The Alexandria center point is about the area of Fort Ward and the area of Fort Ward Museum.
Alexandria is a great little city just outside of the Nation's Capital on the Potomac River. Old Town offers historical colonial houses, wonderful shops and restaurants that cater to all culinary types. It is easy to navigate on foot, which lends itself to exploring. D.C. is a brief trip on the metro and Alexandria is easily accessible from both Reagan and Dulles airports. Whether you are looking to learn about the history through tours and museums or just relax, the options are abundant. Alexandria offers a slower pace than D.C. and a truly unique place with something for everyone.
Though Alexandria is a popular year-round destination, you might want to adjust your plans depending on the weather, your budget, and local events. Summers tend to get hot and humid in Alexandria, with temperatures typically reaching the upper 80s or low 90s. Winters can get cold, with high temperatures only reaching the 40s. Spring and fall offer a welcome balance, with sunny days and mild weather.
Due to the cold weather and slow event schedule, winter tends to be the least expensive time to visit Alexandria. Despite the hot and sticky weather, summer remains a popular time to visit, especially for families on summer vacation. With the well-known Cherry Blossom Festival and spring break, spring is simultaneously the most pleasant and most crowded time to visit. Plan your stay during the spring if you can handle the crowds, or visit during the fall for nice weather and more affordable room rates.
If you're a member of one of several select national organizations, you won't have to pay full price for hotel rooms in the Alexandria area. AAA members, for example, save about 5 percent at the W Washington D.C. and The Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C.
AARP members and senior travelers save an average of 5 to 10 percent at the Key Bridge Marriott, the Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South, and other nearby spots. Military members and government employees save around 10 percent at the Days Inn Alexandria South, the Inns of Virginia - Arlington, and several other local hotels.
For low prices on some of Northern Virginia's best rooms, score a great deal on these gems in the Alexandria area.
North of Alexandria and just over the bridge from Washington, D.C., the Key Bridge Marriott couldn't be better located. The hotel's nearly 600 rooms are basic but comfortable, and some even offer views of nearby Georgetown. Splash around in the seasonal outdoor or indoor pool, have a memorable meal at one of the hotel's two on-site restaurants, and wind down with a drink at the end of the night. Park on-site, or leave the car at home and rely on the area's convenient public transit system.
For a touch of class a few miles north of Alexandria, book your stay at The Westin Crystal City. Settle into the hotel's friendly yet professional vibe, and look forward to a full night's sleep on the Westin's signature Heavenly Beds with plush linens. Squeeze in a workout in the hotel's on-site fitness center, and stay in and order room service in the evening. With an impressive 16,000 square feet of conference space and meeting rooms, this hotel is ideal for corporate events and business travelers.
Set your sights southwest of the city for some of the greatest values around Alexandria. The Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria Pentagon South features over 200 double and king rooms with pillow-top beds, complimentary toiletries, and free Internet access. Stay active at the hotel's indoor pool and fitness center, or relax with a nice meal at the on-site restaurant. Thanks to the complimentary area and airport shuttles, you won't even have to worry about driving in the Alexandria area.
You'll feel right at home when you stay at the Homewood Suites Springfield VA. Enjoy the spacious rooms with separate sleeping and sitting areas, and prepare meals or snacks in the in-room kitchenette. Listen to your favorite tunes with the MP3 docking station, or head downstairs for a swim in the indoor pool and a workout in the fitness center. Rely on the area shuttle to get around, but don't miss the hotel's complimentary reception, which features food and drinks on select days.
Start your tour through Alexandria with a visit to Old Town, the city's historic center. Packed with centuries-old buildings, shops, and cafés, this is a pleasant place to spend a few hours or an entire day. Head all the way to the Old Town Waterfront for a view of the Potomac and a cruise to either Georgetown or George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Learn more about Alexandria's history at the Carlyle House or Gadsby's Tavern Museum. Get artsy with a tour through the exhibitions at the Torpedo Art Factory, and shop for unique souvenirs in the funky Del Ray neighborhood. Sip a local beer at the Port City Brewing Company, and indulge in a high-end meal in one of Old Town's most distinctive restaurants.
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you'll have an easy time enjoying your stay in Alexandria. Visit Old Town, commute to the District, and explore all that the Alexandria area has to offer.
A rich history makes Alexandria a very interesting place to visit in Virginia. Travelers to this beautiful city should not miss visiting the Old Town with its diverse landmarks and many historic town houses. This is also the place to find the boyhood home of no less than the famous General Robert E. Lee. Touring the city with guides often brings visitors to this area. Set in the Old Town is the Market Square which is considered to be among the oldest marketplace in the US. Trace history by checking out one of the best preserved forts used by the Union forces during the American Civil War, Fort Ward. Don't forget to visit the museum inside the fort to learn more about topics pertaining to the Civil War. Also, it is a good idea to stroll along King Street in the Old Town. You will find a lot of shops selling trinkets and various mementos along this street. King Street is especially a perfect destination during the Christmas season as beautiful lights make the street come alive. The city is one of the best places to enjoy a wide variety of gastronomic delights, with many options in the Old Town and other areas.
