Recommendation for place to stay in D.C.c area

We are planning a trip to Washington, D.C. in mid September followed by a trip down the Blue Ridge Pkwy. Having a difficult time finding a place to stay in the D.C. area. Rates are in the $200/day range plus $25-$35 a day parking. Several years ago we stayed at a B&B in Alexandria which was perfect; easy walk to the Metro and zip right into town. Unfortunately, it no longer exists. We would really prefer to stay outside of the city as long as we have easy access to the Metro and parking for the bike. B&B, hotel, motel (but not the no-tell motel) is fine with us. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

place to stay

Try around the Crystal City area. There is a Metro stop close by.

There is a hotel in Crystal City Virginia, just across the highway from the Pentagon and pretty much at the foot of the 14th St. Bridge which crosses over the Potomac into DC right into the Mall, called the Hotel Americana. It pretty much caters strictly to tourists but it is in the $75 a night neighborhood and has free parking. It has also been in several movies including No Way Out

Further south on Rt. 1 just outside the Beltway in Alexandria are several more inexpensive motels, a few of the old-school one-level door opens to parking lot types and several brand new Holiday Inn express types.

Ping me offline if you have more questions, I would be happy to answer.

Google Franconia, VA. There's a Metro Rail stop nearby, and a good assortment of hotels. From Hilton to Best Western. Or check out Vienna, VA. That is near I-66 which is on the way to Front Royal, VA and Skyline Drive.

Nearly all area hotels will offer a shuttle to the nearest Metro Rail stop. The Springfield Comfort Inn had rooms for $129/night, on quick search, without searching for best rate or doing the travelocity thing. The Vienna Econo Lodge had rooms for $84/night.

I grew up in the area, and get through there fairly often, though I have not had a chance to check out any of the hotels.

+1 on Crystal City. My Sister-in-law lives there. Lots of hotels to choose from, close to Metro.

Make sure you check out the Crystal City Sports Pub!

Silver Spring?

Try Silver Spring, in the "new" city core. There is a decent Hampden Inn about 10 minutes from the metro with nightly prices under $200. Good Ethiopian restaurant around the corner.