Overnight at DCA (4-5 hours)
Jun 14, 2006 | 6:36 am
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2004
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Programs: AA EXP (1.5MM), Hilton/SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,335
Overnight at DCA (4-5 hours)
In the true MR fashion I would like to not pay for a hotel room, especially since I land on a 12:30am AA flight and depart at 6am. It hardly seems usefull to go check-in somewhere. I do have some Hilton points I would be willing to sacrifice, but not at the new 30k/night rates at the DCA hotels. Anyone have any other ideas? sleepinginairports.com only says I have to leave security, there are homeless people, and the AC will be turned up to freeze people out of the hardback chairs.
I am looking for others with ideas on what to do for this 4-5 hour layover. I would much prefer to sleep 4 hours, if possible.
I am looking for others with ideas on what to do for this 4-5 hour layover. I would much prefer to sleep 4 hours, if possible.
Jun 14, 2006 | 7:32 am
#3
Join Date: May 2004
Location: VA
Programs: Marriott Silver, Hilton Silver, Hertz #1 Gold, Avis Preferred
Posts: 709
Yeah, I really would not sleep overnight at DCA. It shuts down very, very early. Its not uncommon to land at like 8:30 and see the place totally deserted. The stores and concessions shut down early and whole concourses are pretty much closed except for the occassional arrival. You would be VERY conspicuous, and security at the least would be watching you like a hawk if not openly kick you out.
There are so many hotels near DCA, the last poster is right. Somebody is going to have a room or two they throw on priceline. If worse comes to worse, there's always the Americana or someplace crappy like that.
There are so many hotels near DCA, the last poster is right. Somebody is going to have a room or two they throw on priceline. If worse comes to worse, there's always the Americana or someplace crappy like that.
Jun 14, 2006 | 7:38 am
#4
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 99654
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i would add to the recommendation of not staying at the airport.
Here is a link to the metro system in DC, http://www.wmata.com/
Also its not difficult to find a reasonable hotel near DCA.
some may even provide a shuttle.
Here is a link to the metro system in DC, http://www.wmata.com/
Also its not difficult to find a reasonable hotel near DCA.
some may even provide a shuttle.
Jun 14, 2006 | 7:45 am
#5
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Global
Programs: BA Gold - HH Diamond
Posts: 3,541
Assuming you arrive on a Friday or Saturday when Metro runs past midnight, I would suggest you hop on the Metro (yellow or blue line) to Crystal City. When you come up the first set of escalators, take a right and walk through the underground mall (follow the signs) to the Marriott. They have a big lobby with plenty of couches, chairs, etc on the first and second floors. Might be worth a shot.
Jun 14, 2006 | 8:03 am
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Greener Pastures
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I'm going to move this to the Washington DC Forum - however, before I do so, I'll recommend checking out Best Price Guarantees on Cendant hotels (particularly the Days Inn on Columbia Pike - which has, in the past, been a good hotel to beat their best price & get a free room). Priceline is always a good bet & the Americana hotel in Arlington is usually pretty cheap - http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-3702...crystal_city-i
bhatnasx
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bhatnasx
Mileage Run Moderator
Jun 14, 2006 | 9:15 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Alexandria VA, Washington, DC or Pick 5
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If you do decide to use priceline....
on biddingfortravel.com someone just posted the following
3* Doubletree Crystal City - $55
I saw four other postings for the Doubletree with ranges from the $55 above to $65......so I would say you might want to try a 3* in Crystal City for around those ranges
on biddingfortravel.com someone just posted the following
3* Doubletree Crystal City - $55
I saw four other postings for the Doubletree with ranges from the $55 above to $65......so I would say you might want to try a 3* in Crystal City for around those ranges
Jun 14, 2006 | 10:27 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: UA 2.5MM; HH Diamond; Hyatt Platinum; MR Gold
Posts: 1,361
I've got to agree with what everyone else said. As many hotels as there are in and around Crystal City, you should be able to get a decent rate at one of them. Be sure to ask if they have shuttle service and when they start, as MetroRail doesn't open until 7:00 am on the weekends.
Jun 14, 2006 | 2:20 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Greer,SC,USA
Posts: 899
If you're really hellbent on not getting a hotel, here's my suggestion
There's a great coffeeshop/bar/lounge called Tryst in DC that's open until 3AM on the weekends. It also has free wireless, so you can play around on your comp. After 3AM, there's a 24 hour dinner place called The Diner that's right next door where you can eat up before your flight out. You can take a taxi there and back, all for less than the price of a hotel room.
Jun 14, 2006 | 5:46 pm
#12
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Originally Posted by fwfdan
I didn't think there were flights that arrived that late into DCA.... Where is the flight from?
The only reason I say no hotel, is the timeframe. If I get get from DCA to Hotel in under 20 minutes, it might be worth it, I will check out suggested options and report back. It is already booked, so not doing it isn't an option at this point. And yes, it is this Sunday.
I just think my ability to oversleep might be tested, especially if I crash at 1:45am and need to be up at 4:30 am to make a 6am flight.
And no checked luggage.