Even though you are looking for a cheap hotel, hotels in Alexandria do not have to feel cheap. A great example is the Red Roof Plus+ Washington, DC- Alexandria. This hotel is located near the Huntington Metro Station, the Old Town Alexandria historic district and the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The relaxing rooms offer free WiFi, flat screen televisions and desks. The upgraded rooms include mini fridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Another choice is the Radisson Hotel Reagan National Airport. This hotel is set in central Alexandria and is located near the Pentagon. The bright rooms and suites provide flat screen televisions, mini fridges and microwaves. The upgraded rooms add breakfast and drink vouchers. Suites have separate living areas, hardwood floors and wet bars. Some have whirlpool tubs or patios.
Alexandria hotels also offer options for travelers who require a more expensive taste. The Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC is located near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, downtown and the White House. The upscale rooms have chic marble suite bathrooms, flat screen televisions and sofas. The upgraded rooms add in-bathroom televisions, while suites add a living area and/or balconies. Some rooms have a panoramic water and city view. Another great option is the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square. This hotel is located near the National Mall and the United States Capitol. The hotel offers sophisticated, modern rooms with art deco touches, minibars and 24-hour room service. Suites add separate living and dining areas and coffee making facilities. The hotel also offers a vibrant French cuisine bistro, a chic lounge bar and a fitness center.
There are many hotels in Alexandria that fall into the boutique category as well. The Lorien Hotel and Spa is one of them and they will surely make your stay the best experience yet. The hotel is located near the King Street Metro Station and situated amid the many shops and restaurant of Old Town Alexandria. The chic, modern rooms feature free WiFi, flat screen televisions, iPod docks, polished desks and ergonomic chairs. Some rooms have spa-style bathrooms with rain showers or claw-foot tubs. Suites add living rooms and furnished terraced. In addition to a spa, the hotel also offers facilities to include: a restaurant and tasting room, stylish event space and a 24/7 fitness center. Morning coffee and an evening wine hour are complimentary to all guests.
Below are reviews of the city of Alexandria, VA from an actual visitor's perspective.
It's a beautiful, old town filled with history and in close proximity to Washington DC and the monuments and museums.
So beautiful!
Nice little town that has many unique stores and mom & pop restaurants.
History, restaurants, the waterfront and shops!
Visited the George Washington National Masonic Memorial. It's incredible.
Highly accessible from the airport.
Well maintained city with plenty of options for dining and fun! Didn't have to travel far.
I just like the different restaurants in the area!
We were in town for a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. The deceased, my cousin, was a high-ranking Army officer. My brothers and I also enjoyed visiting the monuments around the Reflecting Pool.
The City of Alexandria is an area with a plethora of restaurant options.
The restaurants! Clyde's restaurant and Carlyle restaurant are very good.
Close to family, restaurants, shopping!
Location of the hotel provided access to the main highway.
Old Town down near Potomac River and lower King Street was very nice and quaint. Able to go offsite to do a happy hour. Free trolley was great!
Charming, quaint city. Tons of restaurants to choose from. Attractive shops. Good atmosphere. Attractive waterfront and marketplace. Close to DC. Amtrak accessible.
Ideal location.
Our room was very clean and the beds are extremely comfortable.
Alexandria is so quaint and the waterfront shops and restaurants are very nice. I like the atmosphere and the water taxi that takes you to the National Harbor. Alexandria is one of my favorite places to go.😊
Alexandria is so quaint and the waterfront shops and restaurants are very nice. I like the atmosphere and the water taxi that takes you to the National Harbor. Alexandria is one of my Favorite places to go.😊
Shopping mall across the street from hotel.
Great!
The Warehouse restaurant!
King Street and the assorted old townhouses are very charming and the people were so friendly.
Proximity to cultural events and dining!
Only visited Arlington Cemetery.
Excellent restaurants, location is on the river, fun shopping and a lot of history!
The old houses and businesses are lovely!
The history, the architecture, the restaurants!
Close to attractions and public transportation is close to hotel.
The hotel is close to the attractions and public transportation.
Clean
Proximity to the National Harbor.
The local history, shopping and dining.
History just outside the door. Beautiful streets, great restaurants!
Restaurants are excellent in Old Towne Alexandria.
Beautiful city
Accessible to everywhere. The free shuttle buses are second to none. It is a city that l have visited over the last seven years. I will visit again.
The old town is a fantastic array of restaurants, bars and shops. It's easy to navigate by road, by bus and my metro. Close enough to DC to visit the museums but far enough away to retain its own identity.
