The Udvar-Hazy Center's entry lines are shortest and the parking lot is the least crowded outside of peak times, so consider visiting this attraction during the colder months. You won't spend as much time waiting in line from September to February, on weekdays, and days that aren't holidays or other special events. When you're planning your journey, consider staying at one of the local area's convenient hotels.
What Are Some Budget Hotels Near Udvar-Hazy Center?
Chantilly has several affordable hotels for travelers on a budget. These simple accommodation options will leave more in your pocket for Udvar-Hazy Center souvenirs.
Holiday Inn Chantilly-Dulles Expo's convenient location inside the Chantilly Shopping Center is just one of its perks. It's also less than 2 miles from the Udvar-Hazy Center and Washington Dulles International Airport, and 24 miles from Washington, D.C. Choose a standard guest room or splash out in a suite for more space. Each boasts a 32-inch TV for your viewing pleasure, a work desk, and a fridge for chilling wine and cheese. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym, a free airport shuttle, and an on-site restaurant specializing in American favorites, Bob O's.
If you're planning an extended getaway in Chantilly, Extended Stay America – Washington D.C.-Chantilly is the ideal option. It's an affordable all-suites hotel, so every guest has plenty of space to spread out, plus access to a private kitchen. This is a full kitchen, rather than a kitchenette, with everything you need for preparing gourmet meals except for the ingredients! You won't need to prepare your morning meal though, as the hotel offers a free grab-and-go breakfast daily. If you're an animal lover visiting for a long time, you'll appreciate Extended Stay America's pet-friendly rooms.
What Are the Best Hotels Near Udvar-Hazy Center?
If you love luxury, it's worth venturing a little farther out to Herndon. This town, less than 2 miles from the Udvar-Hazy Center, is home to several high-end accommodation options.
Hilton Washington Dulles Airport – Herndon helps all guests feel special. There are pet-friendly rooms for animal lovers, and the kids' menu at the Old Ox Grill Restaurant and a children's video rental service to keep little guests happy. Grown-ups aren't forgotten either. The evening hors d'oeuvres for executive-floor guests, high-tech fitness center, and indoor saltwater swimming pool with whirlpool help adults make the most of their time away from home. The rooms are modern and packed with luxury touches, including Crabtree & Evelyn products in the bathrooms and Hilton Serenity bedding for the best night's sleep.
Hyatt Regency Dulles in Herndon is a contemporary hotel across from the airport. The free shuttle makes catching your flight or visiting the Udvar-Hazy Center a breeze. Choose one of the contemporary guest rooms or for total luxury, a suite. Perks, including an air purification system, separate sitting area, and Deluxe KennetMD bathroom amenities, are great incentives to upgrade to a suite. The hotel has a 15-meter lap pool and full-size whirlpool for easing tired muscles after sessions at the on-site gym. Enjoy coffee and sweet treats at Express-O's, drinks at the Lobby Bar, or exciting restaurant fare at Elements on Level One.
Which Hotels Offer the Best Discounts Near the Udvar-Hazy Center?
Several popular hotels offer big discounts to select guests. Present your identification when you're checking in to lock in the savings.
AAA auto club members save as much as 20% on rooms at the Residence Inn Chantilly Dulles South. The hotel also offers discounts to CAA members, seniors aged 62+, government and military personnel, and members of large traveling groups. It's an all-suites hotel, so no matter what kind of room you choose, you'll have separate living and sleeping quarters, an ergonomic work station, and a private kitchen. If you feel like whipping up a meal in your room, take advantage of the hotel's free grocery shopping service. The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet each morning and evening socials.
Once you turn 62, you'll save at least 15% whenever you book a room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Dulles Airport Chantilly. The Fairfield Inn & Suites also helps AAA and CAA members, government and military personnel, and large traveling groups save on the regular room rates. The free shuttle makes visiting the Udvar-Hazy Center, the airport, and selected other local attractions easy. After sightseeing, enjoy the hotel's heated indoor pool and fitness center with treadmills, free weights, and more. With eggs, pastries, and a make-your-own waffle station, the hotel's free breakfast helps you start the day right.
What Should I Bring to the Udvar-Hazy Center?
There are several things you should and shouldn't bring to make the most of your visit to the Udvar-Hazy Center. Exploring this 760,000-square-foot space requires a lot of walking, so make sure you're wearing comfortable clothes and footwear. Sneakers or hiking boots are ideal.
If you have mobility issues or young children, you should also bring a wheelchair or stroller. The welcome center does have a limited number of non-motorized wheelchairs, but they are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so you could miss out if you don't bring your own. Note that strollers cannot be taken inside the Donald D. Engen Observation Tower. However, there is a stroller parking area nearby to use while exploring this part of the center.
A small handbag should be enough to carry your essentials and reduce the time it takes to pass the Udvar-Hazy Center's security screening. Make sure you're not carrying prohibited items, such as pocket knives or tripods. There is a locker for large bags if you're visiting immediately after landing at the airport.
You can bring a bottle of water, but no other foods or drinks are permitted inside the Udvar-Hazy Center. As there isn't a restaurant inside, it's a good idea to fill up with a large hotel breakfast before you arrive.