With its potent farmland, Alexandria grew as a predominantly agricultural area. A current historical site, The Kent Plantation House, is one of the oldest standing buildings in Louisiana. Alexandria prospered until the Civil War. During the Union occupation, almost 90 percent of Alexandria incinerated. Thanks to the lumber from Kisatchie National Forest and the railroad, Alexandria was restored and became prosperous again.
Although Alexandria had many ups and downs throughout the 1900s, it has stabilized and is now a beloved home to over 150,000 residents. It is a popular tourist destination for many Americans and travelers from overseas. The rich history and diversity of the area encourages many travelers to learn about the historical significance and visit the many sites. Alexandria is attracting residents and tourists alike through its many projects, including a downtown revitalization project.
Now, Alexandria is home to the Alexandria Airport — which is complete with a new terminal — as well as an exciting nightlife, cultural events and festivals, and plenty of outdoor activities for avid outdoorsmen. New restaurants, cafes, and bars have recently opened adding to the galleries, museums, and historical sites in Alexandria.
Best Times to Visit Alexandria, Louisiana
Typical of Louisiana, Alexandria is hot and humid during the late spring through early fall. The late fall and early spring are a beautiful time to visit Alexandria when the temperature is milder. With its site right in the center of the state, you will see some freezing temperatures during the winter although it's much milder than northern states. Thunderstorms occur all year, but visitors to Alexandria don't have to worry about hurricane season as much as they would if they were in one of Louisiana's coastal cities.
Avoid the crowds and high prices of New Orleans and head to Alexandria for the spring to enjoy the many festivals during this time of the year. Summer is also a fun time to visit Alexandria. There is plenty to do inside and out during the summer, including heading to the zoo or visiting one of the casinos. Tourism is one of the biggest industries in Louisiana, so there will be something for you and your family to do all year. When there are events, hotels book fast, so don't hesitate to book a room if you're considering a trip to The Pelican State.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Alexandria, LA:
Alexandria by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean price trends by star rating class in Alexandria, LA. You can use these line graphs to calculate the cheapest time to stay in Alexandria for your upcoming travels.
Best Luxury Hotels in Alexandria, Louisiana
4 Star Average Prices: $119.69
If you want a more upscale stay during your visit to Alexandria, consider staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria. All rooms offer refrigerators and microwaves, and wireless internet is complimentary throughout the hotel. The hotel also offers a fitness center and outdoor pool to enjoy during those hot Louisiana summers. Refresh yourself at the bar or the café within the hotel. Free parking is available, and for business travelers, you have access to a business center and event space. Laundry services are also available.
Located near Alexandra Zoological Park, the Home2 Suites by Hilton offers air-conditioned rooms with kitchenettes. Appearing much more like an apartment complex than a hotel, the rooms have kitchens that offer full-sized refrigerators and microwaves. The hotel also has an indoor pool and a fitness center for guest to enjoy. Business travelers may want to use the dry cleaning services and business center. Luggage storage and free parking are also available.
Another luxury option in Alexandria is the Parc England Hotel. Located near the Kent Plantation House, and next to a golf course, this hotel offers guests an outdoor pool and fitness center as well. Transportation is easy to and from the airport with the free airport shuttle service. Free breakfast is available, and you can also enjoy cocktails at the lounge in the hotel. There is also a business center and laundry facilities.
Affordable Options in Alexandria, Louisiana
3 Star Average Prices: $104.37
Visitors have plenty of choices for affordable hotels in Alexandria, Louisiana. Consider a stay at the Sun Suites of Alexandria if you're looking for an economical option. Each air-conditioned room offers a kitchenette and flat-screen television. Free internet is also available throughout the hotel. Motel 6 is another affordable option and provides guests with access to an outdoor pool, free parking, laundry facilities, and complimentary coffee and tea in the common areas.
For yet another budget-friendly choice in Alexandria, try the Rodeway Inn located near the Alexandria Zoological Park. This hotel offers complimentary internet and coffee and tea makers in every room. The Rodeway Inn also offers its guests complimentary breakfast daily. Free parking is available, and laundry facilities are also available. If you like to sleep in, blackout drapes are also offered at this hotel.
2 Star Average Prices: $83.14
Best Discounts in Alexandria, Louisiana
For a hotel that accepts AAA, Military, and Senior Citizen discounts, try the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Alexandria. Start your day right when the complimentary hot breakfast with omelets and cinnamon rolls. Every room also offers coffee and tea makers with 100 percent Arabica Smart Roast Coffee. Free internet is also available throughout the hotel. Enjoy the putting green on the premises or take a dip in the outdoor pool. If you're traveling for work, you will appreciate the fax and photocopy services.
The Comfort Inn Alexandria Bolton Avenue also honors discounts, including group discounts. This property is equipped with a fitness center and an outdoor pool. With its prime location near the Kent Plantation House and the Alexandria Art Museum, it places you near the local sites. The Comfort Inn also offers a complimentary hot breakfast for its guests to enjoy.
You may also want to consider a stay at the Candlewood Suites to take advantage of discounts. This hotel is geared toward extended stay travelers, but it also comfortably accommodates short-term stays as well. Each room offers a kitchenette with stove top burners, a refrigerator, and microwave. Stop by the lending locker to snag a book, board game, or movie to enjoy during your stay. Health-conscious guests can also take advantage of the fitness and health center.