Alexandria is a very nice city in close proximity to the DC area. Many restaurants to choose from. Lots of shopping centers and sites to see as a tourist.
The charming architecture, cobblestone sidewalks. So beautiful. Great architecture
Olde Alexandria Town was quaint and cheerful.
I like the Silver Diner Restaurant and Kingstown's Shopping Center in the Franconia area!
Front desk staff, Lisa and Lolita, were very nice and helpful!
Great food and outdoor seating. Close to Metro.
Just a nice place to stay!
Restaurants and close to DC. Beautiful Old Town area.
The vibe on King Street was a great!
Walking distance from the attractions. Free trolley and Dash transportation. Friendly town.
Proximity To DC Proper.
Close to DC and reasonably priced. Restaurants and grocery store nearby.
We found the old town charming. A beautiful place to walk around. Lots of shops and good restaurants
Alexandria is a beautiful place with a diverse population.
Excellent seafood at Crafty Crab, give it a try next time your in town.
Theisman Restaurant was great. Bob and Edith's diner was good; food was good and service was great.
Very pretty, we have been to Alexandria plenty of times.
Alexandria is a beautiful place to visit!
Restaurants and shopping within walking distance!!!
The city of Alexandria was wonderful. The hotel itself is located in such a lovely location.
We weren't able to tour much but from what we seen so far Alexandria seems very accessible to everything. Lots of little shops and stores near the hotel. Very pretty area.
Beautiful city! Restaurants were great! People were very friendly and kind!
Beautiful city! Restaurants were great! People were very friendly and kind!
The cleanliness and convenience of food choices.
Old Town Alexandria is lovely to walk around and vendors are friendly to families and pets.
Old Town Alexandria is lovely to walk around and the vendors are friendly to families and pets.
Close to a lot of food; was nice.
We are growing to love Alexandria! Had a wonderful dinner at the Chart House and then shopping on Saturday. The atmosphere is relaxed there as opposed to everywhere else in the Washington Metro area!!
I was born and raised in Alexandria; came home for a family gathering. It has been a few years since coming home; the city has really grown.
Quaint community with lots to do.
There for wedding. Alexandria is a beautiful place to visit.
Fun location by Tyson's Corner mall was great for my teenage group.
Nice restaurants: River Bend Bistro & Wine Bar
So quaint was what I heard over and over. They cannot wait to come back to see the city when they aren't so busy with a wedding.
I went to Oldtown. I plan on visiting it again. I was there on business I did not have an opportunity to really site-see. However, I visited a great soul food restaurant in Oldtown.
Wegmans supermarket and Burtons bar and grill a few minutes away.
My visit was for bereavement, so I didn't get a chance to enjoy the environment. However, the area I visited had the appearance of a very well maintained suburban community.
We were only there one night.
Very convenient to major entertainment hubs and outdoor fitness. Alexandria is a vibrant and interesting city. Full of activities to explore and enjoy as outside physical fitness.
Hotel was clean, breakfast was very good. My only complaint would be parking. The rear door should have a way that your room key could open it so that you don't have to walk all the way around to the front when arriving back at the hotel at night!
Very good hotel and very good stay. Will be back again.
Love Alexandria and Springfield, VA.
Centrally located restaurants and other leisure time facilities such as movie theaters and places to shop.
The hotel was in Springfield on Loisdale Rd. It was right across the street from Springfield Mall. 10-15 Minutes from Potomac Mills. 15-30 minutes from DC depending on traffic. Complimentary parking and the hotel was beautiful. Also, it had on onsite restaurant Houlihan's.
The ability to get out and tour the city on feet while feeling safe and secure. People were friendly, buildings looked so clean, and flowers were beautiful and everywhere. I loved the view!
We were not in Alexandria we were in Arlington.
There were a lot of options for shopping and places to eat.
Wide streets. Neighborhood seems safe. In proximity to capital.
Great area, it was close to many of the attraction that we wanted to go to.
It was great for my family for the Family Reunion.
Wonderful stay, love this city!
Everything is great here.
Clean area. Alfred Street Baptist, Rev. Dr. Wesley Pastor, King Street, and the history it represents.
We stayed close to everything in Shirlington with easy access around the city.
Everyone was so friendly.
Visited King St. and they have free trolley service and the metro is right outside the hotel.
It was a comforting and relaxing atmosphere. The locals are friendly and there are several restaurants nearby. It is a great location and able to drive anywhere in a short time. However, the old town is horrible you have to pay, pay, pay.
Alexandria has a great relaxing, safe feel to it. We love to hang out there a few times a year. Great area for bike riding.
Check out the old town and Waterfront Park!
We have come to Alexandria at different times of the year for different events. The town is lovely with many things to offer with tours. Walking or taking the trolley down old town streets is lovely no matter what time of year you visit. Enjoying sites along the water is lovely during the day and night.