Washington D.C. - Timeshare Users Group Online Community Forums

rachel1998 · July 3, 2009, 07:19 AM

We want to go to Washington next year around the beginning of June. Where is the best timeshare location to stay? Is Williamburg too far? What other area is closer?

pgnewarkboy · July 3, 2009, 07:56 AM

There have been numerous discussions on this issue. If your intention is to visit DC, Williamsburg is several hours away. It is simply too far. My best advice is to stay either in D.C or outside of D.C. at a metro stop. You might consider a hotel in Crystal City/ Arlington Area. Timesharing is not the best way to see and enjoy D.C.

Big Matt · July 3, 2009, 08:36 AM

Wyndham has a great timeshare in Old Town Alexandria near the metro stop. I would try for that first.

They are also building a new one in National Harbor (Prince George's County, MD), but I'm not sure when it will open. It is across the river from DC and in a new development with many shops and restaurants (but that's about all). Metro stations are about 5 miles away.

Williamsburg is way too far to drive to see DC on a daily basis.

rachel1998 · July 3, 2009, 08:37 AM

I only want to spend a day or two in D.C. I would also like to see Shenandoah National Park. My idea of a vacation is not going to a big city but I promised my husband we would see D.C.

Deb from NC · July 3, 2009, 09:56 AM

Wyndham Alexandria is really the only convenient timeshare to DC (10 minute
metro ride into town). Anything else is at least a 2 hour drive (at least until
Wyndham National Harbor opens). If you only want to stay a day or 2 and don't own Wyndham, I would just get a hotel room near a metro stop, or downtown....

schiff1997 · July 3, 2009, 10:01 AM

Try Massanutten resorts in McGaheysville, VA, up in the Shenandoah Valley About 2 hours from Washington We have a trip coming up there in August and are plannig a day trip to Washington as well.

laura1957 · July 3, 2009, 12:21 PM

We just did this trip in June from Massanutten ourselves. Just about 2 hours to Fairfax/Vienna metro station - very easy ride, and a 20 minute metro ride to Smithsonian station. If you are going to DC on a weekend I understand that there is plenty of parking available, we went on Tuesday and Washington friends recommended the metro as parking is harder to find midweek.

pgnewarkboy · July 3, 2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachel1998

I only want to spend a day or two in D.C. I would also like to see Shenandoah National Park. My idea of a vacation is not going to a big city but I promised my husband we would see D.C.

I don't think Washington D.C. qualifies as a big city.

Its an important city but not very big at all.

schiff1997 · July 3, 2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laura1957

We just did this trip in June from Massanutten ourselves. Just about 2 hours to Fairfax/Vienna metro station - very easy ride, and a 20 minute metro ride to Smithsonian station. If you are going to DC on a weekend I understand that there is plenty of parking available, we went on Tuesday and Washington friends recommended the metro as parking is harder to find midweek.

Hey Laura, I would be interested in more info from you on your suggestion about getting to Washington, THe trip from Massanutten seems a little expensive and I am looking for a cheaper way to do a day trip.
Thanks

JoeMid · July 3, 2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deb from NC

Wyndham Alexandria is really the only convenient timeshare to DC (10 minute
metro ride into town). Anything else is at least a 2 hour drive (at least until
Wyndham National Harbor opens). If you only want to stay a day or 2 and don't own Wyndham, I would just get a hotel room near a metro stop, or downtown....

Not 10 minutes.
Yellow Line 17 minutes to L'Enfant Plaza or 20 minutes to Chinatown/Gallery Place. wmata.com

Deb from NC · July 3, 2009, 06:04 PM

Well, I must admit I never actually timed it (: But 17 minutes still isn't bad

laura1957 · July 3, 2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schiff1997

Hey Laura, I would be interested in more info from you on your suggestion about getting to Washington, THe trip from Massanutten seems a little expensive and I am looking for a cheaper way to do a day trip.
Thanks

When my husband and myself were at Massanutten in November we did the Massanutten but trip to DC - and really enjoyed it. But in June we also had my 19 year old daughter, 12 year old granddaughter, and 13 year old grandson - I really couldnt see spending over $400, and taking them on the bus tour!! Driving from Massanutten was very easy - much less expensive and much better for the kids I think.

