Travelers coming to DC for business or pleasure often weigh the pros and cons of staying outside DC versus staying downtown near the business hubs and tourist spots. Ask anyone who has visited DC before and they will tell you that the Metro system will make your life easier. The Metro helps travelers avoid DC’s gridlocked traffic, and confusing interchanges. In addition finding a hotel near the Metro can offer up big savings over multiple day trips. We set out to find out on average how much you can save by staying outside DC near the Metro without lowering the quality of the hotel.

The Short Answer

On average during the weekday expect to save between $150 and $200 a night. We examined three situations. Staying near the airport, staying outside DC near I-495 in Maryland or Virginia, and staying at the premier hotel for families visiting the National Mall vs. comparable hotels outside DC.

The Courtyard Marriott provides a relatively standard experience from one location to another. Each Courtyard has a Bistro that serves American cuisine, there is a modest fitness room, internet is free, but breakfast is not included with stay. We took a look at what travelers can save by staying in a Courtyard Marriott outside DC in either VA or MD. We found that travelers can save on average $200 during the week and about $100 during the weekend with giving up a 30 minute commute in return.

We compared this Holiday Inn with two others outside DC. We found guests can save on average $200 on weekdays and about $100 on weekends.

We compared this Holiday Inn with two others outside DC. We found guests can save on average $200 on weekdays and about $100 on weekends.