The hype
The location is unbeatable for Metro access and dining, but the property itself feels a bit tired.
Hilton Arlington
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want seamless access to the Metro and a highly walkable neighborhood with dozens of restaurants right outside your door.
Why People Love It
- Directly connected to the Ballston-MU Metro Station
- Skywalk access to Ballston Quarter Mall and its massive food hall
- Walkable to over 60 local restaurants and bars
Quick Take: It's a standard, slightly dated Hilton that trades on its unbeatable location rather than luxury or modern flair.
Reviewed by @Amandanovak2: My stay at the Hilton Arlington was incredibly relaxing. The room's modern design, especially that huge marble shower, made it feel like a true luxury retreat. I loved unwinding on that massive king bed after a long day.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're paying for the convenience of the Ballston neighborhood, not for a five-star luxury room experience.
- You rely on public transit to get around DC
- You want to walk to dinner and drinks
- You are attending an event at George Mason University nearby
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Generally clean, but some guests report missed spots and signs of wear and tear in the rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional and mostly clean, though some older fixtures show their age and occasional grout discoloration.
- Maintenance: A recurring weak point; complaints about loud, rattling AC units and dated room decor are common.
- Linens & towels: Standard Hilton Serenity beds with crisp 250-thread count sheets and clean towels.
- Odors & scents: Mostly fresh, but the lobby has a designated 'smoking oasis' outside that can waft near the entrance.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud, older air conditioning units
- Street noise from the busy Ballston intersection
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is connected to the Ballston Quarter Mall via a skywalk
- Standard WiFi costs $10.95 unless you are a Hilton Honors member
- Pets are allowed but there is a $50 non-refundable fee
What to pack
- Earplugs to block out the noisy AC units
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the highly walkable Ballston neighborhood
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Level rooms for access to the club lounge and free breakfast
- Corner King rooms for slightly more space and better natural light
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevators or ice machines due to foot traffic
- Lower floor rooms facing Stafford Street due to traffic noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm looking forward to my stay. Could I please request a quiet room on a higher floor, away from the elevators, with a recently serviced AC unit? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No, the hotel does not have a pool, but it does feature a 24-hour fitness center.
How much is parking?
Self-parking is $24 per day in the attached garage. Valet parking is not available.
Is breakfast included?
No, unless you book an Executive Level room or have Hilton Honors elite status. Otherwise, you can eat at the on-site restaurant, Dan & Brad's.
How close is the Metro?
It's literally right next door. The hotel is adjacent to the Ballston-MU Metro Station (Orange and Silver lines).
Are pets allowed?
Yes, it's pet-friendly. There is a $50 non-refundable fee per stay, with a maximum of 2 pets up to 75 lbs.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Absolutely. There are over 60 restaurants within a short walking distance, including the Quarter Market food hall.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the pricey hotel breakfast and walk to Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe or Northside Social for great local coffee and pastries.
- ✨
Use the skywalk to access Ballston Quarter Mall without having to step outside, perfect for rainy or cold days.
- ✨
Join Hilton Honors before booking to avoid the $10.95 daily fee for standard WiFi.
5 things to know before you go
💡The parking garage has a strict height limit of 6'6", so large SUVs and trucks might not fit.
💡The hotel's restaurant, Dan & Brad's, is surprisingly good for a hotel steakhouse and serves fresh Chesapeake Bay catches.
💡The Washington Capitals practice facility (MedStar Capitals Iceplex) is right next door, and practices are free to watch.
💡There is a 'smoking oasis' in the front of the hotel, but smoking in rooms incurs a hefty $300 fine.
💡The hotel is a major hub for conferences and university events, so the lobby can get unexpectedly crowded.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hilton Arlington is located and what's nearby.