an above-ground metro, with extremely frequent service. The neighborhood isn't a rich one, but there are lots of small restaurants around and my wife and I go there frequently to eat. Unfortunately the design of the hotel is motel style with doors opening onto outdoor walkways, but there is good parking and the hotel has apparently won awards for its level. There is a great Thai restaurant in the hotel called "Rincome". They serve breakfast, but there is also a McD's across the street.

The Route 50 and Pershing doesn't really have anything around it. The bus service does run about every 30 minutes on weekends. It is a safe neighborhood.

I can't really speak to the Alexandria locations.

Ramada Silver Spring - 7990 Ga Ave, Silver Spring MD
Days Inn Silver Spring - 8014 13th St, Silver Spring MD
Silver Spring Travelodge - 8040 13th St, Silver Spring MD
- Silver Spring has a recently revitalized downtown and is an easy metro ride into the city. These hotels are outside the re-gentrified zone ("unsprung" - it's an inside local joke) in a tired neighborhood. These might fit the bill - or maybe stay away. Someone who lives up there should offer additional insight.

I have lived in Silver Spring as well as Arlington. This neighborhood is not as safe as the Arlington neighborhoods above, but it isn't anywhere near as bad as the New York Avenue area. If you are an urban-dweller and walk in groups, you will be OK, but I don't know that I would be comfortable walking in this part of Silver Spring alone after dark. There are a few good restaurants in this area, but the better ones are in the more revitalized area.

Ramada Rockville, 1775 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
- one of the few winners of the bunch

Conn Ave Days Inn - 4000 Conn Ave NW DC
- a fine hotel, and would pair up with Rockville quite well. In a very good neighborhood, right at the metro. Know people who have stayed here as a budget option, and they've reported it was fine.

Agree. The Ramada Rockville area is a typical suburban highway with lots of shopping mall restaurants, both chain and non-chain. The Connecticut Avenue Days Inn is a good location, again with good restaurants around and the metro is right there for you. It is probably the pick of the bunch.

Can't speak much to the other Maryland options, other than to feel that none are particularly convenient.

I think Mr. July did a great job summarizing the available options, so I won't rehash most of what he said. The places he said to avoid, AVOID. We're not kidding. The Rockville and Connecticut Avenue properties are really the best ones - by far - there's a MAJOR quality difference, both in the property and the area, between those two and all the other Cendant options in the DC metro area. I would rather pay for a room at one of those two than take a free room at most of the others. And if you can't afford to pay for a room there, Priceline a cheaper room in one of the decent neighborhoods rather than taking your chances in a sketchier area.

Ramada Silver Spring - 7990 Ga Ave, Silver Spring MD
Days Inn Silver Spring - 8014 13th St, Silver Spring MD
Silver Spring Travelodge - 8040 13th St, Silver Spring MD
- Silver Spring has a recently revitalized downtown and is an easy metro ride into the city. These hotels are outside the re-gentrified zone ("unsprung" - it's an inside local joke) in a tired neighborhood. These might fit the bill - or maybe stay away. Someone who lives up there should offer additional insight.

That would be me - I live near these hotels, and my advice is DO NOT STAY THERE. These hotels together are the worst thing about the neighborhood, and all the yuppies who have recently moved in (OK, that would again be me :D) would like to see them closed down.

HoJo Cheverly, Annapolis Rd & B/W Parkway, Cheverly, MD
Days Inn Lanham, 9300 Annapolis Rd, Lanham, MD
- not convienient to transport, no compelling reason to stay here

I would add that neither one is particularly safe. The Cheverly hotel has had numerous shootings over the years.

Skip the Rockville Ramada, if you can.

If you really wanna stay overnight in Rockville, there are plenty of other properties nearby that are just as safe or safer. They'll be nicer, cleaner and better-smelling.

I'd recommend the Summerfield Suites in Gaithersburg (just barely north of Rockville):
http://gaithersburg.summerfieldsuites.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/summerfield/index.jsp
The closest metro would be Shady Grove.

The newer Marriott Bethesda North at the conference center is basically on top of the White Flint metro stop.

There are 2 Flexcars parked at the Grosvenor metro, if you wanted to be able to take the train, then drive around Rockville's car-friendly (but not so pedestrian-friendly) shopping plazas.

http://www.flexcar.com/

Metro map: http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm

I swear Matthew Lesko is following me. Every time I go to Bethesda for dinner, there he is. If I run into Mid-Pike Plaza's stores, I see him. Whenever I go to retrieve my car from a parking lot, his question-mark-covered buggy is in the next row from mine.