Best Value Options in Alexandria, Louisiana
If you want to get the most out of your money, America's Best Value Inn lives up to its name. This hotel provides complimentary microwaves and refrigerators in every room. Start your day by brewing your coffee or tea in your room or head down to the enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast. Free internet is available throughout the hotel. Guests can enjoy the miniature golf course, racquetball and squash, and the on-site picnic area as well.
The Baymont Inn & Suites also offers plenty of value for your money. This hotel, located near Kisatchie National Forest, offers guests coffee and tea makers in every room along with refrigerators. There is an outdoor pool available for guests to enjoy, and a fitness center for those who want to stay active during their trip. If you're traveling for business, the hotel has dry cleaning services, a 24-hour business center, and ample conference space and meeting rooms.
The Pelican State Lives Up to the Hype in Alexandria, Louisiana
Although Alexandria is not as famous as New Orleans, it's popular in its own right. If you are an outdoorsy type, head to Kisatchie National Forest to enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping. If you're brave, you can also visit one of three bat caves in the forest. Enjoy the longest hike in Louisiana near Alexandria; the Wild Azalia Trail measures 31 miles long. If you love to fish, you have countless places to drop your line. Bird watching is also a favorite pastime for those in the area.
If you love to shop, you can get your fill in Alexandria as well. Alexandria/Pineville boasts over 50 shops, so whether you're stocking up on your summer wardrobe or looking for souvenirs for friends and family, you can find it. Many of the local attractions also offer gift shops so you can pick up something to remember your trip. For those who enjoy the arts, check out one of the many museums, galleries, and venues in the area. Try out Red Door Art or Bayou Ceramics if you're feeling particularly creative.
Everyone knows about Mardi Gras, but that's not the only festival worth visiting during your stay in Louisiana. In June check out Cenla Pride, a celebration of diversity. In October, Funktoberfest is a fun festival to experience. The Rapides Parish Fair is also something to experience in October. Late October also hosts the Zombie Walk in Alexandria. In May, the Littler Walter Music Festival takes over. Of course, in February, Mardi Gras takes over, and Alexandria throws an impressive festival.
Alexandrian is a Southern gem. Why not explore it?
FAQs about hotels in Alexandria
How much does a cheap hotel in Alexandria cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Alexandria can be as cheap as $83.14 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Alexandria cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Alexandria has been $104.37 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Alexandria cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Alexandria has been $119.69 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Alexandria?
Below are reviews of the city of Alexandria, LA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Fun & Organized"
Score
5.0 / 5
Fun and Organized!
James B., from 24-Feb-2024
"Central Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Central to the state.
Leonard W., from 12-Jan-2024
"Enjoyed Our Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We broke our journey at Alexandra. We were going to Texas from NW of Atlanta, GA, for Thanksgiving. We didn't see much of Alexandria but enjoyed our one night stay.
Maralyn S., from 19-Nov-2023
"Kent House Plantation Tour & Fort Randolph"
Score
4.0 / 5
Tood the Kent House Plantation Tour and visited Fort Randolph.
Denise H., from 09-Oct-2023
"Easy & Convenient Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Easy and convenient to get around.
Susan K., from 10-Sep-2023
"Awesome Staff!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The staff was awesome and professional! They made my stay!
Goldie B., from 06-Jul-2023
"Plenty of restaurants and fast food!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Plenty of restaurants and fast food!
Jimmy M., from 22-May-2023
"Great Location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The hotel is close to everything: the zoo, food and lots of museums!
Kailey L., from 26-Mar-2023
"Everything We Needed!"
Score
5.0 / 5
MacArthur Street had everything we needed for our three day weekend, from gas to food and incidentals!
Perryn B., from 20-Mar-2023
"The staff was excellent! The room was clean, and the beds are very comfortable."
Score
4.0 / 5
The staff was excellent! The room was clean, and the beds are very comfortable.ST Francis Cabrini hospital ICU staff have been excellent.
Cyndy F., from 31-Jan-2023
"Near Airport"
Score
5.0 / 5
Right off Highway I-49 just north of Alexandria at the airport.
Brian C., from 13-Dec-2022
"SO many restaurants to choose from!"
Score
5.0 / 5
There were so many restaurants to choose from!
Amanda R., from 27-Oct-2022
"Everything was good!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything was good!!!
Wilson J., from 07-Oct-2022
"Many restaurants near hotel."
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of restaurants from which to choose near the hotel.
Lois M., from 27-Sep-2022
"Excellent Location & Restaurants"
Score
4.0 / 5
The proximity of the hotel to my meeting venue was excellent. The two places that we ate for lunch both days (Southern Creations and PoBoy Express) had delicious food and fast service.
Tammy M., from 16-Sep-2022
"Local Merchants are a Joy to Shop At!"
Score
5.0 / 5
I visit Alexandria often and the local merchants are a joy to shop with on all of my visits. It's like home away from home!
Patricia T., from 16-Sep-2022
"Loved It!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Loved it!
Jacqueline L., from 16-Sep-2022
"Loved It!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Loved it!
Jacqueline L., from 15-Sep-2022
"Convenient Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Restaurant options. Easy travel around town.
Patrick R., from 31-May-2022
"Very Clean"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean
Brenda J., from 13-Dec-2021
The average traveler rating of the city of Alexandria, LA shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 20 reviews