RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT ARLINGTON BALLSTON, Arlington

The hotel sits in a safe, walkable area with dozens of restaurants, shops, and cafes within a few blocks - including Rustico, &pizza, and Urban Tandoor all 0.5 km away. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 10 km away, and downtown D.C. is about a 20-minute Uber ride (typically $12-$15). Arlington National Cemetery is a 10-minute drive. A playground and park are across the street; an ice-skating rink is nearby. The Ballston Metro stop connects directly to the city and airport, making a car optional for sightseeing. Secure on-site parking is available for those who drive, though garage spaces are somewhat tight for large trucks. The hotel is well-suited for families visiting D.C. attractions and for business travelers needing proximity to offices in Arlington.

The hotel offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites. Studios include a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a sofa bed; one-bedroom suites have a separate living room. Two-bedroom suites contain one king bed and two queen beds, an oven in the kitchen, and two bathrooms for extra privacy and convenience. Every suite features air conditioning, heating, a work desk, ironing facilities, and a fully equipped kitchen with a two-burner cooktop, refrigerator, dishwasher, and cookware. Beds are consistently described as very comfortable, and sofa beds include memory-foam mattresses. Rooms are clean and spacious with large windows; some offer nice views. Road-facing rooms are not noisy due to good soundproofing. The property shows some signs of age but remains well-maintained and clean.

Breakfast includes real scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fresh pastries, fruits, juices, and alternatives like oat milk. The buffet is available until 9:00 on weekdays and 9:30 on weekends. The dining area is clean and well-staffed; tables are cleared promptly. Breakfast can be taken back to the room. There is no on-site restaurant or bar, but the Ballston neighborhood offers dozens of restaurants within walking distance - including pizza, Indian, Sichuan, and café options - making it easy to find dinner or a snack. For lunches or groceries, a grocery store is a short walk away. The front desk can provide local dining recommendations.

The indoor pool is available; however, it was temporarily closed in the past due to maintenance, so it is wise to confirm its current status before booking. When open, the pool area is clean and well-maintained, and on some occasions a lifeguard has been on duty. The fitness centre is free to use and includes standard cardio and weight equipment. The outdoor space features a terrace, garden, and barbecue facilities where guests can relax or cook. A small park and playground are also located across the street, adding to the leisure options for families.

The 24-hour front desk offers express check-in/out, luggage storage, and an ATM on site. Staff are frequently noted for being exceptionally friendly and helpful, with particular mentions of Marie, Robert, Peter, Kayode, Angel, Reina, and Estrella. The business centre and meeting/banquet facilities are available free of charge. Laundry and dry cleaning are offered at an additional cost. The property is fully non-smoking, with key card and key access, CCTV, smoke alarms, and safety deposit boxes. Pets are allowed for a $150 non-refundable fee (up to 22.7 kg). The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle. Parking costs $39 per night with in-and-out privileges; the garage is secure but spaces are compact for larger vehicles. A grocery delivery service is available free of charge. Housekeeping provides daily service and will wash dishes left in the sink.