Arlington Meeting Planner FAQ

General FAQ

1. Where is Arlington?

Arlington, Virginia, is just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Our convenient location puts you in the middle of all the iconic structures and vistas in the nation’s capital area. With 11 Metro stations, most within walking distance of our 38 hotels, Arlington is minutes away from downtown D.C., Capitol Hill, and neighboring communities in Virginia and Maryland.

2. How do you get to Arlington?

Arlington is easily accessible by air, train, metro, bus, and car. The county is home to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) with service to 95 destinations and 401 daily departures. Arlington is also approximately 25 miles from Dulles International Airport (IAD) and 38 miles from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport(BWI). You can travel via train on Amtrak into Washington's Union Station, just 5 miles away. The area is also well connected to many key intercity and interstate bus routes. We’re also served by 11 convenient Metrorail stations connecting you to the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and other Washington, D.C. attractions. For more information, see Travel Planning.

3. How do your hotel rates compare with those in Washington, D.C.?

Arlington’s hotel rates are 20 percent less, on average than those at downtown Washington, D.C. properties. Since Arlington was originally part of the “10 miles square” designated for the nation’s capital city, it offers you the convenience of being minutes away from all major D.C. attractions.

4. What services and information do you provide to meeting planners?

From assisting with RFP distribution, hotel bids, and site inspections to providing StayArlington guides, maps, bags, regional information, and on-site hospitality services, we’ll go the extra mile to ensure your event is a complete success. Contact us with any questions, or send your Request for Proposals now.

5. What size group can you host in Arlington?

The largest hotel in Arlington, the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, has 686 guest rooms and 53,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The second-largest property, Crystal Gateway Marriott features 701 guest rooms and 38,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Some planners put their groups in multiple hotels in the same neighborhoods like Crystal City or Rosslyn. Find information on all of Arlington's hotels here.

6. Does Arlington have a convention center?

We do not have a convention center, but the region has a few convention centers for very large groups. Arlington’s largest hotels and independent venues have between 30,000 and 50,000 square feet of meeting space. We often host attendees from citywides in our hotels.

7. What are Arlington's dining options?

Arlington is home to dozens of restaurants with everything from diverse global cuisine to familiar American favorites. Attendees will savor delicious eats from all over the world like Vietnam, Thailand, Ethiopia, Latin America, India, and Lebanon to name a few. Options range from casual to white-tablecloth, food trucks and small restaurants to large and multilevel venues, creating numerous possibilities for group and private dining. There’s also plenty of after-dinner fun at many lounges, pubs, wine bars, sports bars, and live music/dance venues. Find out more here.

8. Is Arlington a county or a city?

It is a county with many diverse neighborhoods, which are often mistaken for cities. Learn more about our neighborhoods here.

9. How much is cab fare into D.C.?

As an example, traditional taxi rates from Arlington’s Crystal City neighborhood range from $13 to $19 depending on traffic and destination. Check out this fare calculator. Also depending on your destination, other easy transportation modes to D.C. include Metrorail, Metrobus, rideshares, bike shares, and even walking!

10. Is Arlington a green destination that's focused on environmental sustainability?

Arlington County actively promotes green stewardship through its Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy (AIRE) program. Most Arlington hotels are Virginia Green participants, making voluntary commitments to reduce their impact on the environment and many of our local taxi companies offer hybrid or electric options. Read more about Arlington sustainability initiatives here.

11. What is your hospitality tax rate?

Arlington hospitality taxes are comprised of a Transient Occupancy Tax, State Sales Tax, and Local Sales Tax, together totaling 13.25 percent. This is comparable to its Northern Virginia neighbors, and approximately 7 percent lower than Washington, D.C.

12. Why bring your meeting, event, or group to Arlington?

Check out our Top Ten reasons. If you’re looking for the ideal combination of convenience and value for a capital meeting, choose Arlington!