I would highly recommend visiting the Newseum if you haven’t been there. Very interesting exhibits and a lovely view of the capitol from the terrace.
One of the things we liked about Phoenix Park was reasonable AAA price, that it was smaller and not overwhelming.
I have stayed at Crystal City and also Willard (got very low price from Hotwire or PriceLine during shoulder season, weekday). It is great location but couldn’t have afforded normal rates.
Crystal City Marriott was on metroline and very convenient.
We always have stayed outside the city but close to the metro. Did a lot of walking last spring each day. So much we saw the Jefferson Memorial in the distance and decided we’d done enough miles. Different people have different ideas about essentials and good prices. One thing we learned - the new African American Museum required tickets which weren’t available, sigh. Had done some sites in previous visits so this was a see stuff missed other times first visit.
Back about 15 yrs ago we stayed at a Hilton in Arlington. The Metro station was in the basement of the hotel, so car didn’t have to move hardly at all. Hotel was also connected to a major shopping mall by enclosed walkways.
Since we went the week between Christmas and New Year’s, rates were heavily discounted, as the hotel was quite empty.