Skip the Rockville Ramada, if you can.

If you really wanna stay overnight in Rockville, there are plenty of other properties nearby that are just as safe or safer. They'll be nicer, cleaner and better-smelling.

I totally agree, but it appears the OP is on a tight budget, has free nights at Cendant hotels, and wants to know what the best of THOSE hotels is. I think the Rockville Ramada, dowdy as it may be, is clearly one of the two or three best Cendant hotels in the DC area. I mean, look at the competition!

I think the Rockville Ramada, dowdy as it may be, is clearly one of the two or three best Cendant hotels in the DC area.

Boy, that really is depressing, isn't it?

Totally. It's amazing how Cendant can have so many DIFFERENT hotel brands that all are equally awful.

Part of the problem is that the only Cendant chain I have found to be normally okay is Wingate Inn, and there just aren't any of them near DC.

But you're right, it is pretty sad.

I swear Matthew Lesko is following me. Every time I go to Bethesda for dinner, there he is. If I run into Mid-Pike Plaza's stores, I see him. Whenever I go to retrieve my car from a parking lot, his question-mark-covered buggy is in the next row from mine.


I see him too, usually at the Grosvenor metro, or the kensington park public library on Strathmore. Or maybe it's turned into knowles by that address.

I totally agree, but it appears the OP is on a tight budget, has free nights at Cendant hotels, and wants to know what the best of THOSE hotels is. I think the Rockville Ramada, dowdy as it may be, is clearly one of the two or three best Cendant hotels in the DC area. I mean, look at the competition!

Tight budged, right :eek: Thanks a lot all you "DC folks" for your inputs, especially Mr July ^ .

It seems that, mainly based on security concerns, the best thing would be to have it as it is:

Arriving at IAD
Night 1: Days Inn Pentagon, Arlington
Night 2: Ramada, Rockville
Night 3: Ramada, College Park
Night 4: Ramada, Rockville
Leaving from IAD

If I can find a nice place at a reasonable price for night three, we will stay in the Rockville area, if not we will ride the metro between Rockville and College Park (or maybe between Rockville and Baltimore if there is a really reasonable bus).

A last question: Mr July mentioned that the Ramada Rockville is a "good" place but another poster wrote the oposite. What's so bad with the Ramada Rockville? I remember that I slept once in the HI in the very centre. Is the Ramada Rockville more dowdy than the HI?

Night 1: Days Inn Pentagon, Arlington
Night 2: Ramada, Rockville
Night 3: Ramada, College Park
Night 4: Ramada, Rockville


OK. Given what you have to work with, this will work insofar that you'll be in safe places reasonably close to public transit. Given the Cendant choices around here, you had an almost impossible task. If you can find something around Rockville for night 3, you'll save yourself a hike - but if you have to do College Park (or Baltimore), so be it.

A last question: Mr July mentioned that the Ramada Rockville is a "good" place but another poster wrote the oposite. What's so bad with the Ramada Rockville? I remember that I slept once in the HI in the very centre. Is the Ramada Rockville more dowdy than the HI?

I've never been inside the hotel, but it looks OK from the outside and its close enough to decent businesses (an REI, a shopping center with Whole Foods, a Brazilian BBQ steakhouse, etc.) that it can't be all that bad. Also, never read about shootings or fires there (unlike many other local Cendant properties, unfortunately), so it has to be better than most of your other options. Not familiar with the HI, but note that this is on a busy commericial road - close to the metro, but clearly a car-dominated enviornment in that stretch.

Looking forward to hearing a report once you get back, considering that there's very little info on these hotels on FT.

Mr July, I just figured out after long, long research that I could (most probably) get the

Days Inn Connecticut Avenue

You mentioned this one to be a (very) good choice. Which night(s) would it have to replace?



Due to the fact that it is located at the red line - Van Ness/UDC (http://www.dcdaysinn.com/maps.htm#Metro) - it makes things not much easier for me to decide. :rolleyes:

Security/good neighborhood seems to be good in all cases. The main thing is now: Which areas are the most interesting for tourism/shopping (TJ Mexx. Ross, 99 cents shop, etc).



