Hotels are horrible at IAD. Be careful using priceline or another website. The hotels that you end up with may not have van transport. Cab fare will kill you and there is no public transpo. The trip from DCA or BWI can get expensive if you don't build a 3 hour window into your commute. Expect about an average of a 5 to 6 hour commute from the time yo arrive at CLT. Almost faster to drive.