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U.S. Marine Corp War Memorial (Iwo Jima statue)

Arlington is an urban county in Virginia. Arlington is located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. With a land area of only about 26 square miles and a population of close to 200,000, Arlington is one of America's mostly densely populated jurisdictions.[1] Despite its density, Arlington mixes the best of both big city and suburban environments. No incorporated towns or cities lie within Arlington County borders; all local government is at the county level.

Arlington has seen continual growth as the DC area has continued to grow, even during nation-wide economic downturns. This is mostly thanks to the large number of Federal workers and private companies competing for government contracts.

[edit] Understand

Arlington is part of the original "ten miles square" which the US Constitution dedicated as Washington DC, the nation's capital. In the 1840's, the US Congress returned the part of Washington south of the Potomac river to Virginia; the majority of this land today forms Arlington County. The vast majority of travelers to Arlington will visit both Washington and Arlington, and the two cities are seamlessly linked together by the Metro system.

Arlington has maintained a healthy balance of urban and suburban life through its self-proclaimed "Arlington Way"[2] of policy making. The county boasts a large percentage of residents involved in grassroots political and urban planning processes. Whatever your purpose in coming to Arlington, you'll find the area a friendly and convenient place to visit and explore.

[edit] When to visit

Most tourists come to the D.C. Area during summer weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting between November and March. Likewise, summer weekdays, as opposed to weekends, have fewer visitors and thus lower hotel rates. The busiest time to visit the Washington area is during the Cherry Blossom Festival. The springtime blossoms are a must see, but try to book a room substantially in advance.

Some interesting things to see - such as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing - are located in government offices and thus are only viewable on workdays Monday through Friday.

If you are visiting during the summer peak season, go to popular museums such as the Smithsonian early (the Smithsonian open at 10:00AM). Consider walking to monuments and memorials in the evenings when temperatures are cooler.

[edit] Get in

Overview map

[edit] By plane

• Reagan National Airport (IATA: DCA), [3] is in Arlington itself, and is used by several major regional airlines. This airport is directly linked to the metro system and thus very convenient.
• Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD), [4] is approximately 15 miles (a 45 minute drive during rush hour) outside of Arlington and accessible via shuttle bus and taxi. A long term plan may extend metro service to IAD by the year 2016.

[edit] By bus

• Greyhound has a station in Washington, D.C., several blocks from Union Station.
• Several "Chinatown" bus companies take passengers between Chinatowns in Washington, D.C. and New York. First popular amongst the Chinese community, these bus companies have been used by students and others seeking an ultra-cheap ride to New York or elsewhere.
• Vamoose Bus [5] has service between Rosslyn in north Arlington and New York.

[edit] By train

• The closest train station is Union Station in Washington, DC. It is about 10-15 min. by taxi from Arlington, or 30 minutes by metro.
• Union Station in Alexandria, VA is also close to Arlington. The ride to Arlington is about 30 minutes by metro.
• Arlington is served by Orange Line Metro stops Ballston-MU, Virginia Square-GMU, Clarendon, Court House, and Rosslyn. The Blue and Yellow Line stops include Rosslyn, Arlington Cemetery, Pentagon, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and Reagan National Airport.

[edit] By car

• Highways entering Arlington include I-395 from the Southwest, I-66 and US Route 50 from the West, George Washington Parkway from the Northwest, and US Route 1 from the South. All connect to the Washington beltway (I-495). In addition, there are several bridges (Key, Lincoln, Memorial, and 14th Street) cross over the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. to the East.

Note: Arlington County does not allow gasoline sales between midnight and 6AM.

[edit] Get around

Clarendon-Rosslyn Corridor

If you stick to the urban areas, park your car and leave it parked. Arlington has an excellent public transportation system, and using an automobile can bring more troubles than it is worth, as many of Arlington's attractions suffer from a dearth of parking spaces, and the area is notorious for expensive parking tickets. Fortunately, Arlington's public transportation system includes three D.C. area Metro lines, as well two bus systems.

If you want to explore the suburban areas of Arlington, the area offers many bus options, but a car is also a viable option.