Option one: "Connecticut instead of Days Inn Pentagon"
Night one (instead of the Days Inn Pentagon)
Night two in the Ramada Rockville
Night three in the Ramada College Park
Night four in Baltimore
I was told that there is a train between College Park and Baltimore
The big question here: Is it worth to see Baltimore? And what means Baltimre Camedon Station (http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc/schedulesSystemMaps/MARC_CAMDEN_LINE_HTML.cfm)? Is this not near Inner Harbourt Baltimore?

Option two: "Connecticut and Ramada Rockville"
Night one (instead of the Days Inn Pentagon)
Night two in the Ramada Rockville
Night one (instead of the Ramada College Parkl)
Night four in the Ramada Rockville
The big question here: Is the Days Inn Connecticut better than the Ramada College Park

Option three : "Connecticut instead of Ramada Rockville"
Night one in the Days Inn Pentagon
Night two (instead of the Ramada Rockville)
Night three in the Ramada College Park
Night four either again in Connecticut or in Baltimore
The big question here: Is the Days Inn Connecticut better than the Ramada Rockville and is it better than Baltimore?

:D :D :D

I just figured out after long, long research that I could (most probably) get the Days Inn Connecticut Avenue

That's great news. Of all of the hotels, that's the only one that people (including me) appear to have more direct knowledge of - I know people who stayed there recently, and were satisfied for what it is (a well run tourist/non-luxury hotel in a very safe and convenient neighborhood).

For shopping, there's not a lot at Van Ness (unless you want a really nice wine store), but a couple of stops up the red line is Friendship Heights with some of the discount stores you'd be interested in. It's also an easy ride downtown, where there is additional shopping.

It's worth noting that the stores you are intersted in are also available around the Ramada, but because Rockville Pike is a car-dominated area, not sure how far you'd feel comfortable walking.

I simply can't answer whether the Connecticut Days Inn is better than the Rockville Ramada. I can only say they have to be a lot better than the other Cendant choices out there.

As for Baltimore - the train does run between College Park and Baltimore Camden (which is a couple of blocks from the Inner Harbor), but that line offers somewhat limited service - only rush hours. Also, because the College Park hotel is 2.1 miles from the metro/train station, you're better off just staying on the Red Line and going to/from Union Station in DC. There, you can also take the Penn Line (which goes to Penn Station - an additional light rail ride to the Inner Harbor), which runs all day. Can't tell you whether or not to go to Baltimroe - if you've seen DC and have a friend in Baltimore, then you should be able to make a day of it; still, given the expense of getting there, it's probably a wash at best.

Option one: "Connecticut instead of Days Inn Pentagon"
Night one (instead of the Days Inn Pentagon)
Night two in the Ramada Rockville
Night three in the Ramada College Park
Night four in Baltimore

Since you're coming into IAD, the Days Inn Pentagon isn't a bad choice for Day 1, and you're still doing a lot of transit under this option. I think the biggest problem is getting to College Park and then on to Baltimore. Still, it's closer to get to Rockville from Connecticut Ave. than from the Pentagon Days Inn, so I guess this is slightly better.

Option two: "Connecticut and Ramada Rockville"
Night one (instead of the Days Inn Pentagon)
Night two in the Ramada Rockville
Night one (instead of the Ramada College Parkl)
Night four in the Ramada Rockville
The big question here: Is the Days Inn Connecticut better than the Ramada College Park

This is the easiest hotel swap you can do - simple rides up and down the Red Line. I would strongly recommend this. Also, if Rockville is bad, you may be able to cancel night four and just go to Baltimore (via Union Station) instead.

Option three : "Connecticut instead of Ramada Rockville"
Night one in the Days Inn Pentagon
Night two (instead of the Ramada Rockville)
Night three in the Ramada College Park
Night four either again in Connecticut or in Baltimore
The big question here: Is the Days Inn Connecticut better than the Ramada Rockville and is it better than Baltimore?


Not good. You still have to get between Rockville/Conn. Ave. and College Park, which will be difficult. Only benefit is that Conn. Ave. is closer in than Rockville, so slightly less of a ride than if you're going to Rockville.

So - I'd rank them as 2, 1, and then 3, with 2 the strong favorite.

I agree. If you can cut out College Park, do it - the location is peripheral both to everything you would want to see/do, AND to the other hotels.

OK, got the Connecticut :D

The remaining question is only if I understand the DC public transport system.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6189730#post6189730

Will give you guys a feedback in the end of October ^