I am looking for a hotel room for one parent with 15-year-old child in
Washington D.C. for October 20-25, 2005.  I would like to pay less
than $100 per night.  It needs to be within walking distance of a
metro station (10 minutes walk max, in a reasonably safe area, with
walkable streets - not walking on highways).  The metro ride to the
tourist area around the Mall should be no more than 20 minutes. 
Doesn't matter if we have to change trains.  I don't want a hostel - a
hotel room with our own bathroom.  I don't care about amenities in the
hotel, though a pool and free breakfast would be wonderful bonuses.
We are trying to do D.C. on the cheap, and hope to get around with
public transportation.  I've found cheap hotels in the D.C. area, but
none indicate if they are accessible to the metro.  If we have to rent
a car, we will spend all the money saved on accomodations.
Parent and child are same gender, and willing to share a queen-size
bed in necessary.
A successful answer will give me contact information to a hotel that
has a room available for those nights.  I will make the reservation
myself.  The $100 per night is not an absolute limit - if there is a
gem of a hotel in a perfect location, but the cost is a little bit
more, please recommend it!

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 24 Sep 2005 12:40 PDT

I live in DC, and due to some construction on my house, recently had
to stay in a hotel for a few nights.

We stayed at the Days Inn on Connecticut Ave.  Our rate was $79/night.
 This was given to us directly by the onsite desk clerk, and was not
available online.  Don't be afraid to dicker -- they gave in pretty
readily.

Rates in all DC hotels vary wildly, depending on how busy they happen
to be on any given day.

The hotel is perfectly servicable, but nothing to write home about. 
The neighborhood is a pretty non-descript commercial/residential area,
but perfectly safe (at least as much as anywhere in DC).  It's two
blocks from the metro -- you can be downtown (museums, etc) in about
25 minutes.

Here's the hotel info:


http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=06507&brandInfo=DI



Let me know if that works for you...and have a great trip.  DC is a wonderful town.

pafalafa-ga

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Clarification of Question by megn1-ga on 24 Sep 2005 13:06 PDT

I checked the suggested Days Inn.  They negotiated down to the AAA
price which is $125 per night.  I booked it, but will cancel if there
is a cheaper hotel found.

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 24 Sep 2005 14:49 PDT

Hope it works for you.  You can probably find some cheaper hotels on
NY Avenue, but I wouldn't recommend the neighborhood.

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Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 25 Sep 2005 16:21 PDT

Hello again.

My wife just reminded me of another very affordable place.  Cheapest
rooms are under $100, but have shared bathrooms.  Still, this is a
very charming place in a great part of town where you can walk to a
great many DC attractions.  Also, breakfast is included:


http://www.tabardinn.com/tour.htm


Take a look.


paf

I was in DC a while back and stayed in Arlington, VA (Rosslyn Area). 
It's right across the Potomac River.  I stayed at the Residence Inn
(they are quite nice and close to the Rosslyn Metro Station but their
prices are higher).  Orbitz.com lists "Washington, D.C.-Days Inn
Arlington, Va" for $100 a night.  It's closer to the Court House Metro
Station, but they offer free van service to the Rosslyn Station.  Just
a thought.  Enjoy your trip.  DC is awesome!  :-)

Here's their description of the inn.

The Days Inn/Arlington is the logical place to stay when visiting our
nation's capitol. We are so close to the Federal Government, the mall,
Georgetown, and yet we offer reasonable rates and comfort. Ft. Meyer
is a stones throw away from us, Metro six blocks away or better yet we
will take you to the Rosslyn Metro Station via our scheduled courtesy
van. From there on the entire DC Metropolitan area is yours. We are
located in Arlington, VA. We are part of the greater Washington, DC
and yet we have kept our southern charm as well as International. We
are here to please our government guests, families, seniors, and
corporate guests. Come, stay with us and enjoy our hospitality.