Alexandria Marina via Flickr user Ron Cogswell
Alexandria is a city that hosts every kind of traveler: vacationers taking in everything Washington, DC, has to offer, families who need a quick staycation, and out-of-town visitors coming into the city for work. Hotels in Alexandria, VA, reflect all types of stays and have a room for everyone to feel comfortable.
The trick for choosing the best location is to determine your top priority. Some travelers need quick access to a Metro stop, while others require space to spread out—they’ll stay awhile, possibly house hunting. Most hotels fit into the $150-$300 per night range before taxes and fees.
Considering relocating to Alexandria? Check out some of the area's home selling trends.
Alexandria is a large, sprawling city, and your hotel location makes a difference because only some places are walkable. For example, a good bargain per night’s stay near the West End probably won’t be worth the savings if you travel into Old Town and pay upwards of $25 for parking each day. Keep in mind the hotels in Old Town, Alexandria, VA, are some of the most popular and convenient in the city.
The Residence Inn Old Town is an easy pick for those who want to spend more than a couple of nights in Alexandria. Extended stays are their specialty, providing kitchens and spacious rooms to evoke a home-like setting. The location of several amenities marks the hotel as convenient for daily life. Whole Foods is within walking distance, and a park is right outside the hotel’s front door for dog walks.
Image via Marriott.com
Good For:
- Families relocating to Alexandria.
- Pets: 2 pets, 75 pounds max per room, with a $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.
The Lorien’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 recently 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.
Good For:
- Staycations.
- People who prefer boutique hotel experiences.
- Spa services.
- Pets.
Alexandria doesn’t have traditional waterfront hotels, but the new Indigo is as close as you can get. The property's main selling point is the perfect location on the Potomac River. 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 regularly.
Image via booking.com
Good For:
- Baseball and soccer enthusiasts.
- Potomac River activities.
- Walkable shopping and dining.
4) 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 city's southwest side. This property sits near access to I-95, which is crucial during commute hours. For meetings in DC, it is also near the Eisenhower Metro stop.
Many government and military offices are dotted around this part of Alexandria. Corporate travelers find the hotel exceptionally convenient for early meetings and late arrivals in the evening.
Good For:
- Work-related trips.
- Metro access.
- Free breakfast.
Okay, so the last two hotels are not technically in Alexandria, but they ride the city line and grant abundant accessibility to travelers. They have to be included!
5) Embassy Suites by Hilton Springfield
Embassy Suites are synonymous with daily happy hours and made-to-order breakfasts, which benefit travelers in the area for work and 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 DC. 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. You’ll find a mix of dining options that meet all price points there. 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.
6) 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 five miles away, or fifteen minutes in a car.
The Gaylord is a destination filled with plentiful activities, multiple on-site dining alternatives, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an attached pier leading directly to the National Harbor Ferris Wheel with views stretching up and down the river.
Capital Ferris Wheel at National Harbor, Maryland via GPA Photo Archive
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 five miles away, or 15 minutes in a car.
The Gaylord is a destination filled with plentiful activities, multiple on-site dining alternatives, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an attached pier leading directly to the National Harbor Ferris Wheel with views stretching up and down the river.
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 famous chefs such as the Voltaggio Brothers. And for those who prefer to shop, Tanger Outlets awaits your arrival.
Good For:
- Convention attendees.
- Special family vacations over the holidays or family reunions.
- Vacationers who prefer minimal planning.
TripAdvisor lists nearly 100 hotel properties across Alexandria. There’s a high probability that you’ll 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!
Make sure to visit some of these 9 Restaurants to Check Out in Alexandria!
Moving to Alexandria, Virginia? Get our free resource guide to the area below: