Off topic- Places to stay in DC area

[NeuroNP]

Everyone,

OK, so this isn't nursing related, but I figured this would be a good place to get input. I'm getting ready to take a quick (4 day) vacation to the DC area in a few weeks and I'm having a hard time finding a place to stay. I'm driving from Central KY (about 9 hrs) and I want/need to keep things as cheap as possible! :-)

I've always wanted to go to DC (my first degree was in US History/Poli Sci....) but everywhere I can find online to stay is at least $60-70 a night. I don't care about any ammenties, just a place to sleep where I won't be killed in my sleep or have my car stolen.

A friend suggested just going and he was SURE there were places for around $40/night that I could find. Apparently he and his wife did this when they went to Annapolis/Baltimore and stayed in a "really nice place" for $50.

So, I'm thinking about that. Anyone from that area know if such a place might exist? I'd hate to get there and find out that the cheapest really IS $65/night. And if it is possible, any suggestions on what area to look in?

Like I said, I don't know much about DC (I went once for a 1 day conference and my total exposure consisted of the ride from Vienna to Fed Triangle on the metro and back :-( very sad that I didn't get to see more...) and I don't care about niceties and frills. It'll just be me travelling alone. Just need to get away for a few days.

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Oh, and for you locals, any "must see/must do" things that aren't necesseraliy in the guide books would be great too!

Thanks!

bryan

[elkpark]

I haven't been to DC in several years, but I have had good experiences with the Motel 6 that is across the street from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and a Best Western that has something about the Capitol in its name ("Best Western Capitol Skyline,", or something like that).

Both were cheap by DC standards (the Motel 6 a little more so than the Best Western) and had secure parking and buildings. The Best Western had been recently remodeled and had cushier, more elegant rooms, but the Motel 6 was perfectly adequate and comfortable. The Motel 6 is right on the bus line, and the Best Western is on the busline and a few blocks from a Metro station.

I've traveled quite a bit around the US, and I wouldn't dream of going to a place like DC without reservations, and just take a chance that I could find something decent!

BTW, speaking of things to do, Walter Reed has an interesting museum of medical oddities and health topics that is open (free, as I recall) to the public -- well worth seeing (while we still have the chance).

Good luck with your planning, and have a great trip!

[BoonersmomRN]

If you don't need to stay in actual D.C.....try priceline with the DC suburbs. You can take the metro downtown or you could drive. Some of the suburbs I would suggest are Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, or College Park... on the MD side and all are VERY close to the Metro. They are more expensive areas but through Priceline I have gotten hotel rooms for as cheap as $40 a night for a 2 star...which was like a Comfort Inn type place.

I grew up in Hyattsville...which is also very close but not as nice an area as the above mentioned. Things to do...hmmm...well I think Mall is a MUST..the museums are free. The Holocaust museum is also very interesting..it isn't free though. If you like beer...go to the Brickskellar! And..for great shopping, etc check out Georgetown

[NeuroNP]

If you don't need to stay in actual D.C.....try priceline with the DC suburbs. You can take the metro downtown or you could drive. Some of the suburbs I would suggest are Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, or College Park... on the MD side and all are VERY close to the Metro. They are more expensive areas but through Priceline I have gotten hotel rooms for as cheap as $40 a night for a 2 star...which was like a Comfort Inn type place.

I grew up in Hyattsville...which is also very close but not as nice an area as the above mentioned. Things to do...hmmm...well I think Mall is a MUST..the museums are free. The Holocaust museum is also very interesting..it isn't free though. If you like beer...go to the Brickskellar! And..for great shopping, etc check out Georgetown

Thanks for the info! I had planned on trying to stay in a suburb and ride the metro in. I figured that would be a lot cheaper. I was just wondering which suburbs are good and which aren't. Thanks for the info!