Priceline Hotel: help on DC hotel!

[threeseasons]

This is the first time I visit this site. My friend recommends it to me. Why can't I have such a smart idea? :)

Now, let's talk about the business. I will visit DC from Sep.14- 17. I have a car with me. Here's my question:

1) if i stay in DC downtown, hotels don't provide free parking, don't they? how much do they charge usually?

2) if i stay in DC suburbs, where hotels probably provides free parking (not sure, but that's what i expect), is it convenient to tak the metro?

3) taking parking fee, metro fare into consideration, do you recommend staying in DC downtown or suburbs?

thanks a lot for your suggestion!

[TravelGuy]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

What is the most you'd like to spend per night on a hotel+parking?

[nilkaya]

Downtown DC -

The hotels we stayed usually charged $20 for self parking and $26 for valet parking (of course than you need to tip the valet). Some hotels (e.g., Wydham Washington DC) only have valet parking. Some hotels (e.g., Grand Hyatt Washington DC) restrick self-parking by not allowing in-and-out privileges. For saturday nights we were able to find free parking on the street when we stayed at Foggy Bottom, White House and Convention Center areas. However, it would not be the case for the week days.

DC suburbs -

We did not have to pay for parking. However, I do not know if all the hotels have a shuttle to a metro station.

[ipegleg]

Another option would be bid for downtown hotel, then drop your luggage and park the car in the economy lot at the airport. I think its $10 a day. Check the meters I think you can park for free on the weekends. A car really ends up being a liability in the city. Much easier to take metro and busses.