US Travelers: What’s the best place to stop overnight between California and Washington DC ? ?

yankiwi asked:


Hi I will be coming to America in February – arriving mid morning in either Los Angeles or San Francisco, (not sure which airport yet). My final destination is Washington, DC.

Due to the difference in time zones, my options are very limited – the flights in to DC either arrive quite late in the evening (just before midnight), or else very early in the morning.

I would prefer to arrive between noon and five pm. I really don’t want to spend the early hours of the morning in an airport. I thought I could remedy this problem by flying in a day earlier, and then stopping over midway across the country.

I could just book a room, spend the night, and then fly out to DC the next morning. This would probably help me get over my jet lag, too.

Here’s where I could use some suggestions – what would be the best city in which to stopover?

I looked on the map for somewhere about halfway across; a workmate suggested Chicago, but I thought it would be too cold, or maybe even snowing there, in February. My neighbours suggested Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta as possibilities. However, none of them could provide any first-hand information.

I’d appreciate suggestions as to what city to overnight in, as well as recommendations for inexpensive accommodations – because I am on a limited budget. I can’t afford the Hilton, but I don’t want to stay in a backpackers. Just a quiet and safe, yet inexpensive place to get cleaned up and rested – and preferably a motel with a free shuttle to the airport.

Thanks in advance for your help! I know there are many people out there in the know, who will share their travel expertise…
As far as the stopover – again this is just for clean up and sleeping – not for shopping or sightseeing.

I’ve been to Las Vegas once, and aside from the neon, it doesn’t really interest me. I’m a student so I don’t have any $ for gambling or shows.

I’m just mainly looking for a safe quiet place to have a shower and a rest before I head on to the East Coast. About the Chicago stopover – I’ve been watching the weather reports-brr! Will the ice and cold would be over by February? Or am I fooling myself?

Both of my airlines options (ANZ or Qantas and their alliences) offer multi-stop trips, and also give discounts on hotels, Trying to find the right one with an airport shuttle, and without cockroaches will be the tricky bit.

Looking at Dallas-Fort Worth or Houston as southern options, and Chicago or Indianapolis as northern options.

BTW, I can flu directly into DCA, which is only about 12 Km from where I need to be. Any ideas on safe clean places to stopover?
Thanks =)