Home to one of the largest United States Marine Corps bases, MCB Quantico, Quantico is considered the heart of military education and development in the country. The name Quantico means “by the large stream,” referring to the Potomac River on which the town sits. MCB Quantico itself rests on a 62,000-acre tract along the river.
Quantico's military history dates back to 1775 when the Commonwealth of Virginia started using Quantico has a base of operations for the Navy's 72-vessel fleet. Quantico housed Confederate gun batteries during the Civil War to block shipments to the Federal capital on the Potomac. In 1917, the Marine Corps became interested in Quantico, and a new training base was established.
While Quantico was merely a tend city prior to the 1920s, military interest transformed it into a permanent Marine Corps Base. Today, the base is home to a select few men and women dedicated to training and educating new officers. The town itself prizes its long military history, but it's also a scenic spot for exploring riverside parks and family-friendly attractions.
Whatever your reasons for visiting Quantico, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this riverside town has to offer.
When should you visit Quantico, VA?
Quantico has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and chilly winters. If you plan on enjoying the town's outdoor attractions, plan your visit during the shoulder seasons from April through May or September through October. The weather is mild during the spring and summer, making any outdoor excursions more pleasant. The area does experience more rain during the spring, however, which can make Quantico feel more humid than the temperature suggests.
Summer highs in Quantico range from 75 to 87 degrees on average, with July being the hottest month. Since Quantico is located about 45 minutes from Washington DC, area hotels experience more crowding during the summer months when peak tourist season hits. If you plan to visit during the summer, be sure to book your hotel several weeks in advance to save money.
Winter is the low season throughout the DC area, even in Quantico. Hotel prices hit rock-bottom from December through February, but you must also prepare for freezing temperatures. Pack thermal underwear, gloves, a hat, scarf, and heavy-duty winter coat to combat the frigid temperatures.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Quantico, VA:
Quantico by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Quantico, VA. You can use these charts to calculate the most cost effective months to stay in Quantico for any future trips.
What luxury hotels are worth booking near Quantico?
4 Star Average Prices: $86.50
If you'd prefer more upscale accommodations in Quantico, you're in luck.
Hampton Inn Dumfries/Quantico offers a relaxing indoor pool, on-site fitness facilities, a 24-hour business center, and Hampton's free hot breakfast every morning of your stay. The hotel is convenient to area museums and shopping, plus it gives you quick access to Washington DC. Guest rooms offer 37-inch high-definition TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, work desks, and clean white linens.
If you don't mind staying a little further out, book a room at Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge. This upscale accommodation boasts an indoor swimming pool, an on-site bar and lounge, fitness center, a snack shop, luggage hold, room service, coin laundry facilities, and free parking. Business travelers can also utilize the business center with free printing service, fax, meeting rooms, copying service, video conferencing, and audio/visual equipment rentals.
Room and suites at Hilton Garden Inn Woodbridge are elegant and traditional, featuring ergonomic seating, comfortable Serta beds, and separate sitting areas. Enjoy high-definition TV with premium channels, an alarm clock with MP3 jack, Wi-Fi and wired internet access, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.
Planning to stay a week or more? Book a suite at Residence Inn Potomac Mills. Designed for extended stays, this property features state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a free breakfast, an indoor pool, and an evening social three nights a week. Guest suites feature HDTVs with premium channels, fluffy pillows, soft linens, full kitchens, and separate living spaces, giving you everything you need to feel like you're home away from home.
What affordable hotels are near Quantico, Virginia?
3 Star Average Prices: $102.06
Finding an affordable hotel in Quantico is easier than you might think.
Super 8 by Wyndham Dumfires/Quantico is a budget-friendly accommodation on Jefferson Davis Highway. Despite its affordability, this Super 8 offers well-appointed, modern guest rooms with oversized, black-and-white photography on the walls and colorful duvets. Guest rooms also include hairdryers, LED televisions, microwaves, refrigerators, ironing facilities, and free Wi-Fi internet access. You'll also love the free continental breakfast.
Red Roof Inn Dumfries - Quantico is conveniently located off Interstate 95 in nearby Dumfries. This pet-friendly hotel offers newly renovated guest rooms with flat-screen TVs with extended cable, complimentary Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, microwaves, mini-fridges, hairdryers, and work desks. Some rooms also offer coffee-making facilities. Guests can also enjoy the on-site business center, outdoor seasonal pool, coin laundry, free parking, and coffee and tea service in the lobby.
Also located in Dumfries, the Econo Lodge Near Quantico Marine Base places you near key points of interest, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Leesylvania State Park, Hylton Memorial Chapel, and the Potomac Mills Mall. Guest amenities include free coffee, Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and copy, print, and fax services. Rooms boast flat-screen TVs with premium cable, including pay-per-view movies, wake-up service, separate sitting areas, mini-fridges, microwaves, and drawer space for clothing.