Lodging with local Sacred Harp singers

To request lodging hosted by local singers, contact Mary Ann Daly at Daly-at-rff.org (change the '-at-' to '@') as soon as possible, as the demand may exceed the number of available rooms. Be sure to mention any requirements with respect to allergies, smoking, pets, etc.

Hotel recommendations

There are no hotels or even bed-and-breakfasts in Great Falls or the immediate area. However, there are hotels along Route 7 in the Sterling area roughly midway between the Great Falls Grange and the home in Ashburn, VA in which the Saturday evening social and new Traditions Singing will be held. Two of these hotels are listed below and are recommended for those going to the social. For those interested in staying closer to DC and the Beltway, there are a variety of hotels in Tysons Corner/Vienna, VA along Route 7. One is listed below and chosen because of its relatively low rates, when checked in early March 2008. Look under "special rates" or "promotions" or group discount rates (AAA, senior, government), and check online services such as Travelocity.com and Orbitz.com. Because the convention dates are in the cherry blossom season (or at least during the Cherry Blossom Festival), cheaper rooms at these hotels during these dates may go quickly.

Hotels near the Saturday night social/New Traditions Singing:

• Hampton Inn Dulles Cascades, 46331 McClellan Way, Sterling, Virginia 20165. This hotel is around 7 miles from the Great Falls Grange and 9 miles from the venue of the Saturday evening social. Rooms for $89 per night ($80 with AAA discount). One advantage of this hotel is their complimentary hot breakfast, along with free Internet access. AAA 3 diamonds; Expedia 2 1/2 stars; Travelocity 2 stars.

• Courtyard by Marriott Dulles Town Center, 45500 Majestic Drive, Dulles, Virginia 20166. This hotel is around 9 miles from the Great Falls Grange and 7 miles from the venue of the Saturday evening social. Weekend specials for $71-89 per night. Courtyard by Marriott hotels generally have excellent rooms and bedding and free Internet access, but no complimentary breakfast. AAA 3 diamonds; Travelocity 3 stars.

Hotel near Tysons Corner:

• Comfort Inn Tysons Corner, 1587 Spring Hill, Rd., Vienna, VA 22182. This hotel is around 7 miles from the Great Falls Grange but 20 miles from the venue of the Saturday evening social. It is a more basic choice with exterior corridors. It is rated 2 diamonds by AAA, 2 stars by Expedia.com, and 3 stars by Travelocity.com, but reviews on the latter two Web sites are mixed. It has rooms for $80 per night ($68 with AAA discount). It has free wireless Internet and continental breakfast.