Washington D.C. (including Baltimore) - Marine Corps Marathon Hotel Questions

I am planning on going to DC to run the Marine Corps Marathon this October 28. I see the headquarters hotel is the Hyatt Capital Hill, but this is not walking distance from the start and finish lines.

I am somewhat familiar with the DC metro and have a son at American University, so I also plan to see him over the weekend.

My questions are what hotels are recommended for this race? I am looking for the least hassle getting from the hotel to the starting line and from the finish line back to the hotel. I am not averse to taking the metro or shuttle, I just want to sleep as late as possible and get back to my hotel and shower as quickly as possible. I will have to rely on public transportation to the start line and from the finish line.

I plan on flying to IAD, renting a car and using the metro to get around the city the rest of the weekend.

I am Hilton Diamond and have status on Starwood and Hyatt, but convenience and a nice hotel are more important to me than a low price or chain. Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

If this map (http://www.marinemarathon.com/MCM_Runner_Info/Course_Maps_908.htm) is correct, the finish line is an easy walk from the Holiday Inn Arlington and the Hyatt Arlington. You finish up in the park where the Marine Memorial and Netherlands Carillon are (some photos HERE (http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-USA/Washington-DC/2009-4th-of-July-Fireworks/8793074_XjgTdW#!i=582129411&k=o75dA) and HERE (http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-USA/Washington-DC/2009-Independence-Day-Weekend/8782351_QRsGrV#!i=581363239&k=v6kuS)). I've walked over there for the fireworks before from the Hyatt. Nearest Metro is Rosslyn which is a block from either hotel.

From the other side (starting line), there's a cluster of hotels within a block of Crystal City Metro station, including a Hampton Inn, Radisson, Sheraton and Marriott, so you would not need to walk far for Metro access. It would be three stops on the Metro to Arlington Cemetery which looks like the closest station to the starting point (other option would be Pentagon Metro--need to find out which works best). Another option would be Ritz Carlton at Pentagon City Metro. There would be other hotel options if you wanted to walk in or shuttle in from further away, including Hyatt Crystal City. These hotels closer to Crystal City Metro would limit your travel time on the ground.

However, if you stay in Arlington, it would only be one stop to get from Rosslyn over to Arlington Cemetery Metro for the start. I'd probably stay over there just to be close to the hotel at the end and not deal with Metro at all.

Holiday Inn Arlington:

http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-USA/Washington-DC/2011-Washington-DC/i-MZtR8CK/0/M/P1290075-M.jpg

Hyatt Arlington:

http://tom911.smugmug.com/Hotels/Hyatt-Hotels/2009-Hyatt-ArlingtonVirginia/P1130880/581380471_ipdPS-M.jpg

Good luck!

if you use google, and type in a zip code and the code word HOTEL, you will see all the hotels in the area.

Anything in Rosslyn would be excellent.

The Hyatt in Rosslyn is where most of my colleagues stay when visiting our offices there. The Key Bridge Marriott is also close by and popular, though I used to prefer the Courtyard a few blocks away before I moved here. There is also a Holiday Inn nearby that seems to have a lot of tour groups. The Hotel Palomar is a very nice boutique hotel and I believe it has moved from Kimpton to Starwood recently, so might also be a possibility.

You know you will get into the race? I thought it was by lottery.

Agreed that almost any hotel in Rosslyn should be convenient. Check Tripadvisor, etc. We recently stayed at the Hyatt. Nothing special, but fine and location is good. Lots of other hotels in the area, including the Marriott, Courtyard and Residence Inn, Holiday Inn, Virginia Suites, etc. All are walking distance of the Rosslyn Metro station, so you would not need a car even to get to American University (all charge for parking). Tons of hotels in Crystal City area, as well. You could go through Hotwire or Priceline but may be a bit further out (e.g., Hyatt had good weekend rates, but we went with Priceline during the week, hoping we might just stay at the Hyatt; ended up getting the Westin Arlington Gateway, which was actually newer and nicer than the Hyatt, but you would need to take Metro (Ballston station) to get to the race area). Note that in Rosslyn hotels you can hear airplane noise from planes landing at or taking off from National Airport (usually landing but they do change depending on wind, etc.); planes go from about 7 a.m. until maybe 10 or 11 p.m., but in most cases it's not too bad.