• Washington DC Metro [6] The metro system is considered one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. The Orange, Blue, and Yellow lines cover Arlington. The metro uses are farecard system; cards are available for purchase at vending machines in all stations. Handle your Farecard gently; it's thin (like a business card) and the magnetic strip can't take a lot of abuse. Fares start at $1.35 and are based on distance and time of day. The county of Arlington has grown around its metro lines so many of the attractions you can see are located in the Rosslyn-Ballston metro corridor or along the Blue/Yellow Lines. Accessing Washington, D.C. attractions from Arlington hotels along the metro line can be as convenient than staying in Washington DC itself.

• Metro Bus [7] The Washington area is also served by traditional bus service.

• Arlington Transit Buses (ART) [8] The County of Arlington operates its own independent bus system. Arlington uses smaller, natural gas powered busses painted distinctive green. These busses can also carry bicycles at no additional charge. Arlington's bus service is designed to compliment the metro.

• Taxi Arlington taxis are available at taxi stands around the county, by phoning the taxi company directly, or occasionally by street hail. All taxis are metered; fares start at $2.00 and are based on mileage. A $1 fee is charged for each additional adult passenger. Complaints about taxi service can be directed to the Arlington Police Department.

• Walking Arlington's wide sidewalks, well labeled intersections, and modern transportation system make Arlington an ideal location for walking. Arlington's transportation systems and sidewalks are also fully accessible to the disabled.

• Bicycle [9] Arlington features a unique network of dedicated bike paths that criscross the county as well as dedicated bike lanes on many major roades. The paths are well labeled and patrolled regularly for safety. They also offer beautiful scenery and the chance to ride your bike or walk without interruption form motorized vehicles. You can cross any of the bridges into Washington using your bike, but be aware that the Teddy Roosevelt Bridge has a very narrow bath with barely any protection from the interstate right next to you. Note that children are required to wear helmets, and it's probably a good idea if you wear one too.

• Car Share [10] If you need a car for only a few hours, car share is your best alternative. Arlington has one car share company, Zipcar. These cars are located in desginated parking spaces near metro stations and can be used by anyone registered with the car share company. Begin your membership a few weeks before you head to Arlington.

• Driving your own car [11] If you decide to drive your own car to Arlington, first check with your hotel about parking arragements. Some hotels offer free parking and others charge per day. Most, but not all, parking garages operate 24 hours and offer discounted rates on weekends and evenings. Arlington County owns a very large pay parking facility attached to the Ballston Common Mall. On-street metered parking is possible in business districts. Parking in residential districts is restricted to residents during weekday working hours. Arlington's parking regulations are strictly enforced and improperly parked cars will be ticketed.

Many persons visiting Washington DC choose to stay in Arlington. Arlington hotel located along the metro lines are just as convenient or even more convenient than Washington DC hotels, and often more reasonable in price. If you are staying in Arlington primarily to see Washington DC sights such as the Smithsonian, it would be more convenient to leave your car parked at your hotel and ride metro to Washington.

[edit][add listing] See

Many people come to Arlington to see Washington, D.C.. Still, Arlington itself is home to a number of famous and lesser known destinations including the following.

Arlington National Cemetery

• Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Dr, ☎ +1 703 607-8000, [12]. 1 Apr–30 Sep 8AM-7PM daily, 1 Oct–30 March 8AM-5PM daily. Just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., adjacent to the Pentagon, this national military cemetery includes John F. Kennedy's tomb and the house of General Robert E. Lee. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Oct–March every hour, Apr–Sep every half hour.  edit

• Iwo Jima Marine Corps War Memorial, Meade St & Arlington Blvd, [13]. One of D.C.'s most compelling war memorials, which commemorates the amphibious landing and victorious battle for the Pacific island of Iwo Jima during WWII, is just outside the city, on the northern border of Arlington Cemetery. If you walk around the memorial counter clockwise, you'll notice the optical illusion of the marines planting the flag. This spot also provides an excellent view of the July 4 fireworks. From either the Rosslyn or Arlington Cemetery Metro stations, it's about a fifteen minute walk.  edit

• Pentagon. Just across the Potomac River from downtown DC. Metro: Pentagon. While lingering is not recommended for security reasons, you should know it is the largest office building in the world, and covers 4 zip codes. (Army, Navy, Air Force and Department of Defense.)

