National Harbor, MD - DC Area

[crispnclean]

Has anyone stayed in the National Harbor area? It's just across the Potomac from Alexandria, but I can't tell if the Metro is accessible on that side of the river, or how you would get to the Metro without a car. Any tips or info would be appreciated.

[gt7301b]

The metro train doesn't go to National Harbor , however I am sure there is bus that goes there. You can go to wmata.com and access their trip planner.

Personally, I'd rather stay in Alexandria.

[gracie2762]

Ditto pp. Unless you're staying there for a conference, I would stay in DC or Alexandria. It's really neat at Christmas time with ICE and the decorations but other than that it's just a giant outdoor shopping mall.

[jenn248]

Ditto pps. It is not Metro accessible, and not terribly convenient to anything else either. There is a water taxi to Alexandria, but it's expensive (and probably pretty chilly this time of year). Stay in DC, Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, etc. instead. Personally, I wouldn't want to plan a trip here and stay someplace that didn't have easy access to the metro.

[crispnclean]

Thanks everyone. We are looking at going in the spring.

I was worried that it wasn't convenient for public transportation, and of course, the Metro is one of the wonderful things about DC, so it looks like that area is out. It is just a shame because the hotels there are about half the price of the rest of DC. I guess there's a reason for that!

Anyone have any other affordable, convenient recommendations for hotels or other accommodations? I checked VRBO.com and the apartments on there are not any better than the hotels.

[winnied]

I would wait until you're about 4-6 weeks out and do Priceline.

[gt7301b]

Nov 13, 2012 10:12:10 GMT -5 winnied said:

I would wait until you're about 4-6 weeks out and do Priceline.

This. NOVA is cheaper than DC. If you stay in Alexandria the King Street Metro is only a few stops from DC and the airport. (The Westin in Alexandria runs specials pretty frequently.)