You can stay in Washington D.C., or you can stay in Arlington, Virginia (Crystal City), where you’ll spend less money on nightly rates. Arlington is just across the Potomac River, making it easy to get downtown and enjoy the Smithsonian Museums, National Mall and more.

If you’re considering a stay in Arlington, we recommend the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC/Crystal City. It’s so close to D.C. that you can actually see the Washington Monument, White House and Capitol Building from many of the hotel’s rooms, all of which were renovated to the tune of $25-million in 2015. You can also eat onsite (and we love the warm chocolate chip cookies served upon arrival), or take a dip in the hotel’s indoor, rooftop pool when it’s time for a break.

For more information, read about DoubleTree Hotels & Suites.

The hotel's accommodations were renovated in 2015, and now feature simple, yet modern furnishings, complemented by home-away-from-home comforts like mini-fridges and Wi-Fi. Other amenities include coffeemakers, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, sitting chairs and flat-screen TVs. Cribs are complimentary, and rollaway beds are available for $15 per night; some connecting units are available as well (request in advance).

Guestrooms
Guestrooms come in five variations, including 1 King Bed, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed, 2 Double Beds, Washington DC View - 1 King Bed, or Washington DC View - 2 Double Beds, the latter of which faces the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial.

Suites
Junior Suite - 1 King Bed rooms have one king bed and one sofa bed, sleeping up to four guests in 475 square feet of space.

The Modern One Bedroom Suite - 1 King Bed features space and privacy, with a separate bedroom that has a flat-screen TV and sliding door. In the living area, you'll find a sofa bed with a flat-screen TV. This suite is also 475 square feet in size.

The Modern One Bedroom Suite Balcony - 1 King Bed is similar, though it doesn't offer a sofa bed. Instead, it can accommodate a family of three with the use of a rollaway bed or crib. There's also a Presidential Suite Balcony - 1 King Bed room, which spans 700 square feet and sleeps two to three guests.

Rooftop Pool
The hotel features a rooftop, indoor pool that's heated. The pool is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer. It is open 5 to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the remainder of the year, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Nearby Activities
The hotel is located a short drive or metro ride from all the action in Washington D.C. The Washington Monument, White House and Capitol Building are so close, in fact, that you can see them from the hotel.

Café Restaurant
The Café Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, opening at 6 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. on weekends. It closes at 3 p.m. daily. Breakfast includes omelets, frittatas, burritos and pancakes, while lunch delivers standard favorites -- sandwiches, soups, salads and burgers.

Made Market
Stop at Made Market when you're on the go. The café offers beverages (including alcohol; single servings), snacks, pre-made sandwiches, soups and coffee drinks. It's open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Lobby Bar
The Lobby Bar is casual enough that you can bring kids. Bar seating is provided, but because the bar is right next to the lounge, you can easily enjoy your drinks and food in the lounge. Offerings include typical pub fare -- sandwiches, soups, salads and burgers. The bar opens at 4:30 p.m. and closes at midnight daily.

Room Service
If you don't feel like leaving your room, enjoy in-room meals 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

All About the Extras
Free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the property.

Parking
You can self-park your car for $27 per day, or utilize valet service for $32.

Fitness Room
The hotel provides a nice fitness center (larger than average), with a few elliptical machines, treadmills and strength-training equipment. Towels are also provided.

Gift Shop
The hotel has a gift shop with souvenirs, snacks and beverages.

Laundry
The hotel has a laundry room with coin-operated machines.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 4 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
Washington D.C. is busiest during the summer months, when families flock to the area for a weekend getaway or a weeklong vacation. You can save money and beat the crowds with a visit in January or February, though you might want to consider a visit in April, when the city hosts the famed National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Getting There
The hotel is located near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and complimentary shuttle service is provided. You can also fly into Washington Dulles International Airport, serviced by more airlines.

Getting Around
The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to Pentagon City Metro (which will deliver you to many of the city's top attractions), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City.

For Mom and Dad
Head to the hotel's Skydome Lounge, a revolving rooftop restaurant (the only one in D.C.) that affords gorgeous skyline views -- especially at night. The modern restaurant serves a small, but delicious menu that includes small plates and entrees such as shrimp-stuffed salmon and spicy fried chicken. Flatbreads, salads and an extensive cocktail menu are also available to diners, who include both hotel guests and the general public.

If you don't have time to enjoy a full meal, stop in for happy hour, 5 to 7 p.m. daily, or if you're up for a party, hang around until later in the night, when the restaurant charges a cover fee and takes on a party atmosphere.