DC, Metro, and hotel suggestions

[Melman]

I'm going to be in DC in December for a concert at the MCI Center. I guess that's pretty much in the middle of DC...or at least close enough to the center that I really don't want to drive.

I'm looking for suggestions on a hotel that meets certain requirements:
* preferably on the southwest side of the city (Alexandria, Falls Church, etc.)
* I'd really like to find a hotel that is VERY close to a Metro station....within a block of so. I need to be able to drive to the hotel easy enough from central Virginia when we arrive in DC. It will be close to midnight on a Saturday night when we're returning from the concert....something a little unsettling about a walking a long distance in an unknown area so I really want easy proximity to a station.
* I'd love to find a hotel in the Hilton hotel line that meets these two requirements (Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, Doubletree, Hilton, etc.)

I wondered if there might be a hotel that meets these requirements near National Airport...there's a metro station there, right? I'm just not familiar enough with the area to really pinpoint any good ideas.

Any northern Virginians or DC-residents checking the board????

Thanks for your help!!!!

[ChristineVA]

The Marriott in Crystal City, Virginia. There are actually 2 or 3 Marriott's in Crystal City but one of them is directly over top of the Metro Line. It gets good reviews to and sometimes they run a $99 per night special. When you do your search on it, make sure it is the one that is over top of the Metro. They will ALL advertise their Metro access. It might be the Crystal City Marriott Gateway. Just not sure...sorry.
Christine

[Melman]

Thanks for the suggestion. I like the idea the Metro is right there. I've never driven to that area though. Is it easy enough to get to it from one of the major interstates?

Anyone else? Any suggestions in the Hilton family?

Thanks!

[ChristineVA]

Crystal City is as easy to get to as anything in DC. :p You would take 395N and exit near the Pentagon. There is a Hilton at Crystal City that is fairly nice but it is on the South end of Crystal City versus the North End where the subway stop is. Of course, the Hilton would have a shuttle service to and from the Metro, but it would not be something that I would walk from after the concert. Just too late and it's probably about a mile walk.

[memartha]

We stayed at the Crystal City Marriott when we drove to DC last spring. It was VERY easy to drive right into... we had never been in the area before and did it no problem. As stated, it is right on top of a Metro Station, which made it very convenient to get to DC and other places. I got the recommendation from this BB and was grateful... it worked out so well.

[2HUNGRY!]

Crystal City was the first thing that popped into my head as well. There are also a lot of resturants in that area, its easy to get to and find, and well lit at night.

I think there is also a Hilton on Courthouse Road in Arlington if you would like to see another option. It is about a block away from the Courthouse stop on the orange line, and off I-66 or Rt 50.

[Melman]

I told my friend in Virginia about the Marriott...she really liked the idea of taking the escalator to the Metro. Not a bad deal.

I'll also check on the Hilton possibilities. I *THINK* I may have enough Hilton Honors points to get a free night's stay. That was the main reason for checking out a Hilton option. Of course, I can use it some other time if the Marriott works out better.

Thanks so much for these suggestions! It's exactly what I needed....someone in the know! (or a few someones!)