Right across the Potomac, Metro-connected to the whole city, and almost always better rates than staying in DC proper.
Arlington, Virginia sits directly across the Potomac from Washington DC — close enough that several Metro lines cross the river and drop you in the heart of the city in under 20 minutes. Hotels here routinely cost less than comparable DC properties, parking is easier, and neighborhoods like Rosslyn, Ballston, and Crystal City give you a genuine base of operations rather than just a room near the monuments. Here’s exactly where to stay and why.
Where to Stay in Arlington VA
Our top picks by neighborhood and traveler type — linked directly to booking.
Key Bridge Marriott
Georgetown views, Potomac views, and a 10-minute walk across Key Bridge into DC. Unbeatable position.
Check RatesWestin Arlington Gateway
Pentagon City/Ballston area, full-service, reliable. Best base for Arlington Cemetery visits.
Check RatesWestin Crystal City
Steps from Crystal City Metro and minutes from Reagan National. Best option for early flights or late arrivals.
Check RatesComfort Inn Ballston
Free parking, free breakfast, free WiFi — the only Arlington hotel near Metro that offers all three.
Check RatesWhich Arlington Neighborhood to Stay In
The neighborhood you pick in Arlington matters more than the hotel brand. Rosslyn and Crystal City give you the fastest access to DC. Ballston gives you the best neighborhood feel. Pentagon City gives you easy access to Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon Memorial.
Rosslyn — Closest to DC
Key Bridge Marriott
The best-positioned hotel in all of Arlington — Georgetown views, Potomac views, and you can walk across Key Bridge into DC in 10 minutes. Full-service Marriott with rooftop pool. If location is your priority, this is the answer.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comHoliday Inn Arlington at Ballston
Reliable full-service IHG property right at the Rosslyn/Ballston corridor — good rates, Metro walking distance, and solid amenities for a straightforward DC area stay.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comCrystal City — Best for DCA Arrivals
Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport
Full-service Westin steps from Crystal City Metro and minutes from Reagan National Airport. The right call for anyone flying into DCA — especially for early departures or late arrivals when you don’t want to deal with transportation into DC proper. See our Reagan National tips for arrival logistics.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comDoubletree by Hilton Crystal City
A solid full-service Hilton property in Crystal City with airport shuttle service, on-site dining, and easy Metro access. Good choice for business travelers and anyone prioritizing DCA proximity with Hilton loyalty points.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comBallston — Best Neighborhood Feel
Comfort Inn Ballston
The only Arlington hotel near Metro that offers free parking, free breakfast, and free WiFi — all three. That combination makes it the best value play in the area, especially for road-trippers or families who need the car but also want Metro access. Ballston has good restaurants and walkable streets that make it feel like a real neighborhood.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comHomewood Suites Arlington Rosslyn Key Bridge
Extended-stay format with full kitchens and separate living areas. Good for longer visits or families who want space to spread out. Consistently strong reviews and a location that gives you both the Ballston neighborhood and easy Metro access.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comPentagon City — Best for Arlington Cemetery
Westin Arlington Gateway
Pentagon City area, full-service Westin, close to both Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon Memorial. If visiting the cemetery is a priority — especially for Veterans Day or Memorial Day — this is the most logistically convenient base. See our Arlington Cemetery trolley guide and Pentagon parking guide before you go.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comRitz-Carlton Pentagon City
The most luxurious hotel in the Arlington area — directly connected to Pentagon City Mall via skybridge, full spa, exceptional service. If budget is not a constraint and you want the best available, this is it.
→ Check rates on Hotels.comGetting Into DC from Arlington
- Metro Orange, Blue, Silver, and Yellow Lines all serve Arlington — Rosslyn, Court House, Clarendon, Virginia Square, Ballston, Pentagon City, Crystal City, and more. Most DC destinations are 15–25 minutes away. See our DC Metro guide for full details.
- Walking across Key Bridge from Rosslyn puts you in Georgetown in 10 minutes — one of the most scenic ways to cross into DC.
- Reagan National Airport (DCA) is in Arlington — one of the great advantages of staying here. See our Reagan National tips and our full DC airports guide for DCA vs IAD vs BWI.
- Driving into DC — leave the car in Arlington and take Metro. Parking in DC is expensive and stressful. Our DC parking guide explains the full picture.
Metro lines: Orange, Blue, Silver (Rosslyn/Ballston corridor) · Blue, Yellow (Crystal City/Pentagon City)
To DC by Metro: 15–25 minutes depending on neighborhood and destination
Airport: Reagan National (DCA) is in Arlington — most convenient airport to the DC area
Arlington Cemetery: Pentagon City and Crystal City are closest
Best neighborhood feel: Ballston and Clarendon — restaurants, walkable, active street life
Best for Georgetown access: Rosslyn — walk across Key Bridge in 10 minutes
Parking: Easier and cheaper than DC — Comfort Inn Ballston offers free parking
Arlington for Seniors and Accessible Visitors
All major Metro stations in Arlington have elevators. The Pentagon City and Crystal City areas are flat and highly walkable. For Arlington Cemetery visits, the trolley tour is the best accessible option — see our trolley guide for full details. Our accessible DC travel guide and DC for seniors guide cover the broader picture.
Search All Arlington VA Hotels
Rates shift constantly across booking platforms. Compare across sites before you book — the same hotel can vary significantly by date and platform.
Quick Reference: Where to Stay in Arlington VA
| If You Want | Neighborhood & Hotel |
|---|---|
| Closest to DC / walk to Georgetown | Rosslyn — Key Bridge Marriott |
| Best near Reagan National (DCA) | Crystal City — Westin Crystal City |
| Best for Arlington Cemetery | Pentagon City — Westin Arlington Gateway |
| Best neighborhood feel | Ballston — Comfort Inn or Homewood Suites |
| Free parking + breakfast | Comfort Inn Ballston — only Metro-area hotel with both |
| Luxury | Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City |
| Extended stay / kitchen | Homewood Suites Rosslyn Key Bridge |
| Metro to DC | 15–25 min depending on neighborhood |
| Airport | Reagan National (DCA) — in Arlington, most convenient |
Arlington is one of the smartest places to base a DC trip. The rates are better, the Metro access is excellent, and neighborhoods like Ballston and Rosslyn give you something to walk back to at the end of the day. Pick your neighborhood based on what you’re doing — Rosslyn for Georgetown and the monuments, Crystal City for the airport, Pentagon City for the cemetery, Ballston for the best all-around neighborhood experience.
Something changed or need updating? Use our contact page to let us know.