Looking at a short trip in mid may to DC, mainly to visit the Smithsonian Air and Space museum, Natural History Museum, and just site see some of the monuments and such. Hotel prices in downtown near the museums are insane. Where is the easiest place to get a (relatively) reasonably priced hotel and be able to easily get to the museums and mall area via uber or mass transit without getting mugged? Would love to be under $300/night, but mainly just not interested in paying $500+ per night.

Also, how hard is it to get to downtown DC from the Baltimore airport? Is there a metrorail line or bus service that is easy to use and relatively safe?

Stay in Crystal City or Rosslyn across the River in Virginia and the hotel options will be plentiful and cheaper and you will be an easy Metro ride (subway) from the museums and downtown DC.

There are trains from BWI to Union Station. You can then transfer to the Metro to get to your hotel. MARC trains are cheaper. Amtrak trains are nicer and faster.

I've been staying at the Hilton Key as of late for all of my work trips. Great location, 2 blocks from the Roslyn metro and walkable/short uber to Georgetown restaurants/bars across the bridge. Brand new hotel (less than a year old I believe). I've gotten upgraded to the 1 bedroom suite overlooking the Potomac with views of the Washington monument and Capitol building off in the distance 2/3 last stays I've been there.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcarthh-hilton-arlington-rosslyn-the-key/

Jock 07 said:

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I've been staying at the Hilton Key as of late for all of my work trips. Great location, 2 blocks from the Roslyn metro and walkable/short uber to Georgetown restaurants/bars across the bridge. Brand new hotel (less than a year old I believe). I've gotten upgraded to the 1 bedroom suite overlooking the Potomac with views of the Washington monument and Capitol building off in the distance 2/3 last stays I've been there.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dcarthh-hilton-arlington-rosslyn-the-key/

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Thanks for location info. Looks like a great place. Unfortunately, they want $495/night in mid may.

Not sure of your specific dates but I'd suggest the below. They should all be right around/under $300 a night.

- Hamilton Hilton
- Hotel Zena
- Eaton DC
- Viceroy DC

Check price of Westin Crystal City/Reagan Airport. Right at that metro stop

TXAggie2011 said:

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Check price of Westin Crystal City/Reagan Airport. Right at that metro stop

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Good call, that is $250/ night

Thanks!

I've only visited once to see all the monuments and museums and stayed at the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall. It felt safe enough for me, my wife and daughter and was a short walk to the National Mall. Uber pickup and dropoff was also very quick and convenient. It wasn't luxurious but was a convenient location to the things we wanted to see/do. I don't remember the price, but I'm pretty cheap when it comes to hotels, so I'm sure it was significantly less than $500/night.

There are also many other hotel properties in the same area if you prefer Hilton or Marriott.