About a 2 hour drive - 33 to Rt 81 in Harrisonburg, North to 61 (?) and Vienna/Fairfax station is right off 61 - we got to station just before 10:00 when the reserved parking spots open up for all. At that time since it is after peak times, metro was also half price. Maybe 20-25 minutes on orange line metro to Smithsonian station.

The 3 movie lover kids wanted to see the Library of Congress (National Treasure) and The Natural History Museum (Night at the Museum) - we all had a great time!! The kids were also very impressed with all the monuments and memorials. Definately worth the trip and something we will be doing again in the future.

laura1957 · July 3, 2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schiff1997

Hey Laura, I would be interested in more info from you on your suggestion about getting to Washington, THe trip from Massanutten seems a little expensive and I am looking for a cheaper way to do a day trip.
Thanks

We have been to DC quite a few times - but we really did enjoy the bus trip from Massanutten. The tour guide was wonderful, and we saw things/places that we had never gotten around to before. It was worth it for the 2 of us.

schiff1997 · July 5, 2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laura1957

We have been to DC quite a few times - but we really did enjoy the bus trip from Massanutten. The tour guide was wonderful, and we saw things/places that we had never gotten around to before. It was worth it for the 2 of us.

Thanks Laura, never been to Washington before, with my DH and me shall be our DD 15 and her BFF. Thought about taking the train to Union Station from Culpeper, VA, and then catching a tour from there. I will look into the way you suggested. How much was the Metro??

laura1957 · July 6, 2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schiff1997

Thanks Laura, never been to Washington before, with my DH and me shall be our DD 15 and her BFF. Thought about taking the train to Union Station from Culpeper, VA, and then catching a tour from there. I will look into the way you suggested. How much was the Metro??

From Vienna/Fairfax station I believe it was 4.25 each - because we got there after peak. Until 9:30 a.m. I think it is 8.50. I think peak stops at 7:00 in the evening but I am not positive. If you go on a weekend there should not be a problem finding parking in the city. During the week it was easier to use metro.

Nancy · July 6, 2009, 09:15 AM

Some metro stations get full during the week early. You need to research if you plan to use the metro so that you aren't disappointed when you get to the metro and find all parking spaces gone.

JMHO
Nancy

sandkastle4966 · July 6, 2009, 09:50 AM

you need to arrive at metro at 10 am. There are spots that are marked "reserved from 2 am to 10 am" - you can park in those after 10 am. (very confusing even for a local). If you arrive too much after 10 - they WILL be gone at Vienna during the week. The other stops on the way do not have as much parking.

Quite honestly, I would drive into DC after 10 am, and pay for parking - will be about the same as metro fare for a group. Just plan on leaving after rush hour - after 7:30 or 8. (even if you leave rush hour, it is ok, you meet the HOV numbers for I-66). Park in a lot and leave the car there all day, take the trolley or bus tour from place to place.

pgnewarkboy · July 7, 2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laura1957

If you are going to DC on a weekend I understand that there is plenty of parking available, we went on Tuesday and Washington friends recommended the metro as parking is harder to find midweek.

Having worked in D.C for many years I can tell you definitively that parking on the weekend by the main tourist attractions is a major problem. Of course, it is a problem any day of the week all summer long when tourists flock to D.C. You are much better off leaving your car at a metro stop outside of D.C. and taking the metro in or staying in D.C. and using public transportation. On the weekend there is more overall parking - but not by where you want to go as a tourist.

dms1709 · July 7, 2009, 08:23 AM

We live close to Washington, D.C. and because of the parking situation, rarely drive in. If you are looking to see the museums, the metro stop is very convenient. My husband (who doesn't go in with me often) prefers to drive, he wants his car. Parking is a problem and in the summer the areas around the museums are very crowded with people and cars. In any case, go and see Washington, it is a wonderful educational experience, there is so much to see. I never go that I don't learn something new. We are fortunate to have the Smithsonian museums. Enjoy!

Donna

July 3, 2009, 07:19 AM	#1
rachel1998 Guest BBS Reg. Date: Mar 25, 08 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 176	Washington D.C. We want to go to Washington next year around the beginning of June. Where is the best timeshare location to stay? Is Williamburg too far? What other area is closer?

