on February 23, 2005
Excuse, I didn't stay at Sheraton Crystal City Hotel. I passed by this hotel and took that picture of not very beautiful edifice of the hotel. So, I can only say that the hotel is conveniently located at main street of Crystal City (US-1), only 350 yards (m) from center of Crystal City (restaurants and entertainment there) and next to Crystal City Shops. Metro station Crystal City is located on oposite side of main street, only about 100 yards (m) south. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is only 3.4 mi by car (free hotel shuttle!). Internet price now: $187/night (2 persons in 1 room, add tax and parking fee).
ACCOMMODATIONS TIPS
1. Hotels in Arlington are generally less expensive than in downtown Washington, DC but... still expensive, usually over $150 per night.
2. Usually, more convenient location (closer to metro station), means higher price.
3. All (or almost all) hotels offer free shuttle from/to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and/or to the nearest metro station. Warning: the shuttles does NOT operate 24 hours.
4. You must always add tax to your price, eventually, especially in more expensive hotels, parking fee (I paid $8 or $10 per day).
5. In more expensive hotels breakfast is NOT included in price and can cost over $15 per person.
6. Add tips to pay (for carrying luggage, valet parking asistant etc.)
7. Everything to drink and eat in your hotel room (except coffee/tea) is paid even if it's not clearly stated.
8. The cheapest hotel I (and b1bob) found is Days Inn Washington Arlington.
9. Warning: there are two Days Inn and two Sheraton hotels in Arlington. Always use the full name of your hotel, for example Sheraton National Hotel or Sheraton Crystal City Hotel.
10. Most hotels are located either in Crystal City or in Rosslyn (both locations offer easy access to Washington, DC by metro). Crystal City looks better and offers more for visitors (more choice of nightlife, entertainment, pubs, restaurants and shopping).
To be continued in the next tip.