Does the race have special rates at any hotels other than the "official" one? I was in L.A. during the marathon there (not to race), and one could get discounted rates at several hotels by booking through the marathon's Web site.

The Hotel Palomar is a very nice boutique hotel and I believe it has moved from Kimpton to Starwood recently, so might also be a possibility.

It's now a Le Meridien. If it matters, it (and the Marriott, and the HI) are at the northern end of Rosslyn, and the finish line is at the south.

There's also the Sheraton National just south of the cemetery, probably the closest hotel to the starting line.

Thanks all for your help with the exception of @slawecki who seems to be just trying to increase his/her post count.

I am entered in the marathon. Apparently it was first come first served and "sold out" in 2-3 hours. I thank my iphone for reminding me to register. I'll probably stay in Rosslyn as that seems to be the location of the post race festivities. As a veteran of many marathons, there is a difference between the closest hotel to the finish line, and the closest hotel to the area where they let runners grab their bags and leave the corrals.

There are "official" hotels with "discounts" for the race but I am grateful that I do not need to limit myself to just these options, but of course I am also not interested in wasting money either.

I am entered in the marathon. Apparently it was first come first served and "sold out" in 2-3 hours. I thank my iphone for reminding me to register. I'll probably stay in Rosslyn as that seems to be the location of the post race festivities. As a veteran of many marathons, there is a difference between the closest hotel to the finish line, and the closest hotel to the area where they let runners grab their bags and leave the corrals.

I've run MCM a few times and the end of the "chute" at the end will place you basically in Rosslyn, so you'll be good to go. The Marriott Key Bridge is decent if you have any status with them.

Thanks all for your help with the exception of @slawecki who seems to be just trying to increase his/her post count.

I am entered in the marathon. Apparently it was first come first served and "sold out" in 2-3 hours. I thank my iphone for reminding me to register. I'll probably stay in Rosslyn as that seems to be the location of the post race festivities. As a veteran of many marathons, there is a difference between the closest hotel to the finish line, and the closest hotel to the area where they let runners grab their bags and leave the corrals.

There are "official" hotels with "discounts" for the race but I am grateful that I do not need to limit myself to just these options, but of course I am also not interested in wasting money either.

Rosslyn is a good spot to stay, since there's no change from one Metro line to another to get to the start. Rosslyn has also gained a few more hotels in recent years, as noted upthread. The better ones are on or near the main streets in the neighborhood: Wilson Boulevard, Clarendon Boulevard, N. Fort Myer Drive, N. Lynn Street. (Along or near Route 50, aka Arlington Boulevard: not quite as nice, but still convenient.)

The scene after the finish line is beyond chaotic, so it's not like you'll get to your room in a hurry. FWIW, your pigging-out options expand as you walk uphill along Wilson Boulevard... and what's a little stroll after running 26.2 miles?

Good luck!

I've run it a few times and stayed in Crystal City, Arlington and downtown DC.

As they strongly urge runners to take the subway to the start - I choose lodging most convienant for my pre-race meals, and relaxation.

I didn't like staying in downtown DC one year as it was homecoming for Howard U and lots of noise at my hotel. So, check the dates of conflicting events.

Keep in mind - late check out on Sunday depending on your race time or book until Monday to avoid problems depending how far you are from start.

I've run it a few times and stayed in Crystal City, Arlington and downtown DC.

As they strongly urge runners to take the subway to the start - I choose lodging most convienant for my pre-race meals, and relaxation.

I didn't like staying in downtown DC one year as it was homecoming for Howard U and lots of noise at my hotel. So, check the dates of conflicting events.

Keep in mind - late check out on Sunday depending on your race time or book until Monday to avoid problems depending how far you are from start.

Excellent point! The race ends in the afternoon and you don't want to have to go to your flight without showeing (your fellow passengers might not like it, either). And Sunday evening you can relax and chat with other racers at any of the many, many local restaurants and bars. I've never run the race, but have helped at the Hash House Harriers beverage stop you might see around Mile 17. Note: those cups aren't filled with water (though there are lots of water stops along the route). Saw lots of racers in the Rosslyn hotels, many lining upto use the lobby rest rooms. Uphill on Wilson Blvd. might be tough for many. The last, small uphill to the Iwo Jima Memorial is tough for some, I've heard.

