|
|
Post by judgeandfamilyman on Jun 18, 2009 23:05:53 GMT -5
Is anyone bringing their family to training at Falls Church?
Have you found any good places to stay?
The Marriott is a bit small for me and my kids.
Thanks,
GM
|
|
|
|
Post by legendinmymind on Jun 18, 2009 23:51:29 GMT -5
I got a 1 bedroom plus den at an apartment just across from the Marriott Residence Inn, so I can still catch the shuttle. I got it through with Crystal City Corporate Housing. They have been very accomodating and responsive.
I spoke with the person arranging travel at the Office of the Chief Judge, and they told me that as long it was within the per diem rate, it was fine.
I'm a bit more excited to stay in a full apartment than a studio apartment for a month. Plus, the other big benefit is that the place he set me up in, the Metropolitan at Pentagon City has a nice gym and pool.
|
|
|
|
Post by aljpro on Jun 19, 2009 1:22:16 GMT -5
I also went with a housing company to get my family a place. I went with Hook Rentals, DC. The guy has been fantastic! He placed me right next to the Pentagon City Metro and the Mall at the Metro at Pentagon City. I'm in it for the space (2 teens), the full kitchen, the proximity to the Fashion City Mall, and the Jacuzzi! I'm pretty sure he can get a bunch of places for folks that want them. I actually wanted a 2 bedroom, but the place didn't have any for July, so I got a 1 bedroom with a den and extra bed. I figure that I could just walk to the shuttle at the Marriot. It is about 2 blocks away, or just drive myself. Only downside is maid service is only weekly (I'm not sure what it is at the Residence Inn), and I have to walk to the shuttle (2 blocks) in the morning or drive. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by onepingonly on Jun 19, 2009 1:45:46 GMT -5
I'm bringing the family, and I also went with Hook Rentals. Yes, they have been absolutely fantastic! Highly recommended.
|
|
|
|
Post by odarite on Jun 19, 2009 7:22:05 GMT -5
There is an SSA shuttle from the Pentagon City Metro station to the SSA complex for commuting employees. If you catch that, you just have to learn how to wind through the building connections to get to/from the shuttle to the training site.
|
|
|
|
Post by aljpro on Jun 19, 2009 8:27:07 GMT -5
That is even better. Now the walk is only 1/2 a block to the metro. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
Post by aljpro on Jun 19, 2009 8:45:38 GMT -5
What time does that shuttle leave the Pentagon City metro station? Does it leave at multiple times through the day?
|
|
|
|
Post by aljpro on Jun 19, 2009 8:55:37 GMT -5
I just spoke with Dan at Hook Rentals and he said he has 3 x 1 bedrooms, 2 x 1 bedroom with dens and 1 x 2 bedroom just came available at the Metropolitan. He said there were more 1 bedrooms available for Aug. (just in case anyone else was interested. I didn't want to recommend them if there weren't any apartments left.)
|
|
|
|
Post by onepingonly on Jun 19, 2009 9:20:48 GMT -5
Dan at Hook Rentals is extremely helpful. He made every arrangement we needed.
|
|
|
|
Post by odarite on Jun 19, 2009 12:28:44 GMT -5
What time does that shuttle leave the Pentagon City metro station? Does it leave at multiple times through the day? It runs at multiple times until something like 7 or 8 pm. If I recall correctly you have to show a government ID to board. You may want to trek to the hotel the first day and ride with the class, then during a lunch or similar break go exploring on the lower level, past the by-the-ounce lunch place (which is near the Target entrance) and follow the signs for the shuttle. They have the hours etc. posted. |
|
|
|
Post by aljpro on Jun 19, 2009 22:34:19 GMT -5
You also need to know lodging taxes - you can get reimbursed for them above the hotel cost - the letter for the July training says we get $165.00 per night for lodging. Residence Inn told me taxes were 16.?? something per night. I do not think you can claim that amount if you are in an apartment - but you can voucher for it if you stay in the hotel... The amount available for per diem is $165 per night, plus tax. Tax is reimbursed. It is not included in the per diem rate. As long as the tax is shown seperately on the receipt, it will be reimbursed. Sales tax in Arlington is 5%. A corporate housing company should know that. |
|
|
|
Post by lawcat on Jun 20, 2009 11:32:10 GMT -5
For those staying in apartments rather than the Marriott, how are you paying? Will you have to pay up front and be reimbursed after training? Also, how does the per diem work? If our housing costs are less, do we submit the actual bill?
|
|
|
|
Post by bartlaw on Jun 20, 2009 14:43:36 GMT -5
For those staying in apartments rather than the Marriott, how are you paying? Will you have to pay up front and be reimbursed after training? Also, how does the per diem work? If our housing costs are less, do we submit the actual bill? You pay up front using the Gov't Credit Card, (or another card if you don't have a Gov't Card). You will submit the actual bill, and that is what you will be reimbursed for. |
|
|
|
Post by bartlaw on Jun 20, 2009 14:47:56 GMT -5
I just reserved an apartment with Hook Rentals as well. The place he put me in, the Metropolitan at Pentagon City, is better for me because there is a park with tennis courts, and playground for my kids across the street, a full kitchen to cook what I want and not have to eat out every night and a full sized WASHER AND DRYER in the apartment. I hate sending my laundry out!
|
|
|
|
Post by appellant on Jun 20, 2009 22:34:50 GMT -5
Will anyone have young children with you at the July training? My husband and 5 yo daughter will be with me most of the time and we would like to find others for play dates, meals, commiserating, etc. Send me a pm if you're interested in getting together.
|
|
|
|
Post by onepingonly on Jun 22, 2009 7:48:46 GMT -5
For those staying in apartments rather than the Marriott, how are you paying? Will you have to pay up front and be reimbursed after training? You do have to pay up front and then get reimbursed. My lodging is not exceeding the per diem per night. I have received my government travel card (got it late last week), so I'll be using that. Or you can use a personal card. |
|
|
|
Post by onepingonly on Jun 22, 2009 7:58:08 GMT -5
Does anyone know what the cost of the Marriott will be so that it can be compared to the alternatives? The per diem for the Washington, DC Metro Area (July 1 - August 31) Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church; Arlington and Fairfax appears to be a maximum of $229 for lodging and food per day ($165 for lodging and $64 for food) (but correct me if I'm wrong). The Marriott is $165 (lodging per diem) per night for a studio suite. The only other room type they have is a 2-bedroom suite which goes for $269 or so. I got a quote of $245-ish from the hotel manager so I ended up getting an apartment instead. Much more space for the per diem. |
|
|
|
Post by aljpro on Jun 25, 2009 6:58:15 GMT -5
Just FYI, in case anyone wanted to stay a couple of days for free, Hook Rentals is letting me check in on July 3rd to enjoy the weekend and is including it in the price of the rental. I checked with Residence Inn, and they want over $450.00 for 2 days. I'm not sure he will let everyone do this, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
|
|
