The eighteen essential D.C. hotels are awesome for those who want to be in the center of all of the action. However, if the action is all in a conference room close to the airport, being near the monuments and high-end retail might not be the most desirable end goal. As such, we've found a few hotels close to Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport that might better suit the needs of business travelers. Have a look.
Near Reagan National:
Business-Friendly Amenities: Business Center, Free Printing Service, Audio Visual Equipment Rental, Fax Machine, Photo Copying Service, Express Mail
Positive TripAdvisor Blurb: "I stay at the Hilton Crystal City regularly for work. It's perfect for the night in/out of National Airport, as it's so close to the terminal, and the shuttles are very easy. More importantly, you have restaurant options to walk to. Metro station is also an easy walk, or you can take the free hotel van if you need to get into town. Could easily be a option for those who want to see DC without staying in DC."
Negative TripAdvisor Blurb: "Old, tired hotel. Furnishings look like they were from approximately 1980. Weirdly small bathrooms; door swung into toilet. And, on top of it all, too expensive. ...Obviously, I would not recommend this place."
Embassy Suites Crystal City-National Airport
Business-Friendly Amenities: Business Center, Fax, Meeting Rooms, Photo Copying Service, Audio-Visual Equipment Rental
Positive TripAdvisor Blurb: "The food service staff prepared special meals to help me avoid foods to which I am allergic. The food service was exceptional. The room was especially quiet because of the suite arrangement (a room between the bedroom and hallway.) Free shuttle to Metro and Airport."
Negative TripAdvisor Blurb: "$26.00 a day parking for an older hotel. Not worth the money or time. Breakfast staff were the nicest at this hotel however they were the only ones that were really pleasant. There was a disturbance in the hotel and I was in a Non-smoking room that clearly someone was smoking in."
Business-Friendly Amenities: Safe deposit box, concierge service, local dinner delivery, ability to plan meetings and events in advance
Positive TripAdvisor Blurb: "Our family traveled here after Christmas. We got a super rate and what a value it was!! This is a great hotel in a terrific location! The underground tunnels that lead to the Metro, shops and dining are perfect! We had such a good experience here, I definitely see us returning!
Stayed December 2013, traveled with family">
Negative TripAdvisor Blurb: "I stayed two nights at this hotel and the experience was terrible. The rooms were recently refurbished and seem nice on the surface. The problem seems to be that the doors which connect adjoining rooms are not soundproofed and must be paper thin. Each night I was awakened by loud and obnoxious people on one side or the other of my rooms (I changed rooms for my second night given the experience the first night). The first night the yelling, door slamming and ridiculous behavior went on from 2:30 until 4:00 AM. After calling for security 2 times it finally stopped. The second night, the idiot next door was on the phone in a very loud voice for an hour starting at midnight."
Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport
Business-Friendly Amenities: Business Center, Dedicated Executive Floors and Executive Rooms, High Speed Internet,
Positive TripAdvisor Blurb: "Standard 3.5 star chain. Nothing to rave or complain about the room or the facilities, though the Starbucks on the Mezzanine level is a nice touch. The BEST thing about the place is its location--close to DCA and surprisingly accessible to the district. It's just four subway stops from the Capital Mall!">
Negative TripAdvisor Blurb: "Dated decor, washroom much too small, too far from amenities like restaurants and stores, the nearby indoor Crystal City mall is an urban mistake and disappointing. Otherwise, a decent hotel convenient by shuttle to airport on the Arlington side. Good internet area off lobby.">
Near Dulles:
Residence Inn Dulles Airport at 28 Centre
Business-Friendly Amenities: Ability to book meetings in advance, audio-visual equipment, televisions, available projectors, wireless internet in meeting rooms, copy service, fax service, printers, overnight delivery
Positive TripAdvisor Blurb: "Staying 4 nights for $89 a night in a room that's the size of a small house just can't be beaten. Everything feels new (and the mall outside has a number of units that are still waiting to open), the equipment worked flawlessly, the bed was super comfortable, the bathroom was clean the complimentary coffee provided was excellent and the staff were friendly and attentive. Even at double the price (which I think is the normal rate) this place would be a bargain."
