Where to stay

Question

Planning to visit DC Apr 5-11, hoping to catch baseball game and maybe hockey game as well as see the sites. I’ve heard some stay in VA and travel in and some stay in downtown. Don’t mind taking public transportation or walking and would like to spend less than 350 a night. Just trying to determine best option for a couple. Thanks!

Answer

For a visit to Washington DC from April 5-11, staying downtown is generally more convenient if you want to see the major sights, attend a Nationals baseball game, and potentially catch a hockey game. Downtown DC and nearby neighborhoods like Penn Quarter, Chinatown, and near the National Mall provide easy access to museums, monuments, and Metro stations, which makes getting around without a car simple.

If you don’t mind commuting via Metro or bus, staying in Northern Virginia (Arlington or Alexandria) can be more budget-friendly and may offer some nice boutique hotels under $350/night. The Metro’s Orange, Blue, and Yellow lines connect these areas to downtown DC in 10-20 minutes, but you should factor in travel time to evening games.

Here are some areas to consider:

Downtown DC / Penn Quarter / Chinatown: Walkable to many museums, restaurants, and the Verizon Center / Capital One Arena for hockey games. Closer to Nationals Park for baseball via Metro or a short Uber ride.
Foggy Bottom / West End: Near the National Mall and accessible to Metro. A quieter area with hotels often under $350, plus easy access to sites like the Kennedy Center and Georgetown.
Arlington, VA: Slightly more affordable, especially around Crystal City or Clarendon. Easy Metro access to downtown DC, though you’ll need to plan for a short commute to museums and baseball games.
Alexandria, VA: Historic Old Town Alexandria is charming with boutique hotels and dining. Metro access to DC is good but slightly longer for evening events.

Hotel types to look for:

Mid-range boutique hotels with central locations such as Kimpton or Hyatt Place in downtown or Penn Quarter.
Chain hotels near Metro stations in VA like Hilton Garden Inn or Hyatt House for slightly lower rates.
Check for weekend deals, as weekday rates may be higher around the National Mall and Capitol area.

Overall, if your priority is minimal commuting and being near tourist attractions, downtown DC is recommended. If budget is a stronger factor and you don’t mind a 10–20 minute Metro ride, Arlington or Alexandria offer good alternatives.

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