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Reviews of Washington DC Corporate Apartments
Meridian at Courthouse
Review Number One
Review Number Two
Reviewed by Gwendolyn Webb, State Department
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
4 months during A-100 and subsequent training.
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
Location, location, location. Near the courthouse metro stop, movie theatre within walking distance, restaurants and bars galore within walking distance. Nice building with nice residents. kind of an international flavor to the residents here.
What were the disadvantages?
You have to have a car to get to FSI. Public transportation is a possibility, but involves several stops and transfers (you are looking at at least an hour by public transport as compared to 7 minutes by car!)
Is the complex suitable for children?
I didn't have any children, but my impression is that it would not be the best place in the area for kids. It is more of the singles/couples type of environment. There are no playgrounds in the complex and the activities seemed to be geared towards adults.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
If you are at main state or working in the district you would be fine without a car as there is a metro stop 2 minutes walk away. However, if you are at FSI or another non-metro friendly location, it would be difficult and time consuming.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
Yes, for the first 4 months (100% for first month and 3 months of 50%). After that, you would have to pay out of pocket.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
Yes, try to get a higher floor with a room facing the district. Otherwise you will have a beautiful view of the Arlington County Courthouse and detention facility! :)
Review Number TwoReviewed by Kirsten Miller, Department of State
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
April 2003 - December 2003
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
Very close to Courthouse Metro; walking distance to many neighborhood amenities (3 blocks to CVS pharmacy, 7 blocks to Whole Foods and Clarendon, 3 blocks to Wilson Blvd with many restaurants, shops, etc.); farmers market on Saturday mornings one block away; walking distance to Rosslyn if you want to shuttle to FSI; 7 minute drive to FSI; quiet because not on a busy street; friendly, mature, and responsive staff; garage parking always available; nice view of DC if you are on 7th floor or higher; cats are allowed.
What were the disadvantages?
Nice pool but often overrun with noisy, hyper kids. I recommend choosing an apartment away from the pool. Poor air circulation, but I think that this is the case with all of the newer complexes with this typical floorplan.
Is this a good place to stay with children? Are the schools, play areas, etc. acceptable?
Not my area of expertise; I believe Key Elementary is nearby. The Meridian management hosts events for the residents about once per month, and recent ones included an ice cream party and a Disney movie showing, so I think they try to please parents and kids.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
Metro to Foggy Bottom is a snap from the Courthouse station. As mentioned above, you can walk to Rosslyn to get the shuttle to FSI; this will be about a 10-15 minute walk depending on your pace. If you're not into walking that far, you can hop the Metro one stop from Courthouse to Rosslyn and then pick up the shuttle. However, the fastest way to FSI will be by car, about 7 minutes.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
We have an unfurnished apartment (I don't even know if they do furnished), and when the per diem was at 1/2 the original rate, the lodging portion did cover the rent. Now the per diem is at 1/4 the original rate, and the lodging and miscellaneous portions together just cover our rent. You can get a cheaper apartment on lower floors -- we wanted something of a view, such as it is from the 7th floor.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
Again, there is a view/cost trade-off, and I would keep away from apartments that are very close to the pool. I have only seen apartments in Buildings I and II, so I can't speak for Building III.
Meridian at Courthouse
1401 N Taft St.
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-8700
Corporate website:
http://www.bridgestreet.com/
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