Doubleplay

A low cost and relatively hassle free alternative is to park at Reagan Airport Economy (Long-term) lot for $12/24 hrs. Take the free shuttle bus to the Metro (subway) station and take the subway to your hotel.

I don't think you can put all day Metrorail or Metrobus passes on the SmarTrip card. The card is really more for people who use the Metro for commuting or live in DC area. If you don't plan to use is again, doesn't make sense for you to buy the card.

For Priceline name your own price, the areas closest to most of the tourist sites are (in preference order IMHO): #5: Convention Ctr - Capitol Hill area #13: White House - Downtown #8: Dupont Circle - Woodley Park #9: Georgetown - Foggy Bottom Stay away from #7: DC Suburbs - Northeast Area If you're doing name your own price, hopefully you'll get lucky and get a hotel near a Metro. The Renaissance on 9th St, the Grand Hyatt, JW Marriott and Willard are all walking distance to Metro stops. 3 star in the zones mentioned above should be fine. Crystal City is closer than you think. It's about a 15 minute subway ride to the tourist sights on the Mall. Driving (without traffic), it's 5 minutes. You will do well cost wise in #6: Crystal City which has a Metro stop and the hotels have free shuttle buses to Reagan Airport where you can also catch the Metro. You can get all day Metro passes that are good after the morning rush hour (930a).Details about the subway at www.wmata.com

bkmtl, I'm not sure what you mean by "free re-bid." I would make a bid on one zone first, then keep adding zones while increasing your bid if you desire. Everything slygirl says about walking around the Mall and Metro Center area is accurate. Metro Center would be in Zone #13.

For Priceline name your own price, the areas closest to most of the tourist sites are (in preference order IMHO): #5: Convention Ctr - Capitol Hill area #13: White House - Downtown #8: Dupont Circle - Woodley Park #9: Georgetown - Foggy Bottom Stay away from #7: DC Suburbs - Northeast Area Most hotels in these zones (other than in Georgetown) should be within walking distance of a Metro station. If you're looking for lower price, check out Crystal City. Lots of hotels there and a Metro station. The Auto Show is Jan 26-31, 2010.

For Priceline name your own price, the areas closest to most of the tourist sites are (in preference order IMHO): #5: Convention Ctr - Capitol Hill area #13: White House - Downtown #8: Dupont Circle - Woodley Park #9: Georgetown - Foggy Bottom Stay away from #7: DC Suburbs - Northeast Area If you're doing name your own price, hopefully you'll get lucky and get a hotel near a Metro. The Renaissance on 9th St, the Grand Hyatt, JW Marriott and Willard are all walking distance to Metro stops. 3 star in the zones mentioned above should be fine. For lower costs, you can go to #6: Crystal City which has a Metro stop and the hotels have free shuttle buses to Reagan Airport where you can also catch the Metro. You can get all day Metro passes that are good after the morning rush hour (930a).Details about the subway at www.wmata.com May 31 is Memorial Day and the city clears out of business travelers, so you should be able to find some good prices if you can beat the tourists making their reservations. Since Congress will be out of session, you might be able to find some good prices in the Capitol Hill zone.

Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $35.00 2 Nights Subtotal: $70.00 Taxes & Fees: $16.38 Total Charges*: $86.38 Bid won on 12/30/09. Bid was for 3*. Had been trying on & off for a few weeks at $35.

Great rate for a very nice hotel. This hotel used to be a Holiday Inn, but it has gone much more upscale. You're walking distance to Union Station (red line on metro) and the $1 circulator bus route on Mass Ave. Also walking distance to the Capitol. Don't walk at night beyond Massachusetts Ave going north or to the west as these are borderline neighborhoods. There's a homeless shelter a few blocks to the west that sometimes have unsavory types hanging out on the sidewalk. But, all in all, you did great. I've seen rates at this hotel above $350 during peak times.

Each person must have their own pass.

You can buy a 1 day pass on the Metro that is good from 930a until closing for $7.80. If you're staying just in the downtown tourist areas, make sure you are going to take at least 6 different rides since they are $1.35 each (non rush hour fare) to get your money's worth.

musinggrai, Any hotel you would get in the Capitol Hill zone would be walking distance to the Metro (subway) that will take you to the tourist sites.

For Priceline name your own price, the areas closest to most of the tourist sites are (in preference order IMHO): #5: Convention Ctr - Capitol Hill area #13: White House - Downtown #8: Dupont Circle - Woodley Park #9: Georgetown - Foggy Bottom Stay away from #7: DC Suburbs - Northeast Area If you're doing name your own price, hopefully you'll get lucky and get a hotel near a Metro. The Renaissance on 9th St, the Grand Hyatt, JW Marriott and Willard are all walking distance to Metro stops. $60-$70 for 3 star is a little low in general. But, depends on your travel dates. For that budget, you're probably better bidding in #6: Crystal City which has a Metro stop and the hotels have free shuttle buses to Reagan Airport where you can also catch the Metro. You can get all day Metro passes that are good after the morning rush hour (930a). I don't think the 1 year old has to pay for Metro. Not sure about the 5 year old. Details about the subway at www.wmata.com

The National Christmas Tree lighting is Dec 3. My guess is if you can check in on Dec 4, you might find your offers accepted...Just a guess though!

There's probably a citywide convention and it's the start of the spring tourist season. If you can come in Feb, you'll get better hotel deals. If you don't mind riding the Metro (subway), you should look at Crystal City/Reagan Airport area. You can buy an all-day pass on the Metro.

Your Offer Price: $19.00 (per day) Total Rental Days: 4 days Subtotal: $76.00 Taxes and Fees: $40.67 Total Charges: $116.67 Lowest Published Price: $205.24 Total Savings:* $88.57 (You saved 43%) This was made on 11/6/09.

Your Offer Price: $6.00 (per day) Total Rental Days: 1 days Subtotal: $6.00 Taxes and Fees: $15.37 Total Charges: $21.37 Lowest Published Price: $27.08 Total Savings:* $5.71 (You saved 21%) Made on 10/26/09

Room Cost (avg. per room, per night): $33.00 Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 1 Room Subtotal: $33.00 Taxes and Fees: $12.08 Total Room Cost: $45.08 Made on 10/29/09 Doubletree Hotel Dallas Market Center Market Center - Dal Love Field 2015 Market Center Boulevard Dallas, Texas 75207 214-741-7481

Room Cost (avg. per room, per night): $50.00 Number of Rooms: 1 Number of Nights: 2 Room Subtotal: $100.00 Taxes and Fees: $22.40 Total Room Cost: $122.40 Made at Priceline on 9/27/09 Marriott Charleston (Ashley River area) 170 Lockwood Boulevard Charleston, SC 29403