Photo Courtesy of Tides Inn
By Maryann Hammers
With its museums, landmarks, and history — not to mention military discounts — you can’t go wrong with a vacation to the Washington, D.C., area.
We found these military offers on hotels and attractions in D.C., Baltimore, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Embassy Row Hotel is near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, nightlight, shopping, dining, Capitol Hill, museums, and monuments. The trendy Dupont Circle hotel offers military members a per diem rate of $134, plus a $12 breakfast credit. Find more info here, and book using code GOVBFAST. Call (202) 265-1600.
RL hotels (as Red Lion hotels now are called) offer former and retired military members and their families a 15-percent discount off the already affordable “best available rate” at more 130 properties across the country — including hotels in the D.C. area. Use promo code MIL if booking online. The stylish new RL in Washington, D.C., is walking distance to the National Mall, with easy access to many historic sites. Call (202) 223-4320. In downtown Baltimore, the laid-back Hotel RL is close to historic Inner Harbor, Camden Yards, the National Aquarium, and the farmers market. Call (844) 248-7467.
The Tides Inn on Carter’s Creek in Chesapeake Bay country in Irvington, Va., is a one-tank getaway from Washington, D.C. The luxury resort features a spa, lakeside golf, and marina. Rates vary, but active duty military personnel and veterans can receive up to a 30-percent discount on accommodations. Book online on the Military Appreciation page, or call (855) 421-0412.
Just 30 miles from D.C., Prince William County in Virginia features Civil War battlefields, military history museums, and historic sites — many with free admission. It’s home to Marine Corps Base Quantico, and you’ll also find the
National Museum of the Marine Corps, Mayfield Fort, the Freedom Museum, and Manassas National Battlefieldin the area (all with free admission). Hit some balls at Old Hickory Golf Clubor Prince William Golf Course — both with military discounts. Military members and veterans get free admission at the Prince William County Fair(Aug. 12-20). Several reliable chain hotels honor the government per diem rate of $89 a night, including:
Wyndham Garden Manassas , (703) 335-0000
Holiday Inn Express , (703) 393-9797
Hampton Inn , (703) 369-1100
Hilton Garden Inn , (703) 590-1150
Springhill Suites ,(856) 546-6920
Thinking about biking your way to D.C.? Make Thomas Shepherd Inn a stop on your route. The classic bed-and-breakfast in West Virginia's eastern panhandle is about 74 miles from D.C. — and near the C&O Canal Towpath , a 184-mile Pittsburgh-to-D.C. biking/hiking trail. The inn also is walking distance to fine dining, unique shops, and local music and an easy driving distance to Antietam National Battlefield and Harpers Ferry. Military rates start at about $135 to $189, representing a discount of about $15 to $20. Be sure to check the special rate “Armed Services” box when booking online, or ask for the military price when booking by phone. Call (304) 876-3715.
We previously told you about these nearby military offers in Baltimore and Virginia ( here and here). Most of the offers still are valid — just ask.