Priceline Hotel: Advice for DC Hotel?

[stuseattle]

We're going to be in the DC area in early October for a family event. We're staying in Bethesda for the first part of our trip but will have two days to run around the various museums and thought it would be great to either stay downtown, near the National Mall, or somewhere that really close to a Metro station. We will have a car with us -- I realize that the downtown hotels all charge for parking -- so we'd like to either get a really low price for something in DC or find a place near a Metro station that has free parking. We would prefer staying in something above 3 stars; there are two adults and one nine-year-old.

Anyway, we're looking for two nights, checking in October 6th and out the 8th. If anyone could give us some advice about which DC areas are the best/closest/safest for hitting the museums or, perhaps even better, good hotels outside the area that are really close to the Metro line, that would be wonderful. We're pretty broke at this point, after covering three flights, 5 nights in Bethesda, one new suite, two new dresses....I'd love to low-ball this one if possible.

Thanks,

stu

[thereuare]

With the opsque providers you can't choose the hotel you get, so using PRICELINE for a hotel 'near a metro stop' can be difficult and there is some risk invovled. If you decide to stay outside of the city HOTWIRE can be an option since you can often take an educated guess as to which property (or at least narrow down the potential list of properties) you will receive and research your transportation options accordingly.

Is it possible to leave your car with family for the two days, have them drop you off at a metro station, and take the train to a Downtown hotel? (then have them pick you up a few days later upon your return)

Lastly, note that PRICELINE only guarantees double occupancy, after that it's at the discretion of the hotel... you could receive a hotel with only one bed OR the hotel could also charge extra for your 9 year old. HOTWIRE is often a little more expensive, but does allow you to search for up to quad occupancy.

Let us know how you'd like to proceed and we'll advise accordingly... know your expected budget will help as well.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.