The last, small uphill to the Iwo Jima Memorial is tough for some, I've heard.

Hell, yes. But it's not as bad as crossing the 14th Street Bridge, when you hit a long stretch with zero shade, few or no spectators to cheer you on and a slight uphill grade once you reach Virginia--and all starting at mile 20.

(Running through the finish line and then having a Marine drape a finisher's medal around your neck more than makes up for all that, not that I'm looking to do this a third time.)

Hell, yes. But it's not as bad as crossing the 14th Street Bridge, when you hit a long stretch with zero shade, few or no spectators to cheer you on and a slight uphill grade once you reach Virginia--and all starting at mile 20.


I've long argued that they need to do something about the last part of this race for that exact reason. It's boring, it's ugly, and it's lonely at the exact time when you need some stimulation. A terrible end to an otherwise great race, IMHO.

I ran it last year (too slow at entering this year) and stayed at the Holiday Inn at L'Enfant Plaza. Couple of 100m from the subway that takes you straight to the Pentagon. Then it's either wait for a shuttle bus in a long queue or walk the mile or so to the baggage area along with all the others - however you get to the start, wrap up very warm as it's freezing!
(Also L'Enfant Plaza is a direct subway ride to DCA)

Getting out of Rosslyn afterwards is a pain though. Long queues for the subway that stretch for quite a bit (especially if you come in around the 4h30+ mark) - not that bad before that and a hour or two after. Expect maybe an hour of queuing if you time it badly.

Chose to stay away from Arlington as it was my first time in DC and I wanted to be near various touristy things. If you know the city and the surroundings, it's no real hassle staying in Arlington, Rosslyn etc as everywhere is a cab or subway ride away.

Think the Arlington Cemetary subway station was closed until 8:30am on race day last year so you had to go to nearest alternative, the Pentagon.

Cheers - And to everyone that wants more information or has specific questions - post them here (for everyone) or ask me directly...

I've run the past several Marine Corps Marathons and this year to do something different, I'm going to run the 10K - same day, just the end of the course.

I live between Pentagon/Crystal City, two blocks south of the Pentagon, so I generally walk to and from the race on race days.

It is easily the best marathon that I've run in terms of support and organization, and as others have stated - the Marines throughout the course make for an unforgettable experience.

Good Luck!

-jeremy

I've long argued that they need to do something about the last part of this race for that exact reason. It's boring, it's ugly, and it's lonely at the exact time when you need some stimulation. A terrible end to an otherwise great race, IMHO.

While I agree with you - I compliment the changes they made to avoid the long boring park before crossing the bridge into VA.

I don't know any other place on the course which can accomodate the crowds/finish line and disruption for the 30,000+ runners for the duration of time. As I've done it a few times I actually find the end somewhat fun as you are on this lonely highway, slight incline and it is you against the pavement and less than a mile.

While I agree with you - I compliment the changes they made to avoid the long boring park before crossing the bridge into VA.

I don't know any other place on the course which can accomodate the crowds/finish line and disruption for the 30,000+ runners for the duration of time. As I've done it a few times I actually find the end somewhat fun as you are on this lonely highway, slight incline and it is you against the pavement and less than a mile.

Me too...however in this past year's race, there were a bunch more people, and an organized band (not marching band) playing exactly at the 13.1 mile marker at the tip of Hains' point, which had way more spectators than in years past.

Plus, there were a bunch more people on Route 110 (the last stretch you are referring to) between the Pentagon and Marshall Drive (the hill at the end), but I agree - it's nice for it to be quiet, albeit the direct sun is a killer for me!

-jeremy

Me too...however in this past year's race, there were a bunch more people, and an organized band (not marching band) playing exactly at the 13.1 mile marker at the tip of Hains' point, which had way more spectators than in years past.