Negative TripAdvisor Blurb: "I have put my mother in this motel for two week stays three times now. This time, I called to be sure everything would be right. She is in the room mostly 24/7, so I didn't want her staring at nothing but rooftops. I was assured she would have a room with a view of the shopping center, which she would enjoy. It didn't happen. They offered to move her. The reason I called ahead was because I knew once she was there, she wouldn't move. She is 81, we just travelled 8 hours, she was exhausted and frustrated to the point of tears. I complained, but asked they not contact her because she didn't need the hassle. Of course, they contacted her. I'm just so fed up with the lousy customer service. I can't believe I let them ruin another trip for her, or allowed them to make me feel like I let her down. If you just want a room, stay here. If you want customer service people who don't lie to you and do the opposite of what you ask just to get back at you, choose elsewhere."
Courtyard By Marriott Dulles Town Centre
Business-Friendly Amenities: Fitness center, safe deposit box, ability to book meetings and events
Positive TripAdvisor Blurb: "We stayed at this hotel for a wedding. We very much enjoyed our stay here. The service was great. They had a room ready for our early check-in. The room was clean and spacious! It had an added bonus.....a porch. Weather did not allow for us to sit outside; however, it was just nice to step outside and catch some fresh air. As a group we enjoyed their lovely lobby. It was nicely decorated and had a fireplace with plenty of sitting areas. Their inviting lobby allowed our big group to spend extra time together. I still needed to purchase some things for the wedding. The mall was conveniently located right across the street, and we were never disturbed by noise or traffic. The only negative..their breakfast was a bit pricey. We opted to go elsewhere for breakfast.
There are plenty of nearby places to eat."
Negative TripAdvisor Blurb: "Awakened at 1:00 am by feeling of something crawling on me. Turn on bedside light and discover TWO HUGE BUGS in my bed and a third on the nightstand. YUCK!!
Called front desk attendant who after a few minutes came to the room and gave me a new room down the hall, without comment and without apology.
All in all, not pleasant."
Fairfield Inn & Suites Dulles Airport
Business-Friendly Amenities: Fitness Center, Free local calls, ability to book meetings, safe deposit box
Positive TripAdvisor Blurb: "We booked on a Friday night in the Park and Fly program. We left our car there and got a shuttle to the airport early Saturday morning. The night clerk was very helpful in getting us an extra pillow for a bad knee. The lobby is under renovation but the staff was apologetic and accommodating. The rooms were clean and quiet. Upon our return, we had planned to drive home after being picked up by the shuttle but landed in a snowstorm. When we got to the hotel, we realized driving conditions were unsafe and they offered us the "Distressed Traveler" rate to stay the night safely. Very close to the airport and has a hot breakfast (but we slept in and missed it). Definitely recommend the Park and Fly program."
Negative TripAdvisor Blurb: "Under renovation with entrance doors closed off and dangerous conditions entering and exiting said property. Mold on shower curtain and looks like no one has used a bacterial wipe on the shower/bath casing for some time. Limited van service to/from airport even though it is listed as an airport hotel....had an expectation of getting off the late arrv. into IAD with van service. Instead, had to take a $15 cab ride to the location to find the place in absolute disrepair. Until the refurbs are completed, I advise: stay away!!!"
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott
Business-Friendly Amenities: Eleven meeting rooms, 13,500 square feet of meeting space, video billing, video checkout, high speed internet (For a fee)
Positive TripAdvisor Blurb: "The Washington Dulles Airport Marriott is located about five minutes from the airport with shuttle service leaving every 15 minutes. Check in is convenient and the rooms are comfortable with good linens and comfortable beds. There is ample seating in a common area in the lobby for drinks and food. Starbucks coffee is brewed all day."
Negative TripAdvisor Blurb: "My expectations of airport hotels are low to begin with, but this Marriott badly needs an overhaul. The furniture inside the room is antiquated, mattresses old and worn out, AC units make noise akin to that of a powerful jet engine and make getting a restful night's sleep quite a challenge. All in all, I expect more of a Marriott at $200 per night."