Theodore Roosevelt Island

• DEA Museum and Visitors Center 700 Army-Navy Drive, near the Pentagon City metro station, [14]. Learn about the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the flow of illicit drugs worldwide. The Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays 10AM to 4PM. Admission is free.

• Arlington Historical Museum 1805 South Arlington Ridge Road, [15]. Interesting museum housed in a historic school building. The Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays except in February, when the Museum is closed. Hours are from 1PM-4PM.

• Theodore Roosevelt Island, [16]. A lovely nature walk though this small national park gives one glimpses of both the area's natural woods and the Georgetown (Washington, D.C.) waterfront. Also includes a surprising monument to President Roosevelt himself. Technically a part of Washington, D.C., the island is only accessible by a footbridge from Arlington.

• United States Air Force Memorial A new monument dedicated in Fall 2006 to the US Air Force. The monument is comprised of three soaring spires signifying the Thunderbird's bomb-burst formation. Also on the site are a few statues and information about various airborne campaigns the US Air Force has participated in. The momument is on a hilltop with an excellent view of Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon, and Washington DC. The monument is a 15 to 20 minute walk from either the Pentagon or Pentagon City metro stops, or you can ride any of the route 16 metrobuses from the Pentagon to the memorial. Limited parking is available in the lot across the street from the memorial.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Ice Skating [17] The top floor of the Ballston Common Mall's parking garage is home to a newly constructed year round ice skating rink built for the Washington Capitals team. Public skating is offered every day, check the web site for schedules. Cost is $7 for adult admission and $3 for skate rental. Children's and youth lessons are also available. To get there, take the metro or drive to the Ballston Common Mall, then take the main parking garage elevators to level 8.

• The Comedy Spot, 4238 Wilson Blvd., Ballston Common mall,Phone: 703-294-LAFF, [18]. Stand up acts and local variety shows. One good show is "competitive improv" -- two teams doing improv games with audience suggestions to help direct them. The early shows are Family Friendly and the late shows are adult only. Early shows generally have more people competing and that lets the performers rotate a bit and be fresh and ready to go when it's their turn.

• The Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse,2903 Columbia Pike, [19] Recently voted the Best Movie Theater in the Washington DC area by the Washington Post's Best Bet competition and selected the Best Thing to Do on Friday Night by the Washingtonian Magazine, the Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse is one of the most unique and exciting venues in the DC area. The Arlington Cinema 'N' Drafthouse is A unique combination of a full restaurant located inside a movie theater. Over 22 years old, the “Drafthouse” replaced the Arlington Theater or “Old Arlington” as it was affectionately known in 1985. The building itself is over 65 years old.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Arlington's main Shopping Districts parallel the Rosslyn to Ballston metro corridor, and also around the Crystal City areas. Arlington has just about every type of shop an upscale urban area would have, and then some.

• Ballston Common [20]
• The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City [21]

Ballston Common, an enclosed mall, is directly connected to the Ballston Metro station via skyways, and the Fashion Centre, also an enclosed mall, is linked directly to the Pentagon City station. Ballston Common includes movie theatres, two indoor skating rinks, and wireless hot spots. This mall also includes one of the county's lowest cost parking facilities.

[edit][add listing] Eat

You won't go hungry in Arlington. Arlington has over a thousand restaurants to fit every budget and taste. Arlington's diverse, well educated population has led to a plethora of ethnic restaurants.

• The Clarendon neighborhood probably has the largest concentration of restaurants. Within a few blocks of the metro station you can find all types of restaurants -- from hole in the wall establishments to pubs to casual dining restaurants.

• For a slightly less crowded area, try the Shirlington neighborhood, which has about two dozen restaurants ranging from Thai to contemporary American.

• Crystal City has many fine restaurants for every budget. Some choices include Hamburger Hamlet, Bailey's, and Tapas. Make sure to venture west of Jefferson Davis Avenue on 23rd street to get a few smaller but equally as good choices. For those of you seeking risque entertainment, a trip to Crystal City Restaurant on 23rd Street South, close to Jefferson Davis Highway. However, admittance to this bar is restricted to those at least 21 years of age. Some shopping malls, such as The Underground, also have full-service restaurants, as well as food courts.

