How to Save on Hotels in Washington DC
- 1). Schedule your trip around a spring, autumn or winter weekend or any time in the three weeks around late August and early September. Washington, D.C. sees large numbers of tourists in the summer and large numbers of business travelers through the rest of the year. The off-season is limited to the three weeks at the very end of summer before Congress reconvenes, and otherwise the cheapest rates are found when most of the business travelers go home.
- 2). Focus on hotels located outside the prime downtown districts, such as Dupont Circle and Federal Triangle. Even the mid-range and budget traveler class hotels in these areas will usually charge higher rates because of their prime location. Instead, look to hotels in the southeast, southwest and upper northeast quadrants for savings.
- 3). Inquire about discounts for being a federal or state employee, AAA- or AARP-membership, frequent flier programs, being in the military or anything else that might apply. Most hotels in Washington, D.C. offer membership discounts of some type, including most of the non-chain hotels, making this step even more worthwhile than it would be for another city.
- 4). Call prospective hotels directly and inquire about reduced rates. Although high vacancy rates for D.C. hotels are unusual, if such a thing does happen you won't learn about it except through calling. Once you have narrowed your choices to a few hotel options, calling to inquire about reduced rates is a manageable investment of time.
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