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I'm planning to visit Washington, D.C. in April from Burlington, VT. I'd like to avoid the hassle of driving and parking while sightseeing by staying somewhere "out of town" and using the METRO system to get around. Any suggestions for a location to hone into in search of a hotel?
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Staying "somewhere 'out of town' and using the METRO system to get around" is a great way to avoid the hassles of driving and parking in the District, both of which can be a nightmare. The easiest way to find a specific 'somewhere' is to check the map of the DC Metro System to find where the stations are that are outside the Beltway and have parking (almost all of them). I'd try to stay near the end-of-the-line so that you're assured of near empty cars when you start your trip into the city. If you're driving to DC directly from Burlington, then I'd suggest using I-87/I-88/I-81/US-15/I-270 rather than I-87/I-95. That's a little bit longer but avoids the New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore areas and attendant toll roads and bridges. In that case you'd be looking to stay somewhere near the northwest end of the Red Line in Shady Grove or Rockville MD. Hotels and motels within walking distance of a Metro station will most likely feature that fact in their advertising and site descriptions.
AZBuck
The one huge caveat.... all of the park-n-rides are over subscribed during weekdays. A couple of years ago in February, every parking lot I checked as I drove in from Maryland was full. I actually found a parking spot down by the tidal basin and then walked around the district. I used a taxi to drive me back to the Tidal Basin that night that I hailed at Union Station.
Metro is a great way to get around -- but don't be to discouraged about driving around the district. I've done it several times. Yes, it is a bit slow, but still fun.
Mark
There are two hotels within 500 yards of the Twinbrook Metro station in Rockville, the Hilton Rockville and the Ramada Rockville; one, the Comfort Inn Shady Grove, within a mile of the Shady Grove Metro station; and several within a mile of the Silver Spring Metro station: the Crowne Plaza Silver Spring, the Travelodge Silver Spring, the Ramada Limited Silver Spring, and the Silver Spring Motel. And that's just on the northwest end of the Red Line. You can also check the northern end of the same line (it's a bit 'U' shaped) in Glenmont, Wheaton and Forest Glen for other lodging choices that are close enough to stations that you can just leave your car at 'home'.
AZBuck
Take the train all the way from the Northeast to DC and back. Many hotels within a mile or two from a metro stop will provide complimentary shuttle service. Recommended DC Metro Line end of lines include:
- Yellow Line both ends
- Red Line both ends
- Orange Line Vienna end
- Silver Line West terminus
- Blue Line Franconia-Springfield
The Virginia stops are good and safe.
Ditto for the Red Line Maryland.