• China Garden, 1100 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 202 525-5317. Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-10:30PM; dim sum: Sa-Su 11:30AM-3PM. The Chinese have fled the District, mostly to Virginia, and there are honestly no good dim sum places in the city itself. But this Rosslyn restaurant serves a perfectly fine dim sum, and it's just across the Key Bridge from Georgetown (in an office building). $8-20.  edit
• Delhi Club, 1135 N Highland St, ☎ +1 202 527-5666, [22]. Su-F 11:30AM-10PM, Sa 11:30AM-10:30PM. Stylish, modern Indian plates with a specialty in lamb and egglplant. If you would like something different, try the Indian take on the Chesapeake crabcake! $15-27.  edit
• Guajillo Grill, 1727 Wilson Blvd., +1 703 807-0840 [23]. Mexican food, including some great mole. The food is always fresh and wonderful. The place is difficult to spot and parking can be a problem.
• Me Jana, 2300 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 703 465-4440, [24]. Lunch: 11:30AM-2:30PM daily; dinner: Su-Th 4:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 4:30PM-10:30PM. Upscale Lebanese cuisine (mostly mezzes) in a trendy, casual dining room, and accompanied with a fine selection of Lebanese wines. $18-40.  edit
• Piola Pizzeria, 1550 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 703 528-1502. M-Th 11AM-11PM, F 11AM-1AM, Sa noon-1AM, Su noon-11PM. Based in Treviso, Italy, this small but international chain serves great, vaguely Neopolitan style pizzas. Later at night it morphs into an attractive lounge playing house and trance. Happy hour (M-F 4:30PM-8PM) sees free bar snacks and $4 sangria. $10-16.  edit
• Pho 75, 1721 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 703 525-7355. 9AM-8PM daily. For a really good bowl of Vietnamese pho, you need to head out to the suburbs where the Vietnamese actually live. Happily, one of the closest pho joints to the city is also one of the best—several local food critics have declared the best. $5-10.  edit
• Quarterdeck, 1200 Fort Meyer Dr, ☎ +1 703 528-2722, [25]. 11:30AM-9PM daily. For a great Maryland style crab feast by D.C. you should go to... Virginia! Paper on the tables, buckets full of crabs, pitchers of beer, and an elbow-deep mess of Old Bay seasoning. $6-25; crab feast: $35/person.  edit
• Rays the Steaks, 2300 Wilson Blvd., +1 703 841-7297. One of the DC area's best steak houses, this no-frills steak house offers some of the best steaks at a reasonable price in the DC area. The restaurant has moved from its original location and now takes reservations. Parking can be a problem at times.
• Taste of Morocco, 3211 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 703 527-7468, [26]. Lunch: Tu-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; dinner: Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-10:30PM. A great Moroccan restaurant with lovely ambiance (precisely the sort you'd want of a Moroccan restaurant), great service, and one mean Chicken Bastilla, a sweet pastry filled with savory, spiced chicken. $14-30.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

There are many bars in Arlington. The drinks can get pricey, but are plentiful. In north Arlington, Ballston Mall includes several pubs, while the Clarendon-to-Courthouse corridor has enough watering holes for a bar crawl. The entire area also has a high density of coffee houses.

