I tried to do a search.
I'm sure you guys answer these questions all the time.
I visited Washington DC when I was 12.  Needless to say, it's been a while.
Please let me know which airport I should fly into and where I should stay.

Thanks!

Freya

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if you are staying in DC.. fly in to DC.. DCA
Not to name hotels, but Dupont, NWDC, and Georgetown areas..

Yes, I agree. DCA is the most convenient to downtown DC. It's a short cab ride or you can take Metro if you don't have too much luggage.  

There are a variety of mid-range hotels in the Crystal City area of Arlington, VA, which is just a few minutes from DCA. If you prefer trendy boutique hotels, you should look in the DuPont Circle or the Georgetown area of D.C., but hotels there will be more expensive and parking is quite limited.

Tyson's Corner is farther from DCA, but it's a popular destination for traveling ladies and many guys work in offices nearby.  

Most ladies and guys avoid Bethesda and Montgomery County, Maryland, because of greater law enforcement activity

BUT I'm a D.C. local so vast majority of the time I use DCA. I've used IAD 2x in my whole life....other times if not DCA I'll go to BWI.

But for downtown action, restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, etc Reagan is best.  Tysons accommodations are fine but getting around without a car or taxi is a pain.

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As noted, many ladies do operate out of the Tyson's and locals in the vicinity of IAD.  Hence, you're a short cab ride away also.