How to Find Cheap Hotels in Bethesda, Maryland

Bethesda is one of the few unincorporated cities in the country. Despite this strange legal status, a number of federal agencies and large corporations have their offices here because of its location. It's in Montgomery County, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. Get to know the city that's also home to the famous Bethesda Naval Hospital and National Institutes of Health.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A computer with Internet access

Find Transportation to Bethesda, Maryland

1. Fly to either of the Washington, D.C. area airports, Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport. Reagan has a connection to the Metro, which you can take to Bethesda, Maryland.

2. Ride the rails, taking Amtrak to Union Station in Washington, D.C. Then take the Metro or rent a car to get to the Bethesda, Maryland area.

Know What to See and Do in Bethesda, Maryland

1. Purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and breads at the Farmers Market from May through October on on Tuesdays between 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Park. Also look for the Montgomery Farm Woman's Cooperative Market.

2. Keep up with the arts at the many theaters, dance studios, art galleries, and musical venues.

3. Ride the excellent Metrorail and buses. Leave your worries about traffic and parking behind.

4. Shop till you drop! The thriving downtown area has stores of all kinds, including antique shops on Wisconsin Avenue.

5. Look for the Madonna of the Trail monument, erected in downtown Bethesda by the National Old Trails Association. Twelve of these monuments have been placed from the east to the west coast to memorialize the hardy women pioneers of American history.

Find Your Accommodations in Bethesda, Maryland

1. To book accommodations, contact the Conference and Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). You can stay at any of Bethesda's cheap chain motels or hotels. There are less than 10 of these, but they are all well known chains that accept online reservations. Rates start under $80.00.

2. Collect quotes from the major Internet travel sites. Inquire about packages than bundle your hotel, car rental and air fare. Since Bethesda is a driving city, you'll definitely need a car.

3. Try out a Bed & Breakfast. Rates can be as cheap as $75. Plus, they are located in interesting, old Maryland houses.

Tips & Warnings

• The cheap places to stay may not be in Bethesda itself. Look in Washington D.C. and the rest of the surrounding metropolitan area. Traveling from wherever you stay to where you want to go on public transportation is easy.