I have never been to DC before and I am looking for a cheaper high quality vacation package. It looks like Bethesda, MD has this option. I want to spend most of my time in DC city. Is there a Metro stop in Bethesda to downtown DC or would it be more practical to pay the extra money and stay closer.
Please help.
2007-01-03 05:47:35 · 5 answers · asked by Yikes! 5 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
There are three metro stops in Bethesda - one called (wait for it....) 'Bethesda', one called 'Medical Center', and one called 'Grovsevenor-Strathmore' All three are on the Red line and provide easy access to downtown. Bethesda is a pretty nice part of town. but it is also one of the most expensive parts of town. There are lots of high-end restaurants and shops there.
If you are looking for a less expensive place to stay, I suggest Greenbelt - there are a number of hotels there as well, most of which have a free shuttle to the greenbelt metro station if they are not within walking distance. Greenbelt is on the green line, which also goes straight into downtown. Greenbelt is not as trendy an area, though, so you won't find the nice stores and places to eat that you can in Bethesda.
Personally, I would stay out of the district itself. It's not safe to go outside at night in DC. The hotels in the North-West are OK, but you may as well go a little further out and stay in Maryland, where it's cheaper and safer.
2007-01-03 05:54:24 · answer #1 · answered by Che jrw 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend staying in Bethesda if you have the option, especially if it's significantly cheaper. The Metro does go there - the Bethesda stop on the Red Line (towards Shady Grove) is right in downtown Bethesda and is very easily accessable to downtown DC. Many of the tourist sites are on the Red Line so actually staying in Bethesda would be very convenient. DC actually really quiets down at night compared to most cities (downtown is completely dead at night) so it doesn't even really matter too much if you stay downtown. Like if you were going to NYC, I'd say it would worth it to stay right in Manhattan but actually Bethesda has more going on and is safer at night than most areas of DC. (If you're into nightlife at all then Northwest DC is probably the one part of town where you'd be and that's the part right neat Bethesda, and it's on the Red Line as well so it's also convenient).
There are a few hotels right in downtown Bethesda (I know there's a Hyatt and a Ramada and several others) - there are also a lot of offices but also a lot of good restaurants, bars, bookstores, and a lot of other stuff within walking distance of the Metro station there. The Metro's website is www.wmata.com so you can see if taking the Metro is convenient.
2007-01-03 14:12:36 · answer #2 · answered by Mike R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bethesda is a great area to stay - and yes it's easy to get to downtown DC via the metro or even the bus.
You may want to consider shelling out the extra bucks to stay downtown in DC however. This time of year you can catch some great deals - and that way you'll get the most out of your time here (instead of wasting time commuting back and forth from Bethesda). There's nothing like waking up in the morning with a view of the washington monument or the white house. For extra good deals - check out the local bed and breakfast's, or try http://www.hotels.com
2007-01-03 21:12:39 · answer #3 · answered by ALLaboutDC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bethesda's a great option if you're looking to save money. There are metro stops in Bethesda. (http://www.wmata.com is the DC Metro public transport website)
One thing to keep in mind is that the cab rates go up exponentially when you cross the DC - MD or DC - VA borders! So if you plan on staying in DC past the close of the Metro (Midnight Sun - Thurs, 3am Fri - Sat) that may be a factor.
2007-01-04 11:23:05 · answer #4 · answered by ccf4980 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would personally stay in Arlington it is much more convenient than Bethesda and you would be nearer to National Airport (if you are using it). It is much closer to downtown D.C and all the touristy stuff you might want to do, and a short metro ride on the Orange line. Also it is semi-cheap and Arlington has many places similar to Bethesda, to name a few Rosslyn (commonly called D.Cs skyline b/c of all the sky scarpers.) Crystal City, Ballston, Pentagon City (has a nice mall). Overall Arlington is very safe and much closer to D.C and travel. Have Fun on your trip! BTW Bethesda is just fine just semi-inconvenient for sight seeing
2007-01-03 23:54:41 · answer #5 · answered by hello 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