ClaireBear, I'm sure that you will get better and more specific answers to your question, but as a reformed DC-area resident (who now lives in a civilized part of the country) let me put my 2 cents in. Dulles is west of DC and the Getaway area is northeast-ish. Going close to the District on a weekday is a BAD IDEA, especially if you are unfamiliar with it.   If you plan on touristing in the city, I'd recommend finding a place to overnight somewhere north near a Metro stop, and don't even think of driving in.