I have heard great things about the American Hotel in Crystal City VA, is this area safe?

I am planning to go to DC for a vaction with young children and want a safe area. The Americana hotel is within my budget not very expensive and close to DC area I've heard. I would like to know if this is a suburburban area and is it safe and not in a crime ridden area? Should I avoid this part of the city? Thank you for your help.

Yes, my aunt and cousins stayed there before when we had a full house of out of town visitors. It's basically a economic no frills lodging and there should be no problems regarding safety as many other hotels (much more expensive in same area incl EMBASSY SUITES practically next door).

Only other choice depending how you and your family are coming to Washington DC especially if driving your own automobile that we also have had family stay in paid lodging before is HAWTHORNE SUITES in Alexandria that has shuttle van and much larger suite like accomodations as well as free breakfast.

Enjoy Your Vacation in the Nation's Capitol!

Yes, this is a very safe area. Metro is a little bit of a walk, but walkable, and there are a lot of services nearby.

The hotel is one of the recommended budget hotels in DC, which are rare.

Also check out the Hotel Harrington and the Red Roof Inn Downtown. If you are staying in the suburbs because you don't think you can afford downtown, these are some to check out.

Yes, the area is relatively safe, and there's a metro close by - and it's very close to DC. It's not really suburban, though - it's more of a business district - moderate nightlife scene for young professionals. And when I last lived in Crystal City a couple of years ago (I'm still in the area, but on the other side of DC), there were at least two drive-by shootings - rare, but still scary. If you'll have a car, you might want to consider staying in Alexandria (a very family-friendly place, and there are some typical chain hotels with good deals) or maybe on the Maryland side (the northern part - and definitely not further east than Silver Spring! pretty much anywhere along Hwy 270 would be fine).

FYI, its the Americana Motel. Yes, the Crystal City / Pentagon City / Pentagon Row area is safe. You're walkable to all 3 shopping and dining destinations, and there's metro closeby in Crystal City & Pentagon City.

However, from all I know about this hotel, its "low end." I worked for a while in Crystal City, 1 block from the hotel and some the impression was that's its barely a step above "pay by the hour."