Alexandria Marina via Flickr user Ron Cogswell
Alexandria is a city that plays host to every kind of traveler. From vacationers taking in everything Washington, D.C. has to offer, to families who need a quick staycation, to out-of-town visitors coming into the city for work, hotels in Alexandria reflect all types of stays and have a room for everyone to feel comfortable.
The trick for making the best decision on location is to determine your top priority. Some travelers need quick access to a Metro stop, while others require space to spread out--they’re going to stay awhile, possibly house hunting. The majority of the hotels fit into the $150-$250 per night range, before taxes (they’re hefty because Alexandria is considered a tourist destination) and resort fees.
Considering relocating to Alexandria? Check out some of the home selling trends going on now.
Keep in mind that Alexandria is a large, sprawling city. A good bargain per night’s stay near the West End probably won’t be a great deal if you have to travel into Old Town and pay upwards of $25 for parking each day. For a reference point, most of Alexandria’s hotels are situated in Old Town, the most visited part of the city.
It's important to note that the Yellow and Blue lines of the Metro systems south of Ronald Reagan National Airport are closed until Labor Day 2019. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is supplying multiple bus shuttle solutions from Alexandria Metro stops.
Popular and Convenient Hotels in Alexandria
For those looking to spend more than a couple of nights in Alexandria, the Residence Inn Old Town is an easy pick. Extended stays are their specialty, providing kitchens and spacious rooms to evoke a home-like setting. The location to several amenities marks the hotel as convenient for daily life. For groceries, Whole Foods is within walking distance, and a park is right outside the hotel’s front door for dog walks.
Good For:
- Families relocating to Alexandria.
- Pets: 2 pets 75 pounds max per room with $200 non-refundable fee per room per stay.
- Travelers who prefer a short commute to Ronald Reagan National Airport, as well as Amtrak and King Street Metro stop.
Kimpton’s location on King Street in Old Town extends a range of choices for shopping and dining, which are all very walkable, so no need to rent a car. The hotel underwent a complete renovation last year and was named Best Spa 2019 by NOVA Magazine. A stay at the Lorien adds a little more luxury to ordinary vacation plans. Be sure to check out scheduled happy hours and the charming brick patios.
Kimpton properties are known for their extremely liberal pet policies; if you can fit your pet through the door, it can stay. No extra charge!
Good For:
- Staycations.
- People who prefer boutique hotel experiences.
- Spa services.
- Pets.
Alexandria doesn’t have many waterfront hotels, but the brand new Indigo is as close as you’re going to get. The perfect location on the Potomac River is the property’s main selling point. Smack in the middle of Old Town with water views and access, Hotel Indigo is where you want to be if a bustling vibe is what you're looking for. Food, entertainment, and water attractions are only steps away. Water taxis to and from the Washington Nationals Park, Audi Field, and Mount Vernon run on regular schedules.
Do keep in mind, that the adjacent properties are under construction, but they are required to adhere to quiet hours.
Good For:
- Baseball and soccer enthusiasts.
- Potomac River activities.
- Walkable shopping and dining.
SpringHill Suites Alexandria Old Town/Southwest
If a work trip brings you to town, there’s a good chance your destination will be on the southwest side of the city. This property sits near access to I-95, which is crucial during commute hours. For meetings in D.C., it is also near more than one Metro stop.
Many government and military offices are dotted around this part of Alexandria. Corporate travelers find the hotel to be exceptionally convenient for early meetings and late arrivals in the evening.
Good For:
- Work-related trips.
- Metro access.
- Free parking and breakfast.
Okay, so the last two hotels are not technically in Alexandria, but they ride the city line and grant an abundance of accessibility to travelers. They have to be included!
Embassy Suites by Hilton Springfield
Embassy Suites are synonymous with daily happy hours and made-to-order breakfasts, which are a benefit to travelers in the area for work and for families looking to save money on dining out while visiting Alexandria. An indoor swimming pool and 24-hour fitness center accommodate various guests’ schedules.
The hotel has quick access to multiple 95 Interstates leading to the Beltway and into D.C. It’s also squarely situated to reach Fort Belvoir and major defense contractors like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon.
Springfield Town Center is a short drive away. There, you’ll find a mix of dining options that meet all price points. Many of the major retailers are there, too. Target, Macy’s, and a movie theater should take care of last-minute emergencies and cure some boredom if the hotel stay is for many days.
Good For:
- Families who need space and want to economize.
- Work-related travel near major government agencies and corporations that support them.
- Access to I-95, 395, and 495.
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
Just across the Potomac River in Maryland sits the massive National Harbor entertainment destination, which includes the Gaylord National Resort. Don’t let crossing state lines deter you. Maryland sounds far away, but you can actually see the Gaylord from the riverbanks in Old Town. It’s about 5 miles away, or 15 minutes in a car.
The Gaylord itself is a destination filled with plentiful activities, multiple dining alternatives on-site, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an attached pier leading directly to the National Harbor Ferris Wheel with views that stretch up and down the river. But, there is so much more to see, right out the front doors.
Within walking distance of the resort are dozens of restaurants, unique stores, and more than enough attractions to occupy multiple days. Just a mile or two drive away is a Las Vegas-style MGM Casino filled with more attractive dining choices headlined by popular chefs such as José Andrés. And for those who prefer to shop, Tanger Outlets is awaiting your arrival.
Good For:
- Convention Attendees.
- Special family vacations over the holidays or family reunions.
- Vacationers who prefer minimal planning.
TripAdvisor lists 68 hotel properties in Alexandria. There’s a high probability that you’ll be able to find one that meets your convenience and budget factors. Choose wisely, and your stay in the city can be productive, fun, relaxing, or a combination of all three!