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Welcome to the Cheap Hotels DC; the absolute best choice for economy hotels in Washington DC. Our goal is to find you the very best for the very least.. If you are in the market for moderate to expensive hotels, we might suggest you visit 1st Choice Hotels . Having said that, we have spent the better part of this decade forming partnerships with local hotels to provide you with the lowest possible rates. We do this without sacraficing quality.
All of our hotels have been approved by AAA and the Mobile Travel Guide, the authorities in hotel inspection.So whether you are here on business or family vacation, our DC hotel guide will help you find the perfect accommodation at an affordable rate.
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The nation's capital. Those three words neatly sum up Washington's global importance as governmental entity and its enormous appeal as a tourist mecca. John F. Kennedy once said "Washington is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm," and although his tongue
was likely firmly in cheek, there's no denying the city's role in efficiently governing the nation while charming millions of visitors each year.
D.C.'s embarrassment of must-see riches-museums, monuments, memorials, galleries-makes putting together a sightseeing itinerary one truly daunting task. The U.S. Capitol and the White House define the jurisdictional entity known as the District of Columbia. The Mall, that green swath stretching from the foot of Capitol Hill west to the awe-inspiring statue of Abraham Lincoln, is where it's at for visitors, <<more
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Street SystemPierre-Charles L'Enfant's plan for the capital did not take into account the demands of modern traffic. Although streets are laid out in a basic grid pattern divided into four quadrants, there are several confusing traffic circles and a number of one-way streets. An easy-to-read street map will come in handy for those unfamiliar with the city.
In the central part of the District, streets running north-south are numbered; those running east-west are designated by letters (with the exception of J, X, Y and Z). This general pattern is crisscrossed in both directions by diagonal avenues named after states. Where avenues intersect there are traffic circles and rectangular parks or squares.
North, East and South Capitol streets and the National Mall divide the diamond-shaped District of Columbia into quadrants; the Capitol is the central starting point for the street numbering system. The quadrant initials-N.W., N.E., S.W. and S.E.-are an integral part of any Washington address; they determine which of four possible locations is correct.
Southwest is by far the smallest quadrant, encompassing a few government buildings, the Tidal Basin, the Maine Avenue waterfront along the Washington Channel and Fort Lesley J. McNair, intended by L'Enfant to be the capital's chief fortification and a major 19th-century U.S. weapons arsenal. Also within Southwest is L'Enfant Plaza, bounded by D Street, the 12th Street Expressway ramp, the 9th Street Expressway and the Southwest Freeway. This example of late 1960s urban planning-a brick-paved concourse lined with office buildings that runs for a couple of blocks off Independence Avenue- is named for the man who drafted the city's blueprint.
Most of Washington's tourist attractions and its wealthiest neighborhoods are concentrated in the northwest quadrant, along with American, Georgetown, George Washington and Howard universities, the University of the District of Columbia, Rock Creek Park and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Most of Northeast and Southeast are residential, as is the upper part of Northwest.
North of W Street, east-west streets are assigned two-syllable alphabetical names (Belmont, Quincy, Randolph), then three-syllable names (Buchanan, Hamilton, Underwood). Above Whittier Street in upper Northwest, alphabetical names shift to trees and plants with two- (Aspen), three- (Butternut) or four-syllable (Geranium) names. At this point the District ends and Maryland begins, which no doubt delighted planners.
Some illogical aspects of the city street system confuse even residents. Pennsylvania Avenue, for example, enters southeast Washington from suburban Maryland; is interrupted at Independence Avenue S.E. by the Capitol grounds; picks up again at 1st Street N.W.; is interrupted at 15th Street by the Ellipse; picks up again around the corner at the intersection of 15th Street and New York Avenue N.W.; and continues west past the White House into Georgetown, where it turns into M Street.
Traveling east of the Capitol on Pennsylvania can be equally confusing; once you cross 15th Street, you are on New York Avenue. And 17th Street N.W. heads north from Constitution Avenue only as far as K Street, where it then links with Connecticut Avenue.
Adding to the frustration level of drivers was the closing in 1995 of Pennsylvania Avenue to automobile traffic in front of the White House. Done for security reasons, it nevertheless created some initial havoc for the thousands of downtown workers and tourists who had daily negotiated the 2-block stretch between 15th and 17th streets N.W. Traffic engineers responded by redirecting traffic on nearby streets and installing new signals, signs and pavement markings, while inline skaters, bicyclists and strollers savored the newfound peace and quiet and the refreshing lack of exhaust fumes.
