If time is of the essence, try the quick soak. For a faster soak, put the beans and water in a saucepan and bring them to a boil. Allow them to boil for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it with a lid and let the beans soak for at least 1 hour.
On the way down, I stayed at Comfort Inn in Mount Vernon, which was fairly average. While I was in Mississippi, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. It was a step up from the Comfort Inn. The Hampton Inn had the Hilton stamp all over it...the quality and feel was definitely more upscale than the others.
Which Alexandria hotels are on sale? My husband and I want to see both Mount Vernon and Monticello during the 3rd week of September. We are coming from Pittsburgh, Pa and I'm thinking of hitting Charlottesville first, stay there (any suggestions for a nice inexpensive B&B?) then driving North to Mount Vernon.