Washington D.C. Hotel Tips by Dabs

Hyatt Regency Crystal City: Priceline in Crystal City, Arlington VA

After bidding on Priceline up to $90 per night for a more centrally located hotel, I changed my plan to bid for Crystal City which is one metro stop away from Reagan National airport. I got this hotel for $50 per night. Crystal City is actually in Arlington VA but is very convenient to DC. I think it took me about 15 minutes by metro to get into the central area of DC.

The Hyatt is one of the least convenient hotels to the Crystal City metro, on foot it is about 15-20 minutes. The Hyatt does have a shuttle from the metro that runs every 1/2 hour or so but it was not very well marked. As you come out of the metro, do a U turn and walk over to where you see bus shelters and ask if they are waiting for hotel shuttles.

Within 4 or 5 blocks of the hotel there are many restaurants, mostly on 23rd St. The hotel recommended Portofino, an Italian place or Jaleo which is the one we tried. There is also a Legal Seafoods, Chili's and McDonald's nearby.

I grabbed breakfast at the Safeway grocery store in the Crystal City underground mall, there was also an Au Bon Pain but it wasn't open yet.

Unique Qualities: For $50 per night this was a perfectly fine hotel, check in was quick, check out can be done by phone or on the TV. The room didn't have a lot of extra amenities-no in room safe, no mini bar or refrigerator, no internet hookup.

But it was comfortable enough, the shower had plenty of hot water and the bed was comfortable.

Address: 2799 Jefferson Davis, Arlington VA

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: South of the Crystal City metro, take the shuttle the first time you go, especially if you have luggage

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Westin Embassy Row (formerly the Westin Fairfax): Priceline in DuPont Circle The Fairfax at Embassy Row Washington D.C. Review

I was having trouble bidding on Priceline for Friday and Saturday in DuPont Circle (stopped at $90) so I ended up breaking my trip into 2 pieces and stayed one night at the Westin Embassy Row. I bid $85 for a 3* in DuPont Circle and ended up with the 4* Westin.

I liked the location a lot, a few blocks from the red line metro, a nice walk down the beginning of Embassy Row on Massachusetts St. The surrounding area is filled with restaurants (see review for Pizza Paradiso), shops and beautiful mansions now housing embassies. There are several places to grab breakfast in the area including a Krispy Kreme if you're in a hurry, a couple of bakeries and Kramer's.

Unique Qualities: Room-Westin has the Heavenly Beds which I love, lots and lots of comfy pillows and bedding! There was a in room safe, minibar, TV with a few stations including Showtime, internet connection (extra fee) and AC. I didn't have much of a view but really no hotels in Washington DC do because of the height restrictions.

Bathroom-shower had plenty of hot water and the Heavenly Shower which gives you multiple settings, toiletries included soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion, huge fluffy towels, a hair dryer and a coffeemaker with Starbucks products.

Address: 2100 MASSACHUSETTS AVE NW, Washington, DC 20008

Comparison: about average

Directions: DuPont Circle

Price: US$80-120

Theme: Hotel