Alright, now I am getting terrified to drive in DC, help!!! Sept.

[Mnemosyne]

I have reservations at downtown Super8 on NY Ave. NE, but after reading some of the threads, it sounds as if a rural girl! like me may end up pulling over and crying when attempting to drive in DC.

Should I find another motel further away and take the Metro into the city?
Does anyone know what suburbs I should look in for a cheap motel near the Metro line, but away from the insane sounding traffic? I am poor and have a poor friend coming with me. She needs close to Metro for a bum ankle.

Thanks so much. I just don't want to get freaked from the traffic. I'm in a small town in NW Pa. Erie isn't bad, but Pittsburgh is really rough for me if that gives anyone an idea of what I'm used to.

Any ideas??:hi: :shrug:

[smoogatz]

1. Quit worrying.

You'll be fine. DC is just a big grid (numbers and letters, close to the Capital), with a bunch of diagonal streets (named after states, etc.) NY is one of those. Driving in DC is no big smoke--Boston, Chicago, LA, Atlanta and of course NYC are much, much worse. Avoid rush hour and you'll be fine.

The real question is, why would you want to stay in a dump like the Super Eight? You must be REALLY broke. My advice is, spend more money on the room and stay someplace nicer in NW, close to DuPont Circle. NE is a little dodgey; the DuPont area is full of decent restaurants and fun clubs, and very walkable, even at night.

[Mnemosyne]

8. I am very broke!!

On disability and own a house. I've made arrangements to skip my house payment for Sept., but it's only $250.

Super 8 is a bad area, great, definitely need to find something else.
Is Dupont Circle on the Metro line? Is it a suburb or an area?

Thanks for the help, really need it!

[smoogatz]

16. It's city center, about ten blocks from the Capital Mall

There's a major Metro station right there. But hotels won't be all that cheap. Try travelocity.com or one of those outfits and see if you can get a deal on something close in.

I just looked, and you could get a room at the Watergate for $165. What a hoot that would be.

[Mnemosyne]

17. I wish! lol,

That would be so awesome. I was a teen when Nixon got his butt kicked, but remember it well. I was still naive then and never dreamed a politician here in america would be a crook. Sorry Dick, you were.
I'm going to try a couple websites, just had no clue what would be near and accessible enough.
I will find something.
Thanks!

[dcfirefighter]

2. Maybe

Super 8 on NY Ave NE is in a neighborhood that's a little rough around the edges. Inquire if they have a downtown shuttle, because there's nothing worthwhile in walking distance. A suburban motel relatively near a Metro stop would likely have a shuttle to the Metro, check prices.

Driving to the hotel from PA should be no problem, NY ave is what 50 becomes: take the 495 exit to 50 towards washington, pass the Super 8, make a u-turn, and pull into the parking lot.

I'd recommend staying elsewhere, though.

[Mnemosyne]

5. Thanks! Can you give me an idea of suburbs with Metro

stations?
I really want to come for the march, but need to find something further out of the city.
Super 8 must be bad from what I am hearing.

Any ideas?

[VADem11]

24. Look at

places like Bethesda, Alexandria, Falls Church, and Arlington. PG county also has metro service.

[shireen]

3. don't worry! It is not that bad!

Just study the maps, and leave extra time for getting lost. Get a detailed map of DC, like the ones by ADC. First time you drive in, try to do it during the daytime so you can see where you're going and to help you be aware of your surroundings.

You'll be fine. Don't be scared, be annoyed. Don't be intimidated, be intimidating. If you get lost, call it an adventure. It's all in your attitude. That's how a chicken like me got over my fear of driving in downtown DC. LOL!

BTW, it's really cool to drive by the Capitol, White House, etc.. You'll enjoy the experience.

PM me if you need to talk .... :-)

Shireen
in Baltimore

[Botany]

4. Washington D.C. is just like Meadville, PA ....

Just bigger ..... you will be fine. Just avoid the Beltway between
5:30 AM and 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM.

The metro is nice ..... just google Washington D.C. tours and visit ......


BTW Greenbelt MD might be ok and it is on the metro.

[Mnemosyne]

6. Bless you, I'll try

Greenbelt.

Meadville huh, I can deal with that.

[FloridaPat]

7. There are lots of hotels that have free shuttle service to the Metro.

That would expand your options quite a bit. There's a Howard Johnson's in Maryland that's not too bad. Some of the hotels in Alexandria were fairly cheap too. Ones within walking distance are rather expensive.

