We are local in the DC area. Driven past this hotel many a time, loving the the throw back to the 1960's or 1970's. Always wondered about the place.

In the past we have stayed in the Sheraton Crystal City when wanting to hang out at one of our favorite watering holes in Crystal City; to save the worry of driving back after a few drinks. Came across a coupon in one of the roadside hotel books that fit our budget for this past weekend, and saw the Americana Hotel at a great rate. After seeing the reviews on TripAdvisor, decided to give them a try.

For what we were looking for this past weekend, they met our needs. Yes, the rooms are dated and in need of repair. Peeling paint, dirty walls, dinged furniture, aging TV that seemed more like broadcast then cable.

But the things we really care about were there. The carpet looked new, and was plush and clean. The bed, while not a pillow-top was better than the disaster we had in Ashland VA. The linens were clean and fresh. The bathroom was clean, though the bathroom decor was very '60's or 70's. And in my life I never had a shower nozzle so low!

The staff in very good. From our "late" inquiry on the day of arrival. To accommodating our desire for a shuttle to the restaurant the first night, to a shuttle to the Metro the next morning for some sightseeing in DC. They will also pick you up from the Metro if you call. We chose to walk the very short distance. Added bonus is that parking is free for those that drive in, and they will accommodate your check-out and letting your car stay for the afternoon.

We tried their breakfast bar given some of the reviews on TripAdvisor. For a budget hotel it was not bad. Coffee could have been better, but the bagels were OK, as were the donuts. It was decent enough to get our day started.

Would we stay here again? Yes. A much better price to pay for being able to enjoy a late night out, and be safe about it. Is this a place for everyone? Not if the finer details are important. But then I personally found a gem in SF that many would scoff at....

Revolted by the 3-figure rates of hotels in this area, I booked this one and am glad I did. It looks like it was last renovated in the 1960s, so yes, it looks really old but not old enough to be quaint. One online description says it was renovated in 2008; maybe that was the corner of the lobby that was used for breakfast. BF included bread, cream cheese, fake bagels, real OJ, cheap pastries and muffins, cereal, etc. - quite sufficient. Room was clean. Furniture was chipped and dented, walls old but not peeling, lift is old and won't open until you press the "open door" button, but what do I care? I just needed a safe and quiet place to sleep, and it did the job nicely. The hotel is not smelly, and the staff were quite helpful. Use the free incoming fax to print your boarding pass and use the free shuttle to come and go. It was a quick walk to my meeting at the Crowne Plaza hotel down the street. I would stay here again.

Get here from the Crystal City metro stop was so easy - the room was clean and very 70's. The staff was very helpful and very friendly. Free internet.

We stayed here for 5 nights as my husband was playing in a concert in D.C. Clean, convenient, and oh those donuts!!! I will dream about them until we return next year!! Stay here, save your money for nice dinners!