• Carpool, 4000 Fairfax Drive, about 2 blocks from Ballston metro, +1 703 532-7665, [27]. Very popular bar, restaurant and meeting point with a filling-station theme.
• Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA, ☎ (703) 469-2244‎, [28]. Known for its large dancefloor and (seasonal) rooftop deck.  edit
• The Continental, 1911 Fort Meyer Dr, ☎ +1 703 465-7675, [29]. M-F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa-Su 6PM-2AM. A weird little 60s-looking, orange-colored pool hall and bar just across the Key Bridge. If the small bar and pool tables are crowded, they also have shuffleboard, darts, and Wii!  edit
• The gay and lesbian community might want to pay a visit to Freddie's, a gay-themed bar in South Arlington, close to the corner of 23rd and Fern Street (look for the beach-themed purple patio with big rainbow flags out front).
• Galaxy Hut, 2711 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 703 525-8646, [30]. 5PM-2AM daily. Northern Virginia's sole hipster refuge has a fun jukebox, a fantastic draft beer selection, and perhaps the most laid back atmosphere on the Wilson Blvd corridor (it predates the Clarendon yuppie boom). Live indie rock Su-M.  edit
• Guarapo, 2039 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 703 528-6500, [31]. M-Th 5PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5PM-11:30PM; lounge: Th-Sa 9PM-1:30AM. A Latin lounge with salsa dancing, live music Th-Sa, hookahs, and "Latin tapas."  edit
• Iota Club, 2832 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 703 522-8340, [32]. 5PM-2AM daily. It's arguably a dive bar, but more importantly one of the best live music venues in the area for roots-rock and country acts.  edit
• Jay's Saloon, 3114 N 10th St, ☎ +1 703 527-3093. Su-Th 11AM-midnight, F-Sa noon-2AM. This is a true, old-school, neighborhood bar that has not been overrun with the twenty-somethings, with really cheap beer—$2 Buds and Miller Lites any time of the week.  edit
• Kitty O'Shea's, 2403 Wilson Blvd, ☎ +1 202 522-5295, [33]. M-F 11AM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM. There are a ton of fake Irish pubs in Arlington. This one's especially fake (it's way too well lit), but it's a good time for anyone looking for a nice sports bar not overrun with immature young'uns.  edit
• Rock Bottom, 4238 Wilson Blvd. ste 1256, in Ballston Commons Mall, +1 703 516-7688. Wednesday night is dollar pint night for some mighty fine in-house brews...expect crowds.
• Whitlows, Wilson Blvd, [34]. Casual neighborhood bar offering great specials during the week and a popular brunch on the weekends.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Best Western Rosslyn/Iwo Jima, 1501 Arlington Blvd, ☎ +1 703 524-5000, [35]. For once, a hotel with an attraction in the name isn't lying to you—it really is just about a block from the Iwo Jima Memorial. That does place it a little out of the way, but it's not a long walk to the Rosslyn station. Newly-renovated, heated indoor pool, free WiFi, meeting rooms. $100-190.  edit
• Clarion Collection Arlington Court, 1200 N Courthouse Rd, ☎ +1 703 524-4000, [36]. A high-end Clarion a couple blocks south of the Courthouse Metro, with free WiFi, free breakfast buffet, and 24 hour fitness center. Offers a free one-mile shuttle—shame that anything interesting that isn't within easy walking distance would be at least two miles away... $130-300.  edit
• Hilton Garden Inn, 1333 North Courthouse Rd, ☎ +1 703 528-4444, [37]. Notably just one block from the Courthouse Metro stop and the surrounding restaurants and nightlife, the Hilton $120-260.  edit
• Residence Inn Rosslyn, 1651 N Oak St, ☎ +1 703 812-8400, [38]. An all-suite hotel with free WiFi, free hot breakfast, free evening buffets M-W, and a dessert buffet Th. $110-270.  edit

• The Highlander Motel [39] 3336 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201 United States (703) 524-4300 The Highlander is a family-owned 44 unit motel in Arlington, Virginia. purchased the motel, then known as the Scotsman. The motel offers some of the most affordable rates in the Washington DC metro area.

• Courtyard Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National Airport, 2899 Jefferson Davis Highway, +1 703 549-3434, Fax: +1 703 549-7440, [40].Located within Arlington Virginia's Crystal City business district, this recently renovated smoke-free Courtyard by Marriott hotel has views of Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) as well as easy access to downtown Washington, DC. For the business traveler the hotel is located just minutes from the Crystal City offices of PBS, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and IBM, as well as several government agencies including the Pentagon. Complimentary shuttle service to the Crystal City DC metro rail station is available daily providing easy access to the Washington National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, Old Town Historic Alexandria and extensive Pentagon City shopping.

• Courtyard Arlington Rosslyn, 1533 Clarendon Boulevard, +1 703 528-2222, Toll-free: +1 800 321-2211, Fax: +1 703 528-1027, [41].Courtyard by Marriott Arlington, located in the Rosslyn section of Arlington Virginia (VA), is only minutes from downtown Washington DC, historic Georgetown, and Reagan National Airport. Plus the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and other DC attractions are nearby. For added convenience, this Arlington VA hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to the local DC metro station and area businesses.