Plus, there were a bunch more people on Route 110 (the last stretch you are referring to) between the Pentagon and Marshall Drive (the hill at the end), but I agree - it's nice for it to be quiet, albeit the direct sun is a killer for me!

-jeremy

I don't know any other place on the course which can accomodate the crowds/finish line and disruption for the 30,000+ runners for the duration of time. As I've done it a few times I actually find the end somewhat fun as you are on this lonely highway, slight incline and it is you against the pavement and less than a mile.

If it were me I'd end the race on rock creek parkway. Close it and have the race finish around Woodley or so.

Also Boston finishes right in Copley Square which is even more complicated and congested.

Thanks for the thoughts on the run. So does anyone have hotel advice...who has stayed at Le Meridian, the Sheraton National...or Key Bridge Marriott....anyt where else please.

You'll find threads about most hotels under the specific hotel forums, e.g..:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/1324973-le-meridien-arlington-virginia-master-thread.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/167920-sheraton-national-arlington-virginia-washington-d-c-master-thread.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/172792-sheraton-crystal-city-vs-sheraton-national.html

You know you will get into the race? I thought it was by lottery.

All are walking distance of the Rosslyn Metro station, so you would not need a car even to get to American University (all charge for parking).

It is possible to use either Metro and walking, or a combination of Metro and Bus to get from Rosslyn to AU, but it is a time-consuming process given the distance (45 mins - 1 hour, including walking).

A taxi from Rosslyn not early in the day would probably take 10-15 minutes at most. Later in the day, a back-up forms crossing the Key Bridge for the left turn you need to make at the end, adding another 5-10 minutes.

If you do decide to take the metro-only route, it is about a 20 minute walk from Tenleytown metro station to the main campus of AU, a 5 minute walk to the Tenleytown campus.

You could always walk across the Key Bridge and catch one of the 30 buses in Georgetown up to Tenley and then walk the 15 mins to AU.

It is possible to use either Metro and walking, or a combination of Metro and Bus to get from Rosslyn to AU, but it is a time-consuming process given the distance (45 mins - 1 hour, including walking).

A taxi from Rosslyn not early in the day would probably take 10-15 minutes at most. Later in the day, a back-up forms crossing the Key Bridge for the left turn you need to make at the end, adding another 5-10 minutes.

If you do decide to take the metro-only route, it is about a 20 minute walk from Tenleytown metro station to the main campus of AU, a 5 minute walk to the Tenleytown campus.

You could always walk across the Key Bridge and catch one of the 30 buses in Georgetown up to Tenley and then walk the 15 mins to AU.

Good point, that is a more direct route, although not the one recommended by WMATA which pushes you towards the metro.

However, the walk from Rosslyn hotels to the bridge, across it, and up to Wisconsin always seems to take longer than I expect it to.

However, the walk from Rosslyn hotels to the bridge, across it, and up to Wisconsin always seems to take longer than I expect it to.

Especially with a tropical storm rolling through town! :eek:

I'm a little late in thanking everyone for the advice. I ended up staying at the Hilton in Arlington (Ballston) since I stayed there before and was able to use points. A few comments to conclude this thread for those thinking of running next year.

The Hilton Arlington is right on top of the Ballston Metro, so I was able to take the subway to the Pentagon for the start of the race. I did have to change trains in Rosslyn, and when I got there around 6 am (two hours before the start) the connecting trains coming from DC were packed that I had to wait for a second train to get on. Some commented about either walking the 1 1/2 miles to the start or getting on the opposite train for a stop to be on the connecting train before getting to Rosslyn.

The race itself was great. There was a lingering threat of rain from Sandy, but it didn't end up raining until around 6 pm.

I would agree that the Hyatt in Rosslyn is probably the best and closest hotel to stay if proximity to the finish is important. In hindsight it may have been a better choice. Instead I had to wait about 30 minutes to enter the metro station which had a line backed up to the Hyatt.

Fortunately, my evening flight back to LAX was one of the last planes out of IAD that night and was not canceled. However, there was definitely a heightened anxiety level for me as many other flights were canceled by United that night. I would have to add that IAD is unnecessarily huge and the amount of walking needed to get from the street to the gate is more than most airports, although maybe after running 26 miles, it just felt that way to me.