Postcard circa 1973: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
 

Arlington, Virginia -- 2650 Jefferson Davis Hwy
AKA Crystal City or National Airport
 
Built with an integrated parking garage similar to New Orleans-Downtown, Arlington opened in 1973. Boasting 279 guest rooms in its eleven stories, the complex was initially designed to house a Red Coach Grill in addition to a traditional Howard Johnson's restaurant. An upscale location, no Red Coach Grill was ever opened at the site even as its early postcard advertised one. The property was one of several hotel-type Motor Lodges that were sited near major airports during the early 1970s.
 
 
 
 
Advertisements circa 1980s -1994: Courtesy of Dan Donahue
 
 
 
Right: Upon conversion, Arlington lost most of its HoJo's cues. However a portion of the decorative concrete block screen remained extant on the back side of the property.
Designated as a Plaza Hotel, the property remained branded as a Howard Johnson until about 2000, and was subsequently converted into a full-service Holiday Inn.
 
Photos 6-2003: Courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
 
 
 
Lobby card circa 2000s
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aerial image © Microsoft Corp.