Respectable AND cheap hotel in the D.C. area?

We are headed to D.C. on sat. and are looking for a decent hotel in the area. It doesnt have to be in D.C. proper, but simply close to a Metrorail station, safe neighborhood, decent (read: clean) property and be close to, or under $100 a night as we are looking at a 3-4 night stay.

Last time I was in D.C. was 1986 so I know things have changed, and probably not for the better. Any suggestions from you worldly travelers who have been there in the last 2 decades?

Thanks

Upcoming Washington D.C. trip - lodging?

Its been a good 25 years since I've been to D.C. (Reagan was in office) and it looks like I have a chance to return in a few weeks with the family. I know that hotel prices in the District/close to the Mall are outrageous, but what about places to stay around D.C., perhaps in Virginia, that are close to the rail line for transporation to the Mall and other points? I know some on here have traveled there and looked for bargin rates with close transportation. Where have you stayed?

Thanks.

Anyone notice?

Ok - so we always wait at least 45 minutes to an hour when the fireworks are over before we start pulling up the anchor and slowly motoring out. Last night though, it seemed like just about everyone was doing this, which then was like - ok , so how long do we wait? It's good to see that people are actually waiting and taking their time to be careful when leaving such a big event as this. ESPECIALLY at night, with this many boaters.

What a great day for being out there and always a spectacular fireworks show!

P.S. - Kudos to the Macomb County sheriff marine division - we saw them checking a lot of boats for life vests, etc. One small boat I swear had about 20 people on it, but they all held up life vests.

FullThrottle posting as PJ

And LittleStinker (Erin) makes 4

Not sure how many of you cruise over to the Scuba Forum, but being the PROUD DADDY that I am, had to get a link over here as well.

Erin making her dad PROUD, again.

With Erin now certified as a PADI Open Water Scuba Diver, our entire family of 4, are now divers. That is just way too cool.

Our newest diver

Spent the weekend down at White Star Quarry in Ohio. Erin, our 11 yr old, became the last one one in our family to become PADI certified. She's looking forward to seeing eveyone on the lake, from the bottom up.
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Ready for the first dive
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Double check the gear
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No turning back for us now
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David had to get wet as well.
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Erin on her final skill test
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Graduation on the sunken powerboat
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The entire group sunday morning
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This makes it all worth while!
WAY TO GO ERIN, I'm so PROUD OF YOU.