The speed limit is 25 mph or as posted; on major arteries it is usually 30 mph. A right turn on a red light is permitted unless otherwise posted. High-beam headlights are prohibited at all times.
Business areas, particularly in the downtown core, are congested throughout the day. Avoid rush hours if at all possible. If you are spending the day sightseeing but are staying in nearby Maryland or Virginia-and driving a car-leave in plenty of time to avoid the outbound exodus of city workers. The backup on I-395 southbound begins early (particularly on Fridays and the beginning of holiday weekends), and traffic soon slows to a painful crawl.
Also remember that carpooling regulations (HOV) govern the number of people in vehicles that use certain heavily traveled highways, such as I-66 and I-395 inside the Beltway. Signs denote designated HOV lanes; the restrictions apply during both morning (6:30 to 9 a.m.) and evening (4 to 6:30 p.m.) rush-hour periods.
ParkingDespite luring millions and millions of tourists annually with an abundance of sightseeing attractions, Washington is distinctly less generous in supplying them with parking spaces. On-street parking downtown is limited, particularly near the National Mall and the major museums. Violations are strictly enforced; pay close attention to all signs in the vicinity of any space you are lucky enough to find.
Meters are closely monitored, and as soon as the "expired" flag pops up in the window a vehicle is fair game to be ticketed. Most meters run for only an hour, so visitors taking in the museums along the Mall should designate someone to keep the device supplied with quarters. The problem eases on weekends, when meters are not running.
Parking is free on Jefferson and Madison drives north and south of the Mall Mon.-Fri. 10-1, but these spots are invariably filled. If you venture off the Mall looking for a space, watch for signs in residential neighborhoods; often street parking is reserved for residents, and a special zone sticker must be displayed on the front windshield. You can park on the street in such neighborhoods, but usually only for a 2-hour period. In Georgetown parking and standing are banned on M Street between 29th Street and Key Bridge, as well as on Wisconsin Avenue between K and O streets, Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Be sure to park only between the marked lines on the pavement; drivers of small cars are often tempted to squeeze into a space that is not really legal. Parking is prohibited within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, 25 feet of a stop sign and 40 feet of an intersection. Parking statutes are strictly enforced by tickets, but cars are generally towed only when they endanger public safety. If your vehicle is towed Friday after 7 p.m. or anytime on weekends, you must wait until the following Monday after 9 a.m. to retrieve it.
No Standing zones also are enforced; automobiles are not permitted to be in those areas except briefly to pick up or discharge passengers. For additional details, contact the D.C. Department of Public Works; phone (202) 576-7217.
Downtown commercial lots and garages can be expensive, many charging $12 or more per day, with discounts for those arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Some stores may offer shoppers a parking discount; inquire at the individual establishment. Many garages close by about 7 p.m., making them impractical for attending evening events. For a cheaper and frequently more convenient alternative, consider the Metro system.
Taxis & LimousinesRather than meters, taxicabs in Washington use the zone system to determine fares. The basic zone charge is $6.25 per person, with a $1.50 surcharge for each additional person (an additional $1.50 is charged for travel to another zone). There also is a $1.25 surcharge per person (or group of persons traveling together) for weekday taxi service that commences between 4 and 6:30 p.m. The maximum basic fare for one person within the District is $13.25. Other factors, from the amount of baggage to the time of day, might increase the fare.
The rates quoted above are for cabs hailed on the street; rates increase by about $1.50 when a cab is requested by telephone. Taxi rates for trips into or from nearby points in Maryland and Virginia will vary; make sure you determine the rate with the driver in advance. Cabs with Virginia or Maryland license plates may transport passengers in and out of the District, but not between points within the District. Cab companies include Capitol, (202) 545-8900; Diamond, (202) 387-6200; Liberty, (202) 636-1600; and Yellow, (202) 544-1212. Limousine service in and around Washington averages $50 per hour, excluding tax and tip.
Public TransportationWashington's heavy traffic congestion and chronic lack of public parking make public transportation an enticing alternative indeed. The red, white and blue buses of the Metro system reach nearly every point in the D.C. area for $1.25, senior citizens and the physically impaired 60c. Express fare is $3. Up to two children 4 years of age and younger may ride free with each adult paying full fare; over age 4 pay the adult fare.
