Even BWI is generally easier to deal with than Dulles, IME. But I think FredPete is out that way, so maybe not.

If there is a place that has a few pool tables and some dart boards, that would be awesome. I love throwing darts!

The Hawk & Dove is nearby, and has pool tables. Also, I seem to remember a tiki bar on that same block, which could be fun.

From National, you can take the subway within a couple of blocks of the hotel. Subway has a station within the airport.

Isn't that the one where you can't get out of your seat 30 minutes after takeoff and before landing?

Yes, but this really isn't as big a deal as some people have made it sound. Seriously, I would never have noticed that it was longer than the standard "seatbelts on" phase without being told.

Isn't that the one where you can't get out of your seat 30 minutes after takeoff and before landing?

Yup, because it's just across the river from the city. That's why it's convenient.

Isn't that the one where you can't get out of your seat 30 minutes after takeoff and before landing?

Yes, but it's really not as bad as it sounds. Honestly. (You can't get out of your seat for the last 20-ish minutes of any flight going into ANY airport, because the plane is landing. If the flight crew didn't mention that it was a security issue, you probably wouldn't even notice that you were being asked to sit a little longer than usual.)

And once you get out of the plane, National is much more convenient than either Dulles or BWI, in terms of getting into the city.

[x-posty!]

Right on. Booking ticket now....

Yes, but this really isn't as big a deal as some people have made it sound. Seriously, I would never have noticed that it was longer than the standard "seatbelts on" phase without being told.

Yeah. It's more an objection to the whole "if you get out of your seat you will be arrested" threat than any real inconvenience.

Eeeee! Ticket booked! Time requested off work! Eeeeee!

Must book hotel room.

Chiming in too late, but for future reference --

is it more convenient to fly into Dulles, or National?

National is more convenient for ground transportation to the F2F site. But if you're any kind of nervous flyer, the noise abatement procedures at National (especially flying out of) will give you the heebie jeebies -- it's like a roller coaster with no handle bars. But also a beautiful view of the Mall, if you're on the correct side of the plane. Dulles has much smoother takeoffs and landings, but your view will be the VA countryside and suburbia.

((Orange County, CA - beach) - palmtrees = Fairfax County, VA)

Getting around within Dulles takes a little getting used to. You have to take a shuttle from check-in to your gate for most flights.

And brenda is correct -- I live near Dulles and have volunteered ground transport.

But if you're any kind of nervous flyer, the noise abatement procedures at National (especially flying out of) will give you the heebie jeebies -- it's like a roller coaster with no handle bars.

FTR, I hate flying, and have never noticed the takeoffs out of National being any worse than anywhere else. This thread is the only place I've ever seen anyone mention it.