Advantages to Staying In Arlington, VA

Arlington can be segmented into two categories, the area near the airport, and the young posh urban high-rise neighborhoods of Ballston, Clarendon and Rosslyn. The number one reason to stay in Arlington over suburban Maryland is the relatively short metro ride to access tourist destinations and downtown. The number one reason to stay in Arlington over DC is cost savings, and the potential for free parking. Arlington has a high population of young professionals so nightlife specifically near the Ballston metro station and Clarendon metro station is always available. The Clarendon metro station is the focal point for a plethora of restaurants and bars.

Ballston

Neighborhood Vibe: The Ballston Neighborhood is located just off of I-66 about 15 minutes outside DC in Virginia along the Orange and Silver lines. It is part of Arlington, VA. Ballston is a vibrant area filled with luxury apartments and office buildings. Walk 3 blocks from the Metro and the urban landscape turns to dense suburbia filled with townhomes. Ballston’s population is predominantly young professionals. There is a yuppie vibe to it, but with that affluence brings charming squares and over 40 restaurants. Most travels and residents will describe Ballston as as safe place with people on the streets late into the night and early in the morning. If Arlington is your destination Ballston is generally your best choice. Hotels near Ballston Metro.

Who is Best for this Location?

This neighborhood and hotel price point appeals to just about all travelers. With good proximity to downtown, airports and the National Mall it is hard to go wrong at Ballston as long as your budget can handle the high weekday rates. Hotels near Ballston Metro.

Clarendon

Neighborhood Vibe: The Clarendon and Courthouse metro stations form the heart of bustling Arlington. A little less than a mile separates these two stations, but the area is a vibrant, urban center, and the section of Arlington that has the most to offer visitors. Full of luxury high-rises and single-family homes, Clarendon/Courthouse is home to affluent families and young professionals. Though the area can get a bit rowdy on weekend nights, this neighborhood is safe and welcoming. Hotels near Clarendon Metro.

Who is Best for this Location?

This neighborhood is ideal for all visitors. Families and those traveling without children will all find something about this comfortable area to recommend. Shoppers will enjoy the mix of major retailers, like Ann Taylor and Pottery Barn, and independent shops, like South Moon Under, a local clothing boutique. Hotels near Clarendon Metro.

Crystal City

Neighborhood Vibe: Crystal City is an urban area of Arlington, VA, mostly dedicated to business. While its close proximity to the Pentagon means you’ll find a number of high-rises filled with young professionals and military personnel, the neighborhood can empty out after business areas. This is a safe neighborhood and the metro is in close walking distance to the hotels. Crystal City does, however, straddle a major highway, so visitors, especially those with small children, should be cautious of traffic while walking around. Hotels near Crystal City Metro.

Who is Best for this Location?

Crystal City is a great location for those visiting on business who need quick access to DCA and the Pentagon. It is generally more affordable than neighborhoods in DC proper, so is a great option for tourists. Hotels near Crystal City Metro.

Rosslyn

Neighborhood Vibe: Rosslyn is a neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, located just across the Potomac River from DC proper. Rosslyn lies on the blue, orange, and silver lines and is notable for the high-rise buildings that make up the Virginia skyline as viewed from DC. Rosslyn is home to mostly young professionals taking up residences in the high-rise apartment buildings. This area is really the commercial center of Arlington; you’ll find better nightlife and activity options in the Clarendon/Courthouse neighborhood just a bit south. Rosslyn is bustling on weekdays; while still safe on the weekends, you’ll find it much quieter. Hotels near Rosslyn Metro.

Who is Best for this Location?

Being the heart of commercial Arlington, Rosslyn is the ideal place for business travelers to northern Virginia. Those looking to stay in a vibrant neighborhood should look to nearby Clarendon/Courthouse, but Rosslyn is a good option for visitors looking to stay outside the city, but retain easy access. Hotels near Rosslyn Metro.

The Cheapest Arlington Hotels Near the Metro

The cheapest hotel in Arlington within walking distance to the Rosslyn metro is the Best Western, although this requires walking up a long hill. Americana near Crystal City rates average $107 and this hotel can be classified as economy. This hotel is close to the airport.

Hotels With Free Parking in Arlington Near the Metro

There are four hotels which offer free parking in Arlington, VA near metro stations. Subsequently these hotels are the cheapest to stay in most of the time and are all solids choices for budget conscious visitors. Those are the Comfort Inn near the Ballston Metro, the Holiday Inn and Best Western near the Rosslyn Metro, and finally if you are staying near the airport in Crystal City, the Americana offers guests free parking.

Best Arlington, VA Hotels for Weekend Visits

Hotel rates around Arlington will fall dramatically during the weekend and allow travelers to upgrade their stay. The Residence Inn in Ballston is a brand new hotel, and their weekend rates will drop.

The Best Luxury Hotel in Arlington, VA

The Westin in Ballston is situated in a fabulous location encompassed by a series of courtyards that makes for a relaxing and convenient evening after tourist activities or a long conference. Just steps away from the Westin is Grand Cru a wine bar, or for beer drinkers World of Beer is also nearby. Across the street is Ted’s Mountain Grill, which serves up excellent bison burgers. The Westin welcomes pets, and walking to the metro takes you though two nice squares. Getting there is easy because I-66 drops you off right near the hotel.

Biking in Arlington to Tourist Destinations

Staying in Rosslyn will put you at the spur of all the major bike paths, and trails. You can ride over a hundred unique miles throughout the DC area. Take the Mt. Vernon trail to visit George Washington’s Estate at Mt. Vernon, or cross the Key Bridge and begin traveling through Rock Creek Park and loop back through Bethesda using the Capital Crescent Trail. If you head west up the Custis Trail you’ll be able to pass through several Arlington neighborhoods and drop out back on the Mr. Vernon trail near the Airport where you can watch the planes land over your head. Or, if you want to head over to the National Mall this is doable and easy from Rosslyn. From the other side of the Key Bridge is the C&O tow path which will take you to Great Falls National Park or all the way to Pittsburgh.