July 6, 2009, 09:15 AM	#16
Nancy TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Posts: 742	Metro Some metro stations get full during the week early. You need to research if you plan to use the metro so that you aren't disappointed when you get to the metro and find all parking spaces gone. JMHO Nancy

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

July 3, 2009, 07:56 AM	#2
pgnewarkboy TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 10, 05 Posts: 838	There have been numerous discussions on this issue. If your intention is to visit DC, Williamsburg is several hours away. It is simply too far. My best advice is to stay either in D.C or outside of D.C. at a metro stop. You might consider a hotel in Crystal City/ Arlington Area. Timesharing is not the best way to see and enjoy D.C.

July 3, 2009, 08:36 AM	#3
Big Matt TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 6, 05 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 2,365 Resorts: Marriott's Manor Club Sequel Platinum, Marriott Grande Vista Platinum, Foxrun week 39	Wyndham has a great timeshare in Old Town Alexandria near the metro stop. I would try for that first. They are also building a new one in National Harbor (Prince George's County, MD), but I'm not sure when it will open. It is across the river from DC and in a new development with many shops and restaurants (but that's about all). Metro stations are about 5 miles away. Williamsburg is way too far to drive to see DC on a daily basis.

July 3, 2009, 08:37 AM	#4
rachel1998 Guest BBS Reg. Date: Mar 25, 08 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 176	I only want to spend a day or two in D.C. I would also like to see Shenandoah National Park. My idea of a vacation is not going to a big city but I promised my husband we would see D.C.

July 3, 2009, 09:56 AM	#5
Deb from NC TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 10, 05 Location: Clemmons, NC Posts: 364 Resorts: Port O'Call & Spicebush in Hilton Head and FF Alexandria	Wyndham Alexandria is really the only convenient timeshare to DC (10 minute metro ride into town). Anything else is at least a 2 hour drive (at least until Wyndham National Harbor opens). If you only want to stay a day or 2 and don't own Wyndham, I would just get a hotel room near a metro stop, or downtown....

July 3, 2009, 10:01 AM	#6
schiff1997 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Aug 6, 05 Location: Canada Posts: 193 Resorts: summer Cape Cod, 3 week Florida	Try Massanutten resorts in McGaheysville, VA, up in the Shenandoah Valley About 2 hours from Washington We have a trip coming up there in August and are plannig a day trip to Washington as well.

July 3, 2009, 12:21 PM	#7
laura1957 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Oct 11, 07 Location: Eastern Shore of Virginia Posts: 471	We just did this trip in June from Massanutten ourselves. Just about 2 hours to Fairfax/Vienna metro station - very easy ride, and a 20 minute metro ride to Smithsonian station. If you are going to DC on a weekend I understand that there is plenty of parking available, we went on Tuesday and Washington friends recommended the metro as parking is harder to find midweek.

July 3, 2009, 06:04 PM	#11
Deb from NC TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 10, 05 Location: Clemmons, NC Posts: 364 Resorts: Port O'Call & Spicebush in Hilton Head and FF Alexandria	Well, I must admit I never actually timed it (: But 17 minutes still isn't bad

July 6, 2009, 09:50 AM	#17
sandkastle4966 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 11, 05 Location: NoVa Posts: 235 Resorts: FF Alexandria, FF Seawatch, Pagosa Springs, Riptide beach Club, Aruba - Playa Linda	you need to arrive at metro at 10 am. There are spots that are marked "reserved from 2 am to 10 am" - you can park in those after 10 am. (very confusing even for a local). If you arrive too much after 10 - they WILL be gone at Vienna during the week. The other stops on the way do not have as much parking. Quite honestly, I would drive into DC after 10 am, and pay for parking - will be about the same as metro fare for a group. Just plan on leaving after rush hour - after 7:30 or 8. (even if you leave rush hour, it is ok, you meet the HOV numbers for I-66). Park in a lot and leave the car there all day, take the trolley or bus tour from place to place.

July 7, 2009, 08:23 AM	#19
dms1709 TUG Member BBS Reg. Date: Jun 9, 05 Location: Maryland Posts: 155 Resorts: Legends Edge, Mansfield,	We live close to Washington, D.C. and because of the parking situation, rarely drive in. If you are looking to see the museums, the metro stop is very convenient. My husband (who doesn't go in with me often) prefers to drive, he wants his car. Parking is a problem and in the summer the areas around the museums are very crowded with people and cars. In any case, go and see Washington, it is a wonderful educational experience, there is so much to see. I never go that I don't learn something new. We are fortunate to have the Smithsonian museums. Enjoy! Donna