• Residence Inn Arlington Pentagon City, 550 Army Navy Drive, +1 703 413-6630, Fax: +1 703 418-1751, [42].Adjacent to a vibrant shopping, dining and an entertainment complex, Residence Inn Arlington Pentagon City is in Virginia VA, just minutes from the Pentagon, as well as, the historic and business attractions of downtown Washington DC such as the Capitol, Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Plus Reagan National Airport DCA is also just a ten minute drive or DC metro rail ride from this Pentagon City Arlington hotel.

• Residence Inn Arlington Rosslyn, 1651 North Oak Street, +1 703 812-8400, Fax: +1 703 812-8516, [43].Get FREE high-speed Internet access at this Residence Inn Located across the Potomac River from Washington DC and just 4 miles from Reagan National Airport, the Residence Inn Arlington at Rosslyn puts you in the heart of the National Capital Region. Within walking distance, you will find restaurants, grocery stores, and many businesses located in bustling Rosslyn. A short walk across Key Bridge takes you to historic Georgetown. The Metro Station, located just two blocks from the property, provides easy access to downtown Washington DC, the Pentagon, the Smithsonian Museums, great shopping and more. Each suite includes a fully equipped kitchen, living room. In addition, we offer a complimentary hot breakfast buffet each morning, a complimentary evening buffet Monday-Wednesday, and dessert buffet on Thursday.

• Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport 1999 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA, 22202 Phone: 703-413-5500 [44] Located by the Reagan National Airport, this hotel offers hotel accommodations such as suites and rooms for business and leisure travelers. Nearby Crystal City offers many shops. DC is accessible via the metro system.

• Embassy Suites Crystal City 1300 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia, 22202. Phone: 1-703-979-9799. [45] This Embassy Suites is located one mile from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and two miles from the heart of Washington DC. Attractions that are just minutes away include Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian Museums, The Pentagon, and the Washington Monument, among others.

• Hilton Arlington The Hilton is located directly in front of the Ballston metro stop making it very convenient. It directly connects to the Ballston Common Mall via skyways. The Hilton is mostly oriented towards business travels; it offers substantial discounts over weekends and holidays. [46]

• Doubletree Arlington Hotel Crystal City - National Airport 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Virginia, 22202 Phone: 1-703-416-4100 [47] This hotel is located close to the Ronald Reagan National Airport, across the Potomac from Washington DC. Surrounded by top area attractions.

• Best Western Key Bridge, 1850 Fort Myer Drive, +1 703 522-0400, Toll-free: +1 800 539-2743, Fax: +1 703 524-5275, [48].

• Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1480 Crystal Drive, +1 703 416-1600, [49].

• Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, +1 703 920-3230, Fax: +1 703 271-5212, [50].

• Holiday Inn, 4610 N. Fairfax Dr, +1 703 243-9800, Located about 3 blocks from the Ballston Metro [51].

• Holiday Inn, 1900 N Fort Myer Drive, +1 703 807-2000, [52].

• Holiday Inn, 2650 Jefferson Davis Hwy, +1 703 684-7200, [53].

• Key Bridge Marriott, 1401 Lee Highway, +1 703 524-6400, Fax: +1 703 524-8964, [54]The Key Bridge Marriott is in Arlington, VA. Includes renovated meeting facilities.

• Westin Arlington Gateway, 801 North Glebe Road, +1 703 717-6200, Fax: +1 703 717-6260, [55].

• Hyatt Arlington, 1325 Wilson Boulevard. Arlington, VA 22209, [56]. Newly renovated; walking distance to Rosslyn Metro Station and local businesses. Less than one mile from the National Mall.  edit

• Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway. Arlington, VA 22202, [57]. Newly renovated; complimentary airport shuttle.  edit

• Best Western Pentagon-Reagan National Airport (Arlington, VA Hotel), 2480 S Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia 22206, ☎ 703-979-4400, [58]. Best Western Pentagon-Reagan Airport is a newly renovated, full-service Arlington, Virginia hotel featuring spacious rooms and suites, meeting space, a business center, a restaurant, and shuttle service - just minutes from Washington, DC and the Pentagon.  edit