I was in Wasington for 5 weeks last year. Everywhere I went I kept trying to figure out where I was. I was downtown trying to find a parking place near the WWII memorial and the next thing I know I'm on my way to Virginia. Did see Arlington Cemetary while I was there. DC has lots of one-way streets and if you miss the correct turn you end out in another state. I was real fond of the Metro! However, the last time I used the Metro was before Reagan's funneral. Took 1.5 hours to get out of DC.

[Mnemosyne]

10. Thanks FP, I'll look in those areas also.

I thought I was alright since the S8 is so close to downtown, but am definitely canceling and looking elsewhere.

[driver8]

9. The DC metro is awesome. Definitely take advantage of it.

Also, I don't know how cabs are now, but when I lived there cabs were relatively cheap. There is no need to drive in that city.

I would definitely find another hotel...does anyone know if there are any out in Arlington that are reasonable? That might be a good bet for her.

[Mnemosyne]

13. I'm taking everyones advice and canceling the S8.

It sounds like a bit of a bad area.
I really appreciate the suggestions. It will help me find a better place.

[thecrow]

11. Try Alexandria. Great Olds Towne, too

I think it is marriot suites in alexandrria.
You get a great suite about 95 per night and a shuttle to the metro just two blocks away.

[Mnemosyne]

15. Another great suggestion thecrow,

I've got some research to do with all the great ideas.
Thank you!

[papau]

12. some suggestions in DC and metro railed suburbs

The Super 8 NE is in a rough area. Doesn't mean you are going to get shot - it is just in a poor area.

I'd guess the price at 80 per night.

Here are a few alternatives that cost a bit more - but not out of sight by DC standards.

Inn of Rosslyn in Arlington Virginia - about 90 is my guess

Days Inn in Alexandria - I'd guess about 100 (I've stayed here but it was years ago - a very nice place that at one time had a shuttle to the Metro rail

In DC at the Hampton Inn with Internet promo codes 10150 or 9191 (???) - at 153 which is the same price as a stay 3 blocks from the WH at the Hilton Garden Inn

[Mnemosyne]

14. Super *, $77 + taxes.

I'll try the other areas you listed.

You are all just wonderful here! Thanks much!

[LynneSin]

18. Vickiss - take a look at some of these threads here in the DC forum

there are plenty of folks staying at hotels that are probably in your price range and that are much better neighborhoods. I know we have some folks at the Days in over by National Airport and I think Estimated Prophet posted about staying somewhere in Arlington for $45/night.

Pick a location that is in Arlington or Alexandra or at least near National Airport

http://www.kayak.com - use this site to help find some places in your range. They way I go to DC I get off at NY Avenue where that Super8 is located and I do not want you staying there. We can get you a nicer hotel and maybe for less money. You might also find someone looking for a roommate who can help share the costs. But most of all it would be nice to be in a hotel where other DUers are staying.

PM for any questions

:loveya:

[demgurl]

19. We are staying in Crystal City....

I booked a three star hotel through Priceline and it was only $65/night. It has a revolving restaurant that lets you see all of the tourist attractions and an indoor rooftop swimming pool. It seems very nice and if you and your friend were to go half on it, it would cost you a little over $30/night. The Metro is nearby most locations so you would be fine.

demgurl

[LynneSin]

20. I think I stayed at that hotel back in High School

we had a class trip in DC. Crystal City is a great neighborhood!

[demgurl]

21. It looks very nice, it is the Doubletree Hotel. eom

[Hissyspit]

23. Demgurl...

I'm at the Crystal City Marriott Gateway on Saturday night (it's right above the Metro station, I think). Friday night, though, I'm downtown at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.

[northzax]

22. you are right to bail in the super 8

you can't walk anywhere from there, including the Metro (oh sure, technically you can get to Union Station, but it's not worth it. If money is really tight, look out to Maryland, especially College Park, there are always lower cost places in university towns.

DC is easy to drive in, but if you don't get along with Pittsburgh, I wouldn't recommend trying here. The worst part about DC driving is that, on occasion, the intersections don't make sense, and there are so many people from out of town, you can't really predict what anyone will do. You can park in the outlying metro stops for free on the weekends, so even if you have to drive to it, you'll be fine. The 'tro is open untill 2:30 on weekends as well, so you'll be fine.

I'd be happy to help you decide on any suburban locations, pm me if you want- (oh, I do live here, I'm not just making this up, and I've stayed at that Super 8 once...don't.)