A regional 1-day pass offers unlimited rides on regular Metrobuses and other local buses. The fare is $3; on express buses, the pass covers $1.25 of the $3 fare. A free transfer is valid for unlimited Metrobus connections (including round trips) within a 2-hour period; ask the driver for a transfer. A free Metrorail to Metrobus transfer, available at the entrances to Metro stations, is worth 90c off the bus fare.
Metrobus operates daily 24 hours, but service intervals vary by time of day, during the week and on weekends to best meet demand. Exact fare is required. For information about special and reduced fares phone (202) 637-7000.
The red, white, black and yellow buses of the DC Circulator transit system offer service to the area's major cultural, shopping, dining and business sites. Running every 5-10 minutes daily 7 a.m.-9 p.m., the buses connect downtown Washington with Georgetown, the Washington Convention Center and the southwest waterfront. Fare is $1, senior citizens and the physically impaired 50c. Exact fare is required. Travelers can transfer from Metrobus or between Circulator buses for free. For information about routes phone (202) 962-1423.
Metrorail is a clean, architecturally striking subway that provides access to most of the city's attractions and is an efficient and economical means of getting around. Stations functioning as major transfer points between lines are Metro Center, Gallery Place-Chinatown, L'Enfant Plaza, Pentagon, Rosslyn, Stadium-Armory, King Street and Fort Totten.
The Red Line runs from Glenmont, Md., to Shady Grove, Md., via downtown Washington. The Yellow Line runs from Mt. Vernon Square in Washington to Huntington, south of Alexandria, Va., via Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Blue Line connects Addison Road in Prince Georges County, Md., with the Franconia/Springfield station via downtown Washington; it is in the process of being extended to Largo, Md. The Orange Line travels between New Carrollton, Md., and Vienna, Va., via downtown Washington. The Green Line extends from Greenbelt, Md., south to Branch Avenue in Prince George's County, Md., via downtown Washington.
Maps at each station's mezzanine provide route and fare information; station managers also are available on the mezzanine. Route maps are posted near the doors of each train car. Farecard machines at each station dispense the magnetically encoded cards needed by each rider to enter and leave station faregates.
The minimum fare is $1.35; additional charges depend on the distance traveled and whether you enter the system during regular fare hours (Mon.-Fri. 5:30-9:30, 3-7 and 2 a.m.-closing) or reduced fare hours (all other times). Note: If using Metro in the evening, check the scheduled departure time for the last train; at many stations it departs before the system closes. Final departure times are posted in each station kiosk.
The maximum one-way fare is $3.90 during peak hours, $2.35 during off-peak hours. Two children under 5 may ride free with each paying passenger. The Metrorail One-Day Pass entitles riders to unlimited rail travel Mon.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m.-midnight, Fri. 9:30 a.m.-3 a.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-3 a.m., Sun. and holidays 7 a.m.-midnight. The fare is $6.50.
Parking lots and garages are available at most of the suburban stations, but they often are full by 8 a.m. on weekdays. Parking at Metro-operated lots is free on weekends and federal holidays. Parking fees must be paid using a SmarTrip card, sold in vending machines at stations where parking is available. These permanent, rechargeable plastic farecards also can be used in Metro stations. For SmarTrip card information phone (888) 762-7874.
Metrorail operates Mon.-Thurs. 5:30 a.m.-midnight, Fri. 5:30 a.m.-3 a.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-3 a.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-midnight. Hours are reduced on the following holidays: Jan. 1, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Dec. 25 and 31.
Intervals between trains vary by time and route, but are usually about 5 minutes during rush hour and 12 minutes at other times. For further information about routes and rates phone (202) 637-7000, or (202) 638-3780.
One- or multiday passes and other farecards can be purchased at the Metro sales offices at 600 5th St. N.W. (Mon.-Fri. 10-3) and 12th and F streets N.W. (Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6:30), and at the Pentagon Transit Center in Arlington, Va. (Mon.-Fri. 7-6:30). Metro fare cards, tokens and passes also are available at nearly 400 participating retail outlets and at Commuter Stores in the Crystal City Underground Mall, the Ballston Common Mall and Rosslyn Center (all in Arlington).
Note: In the Points of Interest section attraction listings include the nearest Metrorail (M:) stop if applicable.
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