• Best Western Pentagon, 2480 S Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22206, ☎ 703-979-4400, [59].  edit

• Comfort Inn Pentagon, 2480 South Glebe Rd. Bldg. 2, Arlington, VA 22206, ☎ 703-682-5500.  edit[60]

• Days Inn-Arlington VA, Days Inn-Arlington VA, ☎ 703-525-0300, [61].  edit

• Econo Lodge Metro, 6800 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22213, ☎ 703-538-5300.  edit[62]

• Highlander Motel, 3336 Wilson Blvd Arlington, VA 22201, ☎ 703-524-4300, [63].  edit

• TownePlace Suites Falls Church, 205 Hillwood Ave., Falls Church, Virginia 22046, ☎ 703-237-6172, [64].  edit

• Residence Inn Fairfax Merrifield, 8125 Gatehouse Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22042, ☎ 703-573-5200, [65].  edit

[edit] Long-Stay Hotels and Corporate Apartments

Arlington is home to a sizeable number of government and military employees. Many people detailed on business to the Washington DC area stay in Arlington. If you will be in Arlington for longer than two weeks, but less than six months, a long stay hotel (also called a corporate apartment) is the best place for you. The Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide publishes internet reviews of many corporate apartments[66]. When choosing a corporate apartment, consider its location carefully. Apartments very close to the metro are considered highly desireable; some buildings further away operate shuttle services. Other considerations include the frequency of maid service, if pets are allowed, parking facilities, and if the neighborhood has good restaurants, stores and supermarkets in easy walking distance. The Ballston neighborhood has all of these and is home to several corporate apartments including the Meridian[67] and the Lincoln Towers.[68] Do inquire about price, and make sure the pricing structure is compatible your per-diem guidelines.

If your stay in Arlington will be longer than six months, you are probably better off renting a regular apartment from through a broker, the Washington Post classifieds, or an online site such as Craigslist. Most Arlington landlords are familiar with the transient nature of government work and will include a "government escape clause" or "diplomatic escape clause" in your lease if you ask. Such a clause states that the lease can be terminated without penalty upon 30 days notice of receipt of government or military travel orders.

[edit] Work

Arlington is a rapidly growing county with a dynamic economy. The prospects for employment here are excellent, even as the rest of the country goes through recessionary times. The bedrock of Arlington's economy remains the Federal government, the military, and companies that directly do business with the government. The process to start a career with the government is considerably longer than the typical entry process in the private sector. Those seeking Federal government employment in Washington, D.C. or elsewhere can generally apply from their current location, anywhere in the US.

During summertime the Washington, D.C. area fills with ambitious young people completing internships with the government, NGOs, PACs, think tanks, and related organizations. Such persons would do best to arrange their housing in advance. While the Arlington rental market is not as tight as, say, New York City, good apartments can be pricey and hard to find on short notice. The most sought after neighborhoods in Arlington are those directly along the Metro lines, particularly the Rosslyn to Ballston corridor of the Orange line.

[edit] Stay Safe

Arlington is a very safe county with considerably less crime than its neighbor, Washington DC. While you are unlikely to be the victim of a crime here, you should take normal precautions that you would in any urban area, such as keeping your car and hotel room locked at all times. If you have a problem, dial 911 to contact the Arlington Police[69].

Be aware that the metro closes at midnight from Sunday-Thursday and at 3:00AM on Friday and Saturday nights. The time of the last train is posted in each station. Metro buses operate 24 hours a day but on a greatly reduced schedule at night. If you anticipate being out very late at night it is a good idea to carry the phone number of a taxi company with you.

[edit] Get out

• Major regional (and national) attractions and fine dining in The National Mall and Georgetown are just across the Potomac via Arlington Memorial Bridge (or the Metro Yellow Line) and the Key Bridge respectively

• Alexandria — the former hometown to famous American heroes and rebels that claims some of the richest history in the DC metro area is just south of the airport

• Fredericksburg and Manassas — sites of key Civil War battles, including the first major battle of the war. Also in the area are the Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania battlefields.

• Great Falls — home to a rather pleasant regional park.

• Mount Vernon — George Washington's home and gardens.