The Best Hotels in Alexandria, Virginia, for Every Traveler

Located on King Street at the apex of the Old Town, this Autograph Collection hotel in Alexandria was named after city founder, John Alexander. It’s pet-friendly, with a sun-soaked center courtyard and state-of-the-art fitness center. The on-site King & Rye restaurant serves seasonal Southern dishes and an enviable selection of whiskeys and bourbon. The 241 rooms are decked out in contemporary reds and blues, with signature beds and high thread-count linens.

The briefest of drives from the Ronald Reagan National Airport brings you to Hotel Indigo, a boutique hotel near Alexandria on the edge of the port. Water views are available from the bedrooms and restaurant Hummingbird Bar + Kitchen, the latter of which serves a seasonal sea-inspired menu. The hotel also has fitness and business centers, which combined with the airport and Interstate proximity, suit those traveling for work.

For a home-away-from-home feel, stay at Morrison House, another residence from the Autograph Collection. Guest rooms at this Alexandria hotel include features such as fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and tufted sofas. A parlor room, sweeping staircase, and library provide a period backdrop popular for weddings and events. The Study is a place for cocktails and refined live music, while three private dining areas and vintage-style menus are reminiscent of the all-American heritage of the area.

Renovated in 2018, the on-trend Kimpton Lorien has the only hotel spa in Alexandria. Five treatment rooms have been created by interior designer Vicente Wolf, providing a sophisticated ambiance for paraben-free treatments and packages (the champagne bridal pamper sessions are especially popular). A swish fitness center is complemented by in-room Gaiam yoga mats and access to PUBLIC bikes. For a decadent dinner, you can dine at Brabo, a French-inspired brasserie with five-course tasting menus from chef Sebastien Rondier.

Go self-catering within a hotel environment by booking a suite with a kitchenette at the Residence Inn. The Marriott property – one of the best hotels in Alexandria – is designed with practicality and convenience in mind. A delivery service brings groceries to your door, there’s room service, a local restaurant dinner delivery, a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, and a 24/7 fitness center. It’s also pet-friendly and has six meeting rooms.

Right across from the metro station and free trolley bus stop is the Hilton Alexandria Old Town. Get your coffee fix from the on-site Starbucks, and meals can be ordered all day and evening at the hotel gastropub, the King Street Tavern. With 10,000sqft (930sqm) of function space capable of hosting up to 400 guests, it’s no surprise that it’s often frequented by business folk and wedding parties.

Paris meets the United States at the French & Southern, a choice eatery in the Hyatt Centric that hosts a jolly nightly cocktail hour. This Alexandria hotel is a dog-loving venue with two pooches – each up to 50lb (23kg) – welcome to join you on your stay, with plenty of canine motifs in the decor. Rooms are simple yet smart, and a fitness center can be accessed any time of the day or night.

A cozy courtyard with a glowing fire pit makes for special Alexandrian nights when you stay at the Sheraton Suites. It’s well placed for the weekend visitor with attractions on its doorstep. Grab-and-go breakfasts are provided Wednesday to Sunday, with dinner served every night except Monday at Fin & Hoof Bar & Grill. Pull-out sofas, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges come as standard in the contemporary suites at this Alexandria hotel.

If a good night’s sleep is key to your enjoyment, the Westin is a plum choice. You’ll doze on a pillow-top Westin Heavenly Bed and can order lavender balm or sleep-inducing superfoods to your room. Grab a bite at the Drink + Eat restaurant in the lobby, or head out to one of the more than 30 restaurants within a short stroll. Guests can jump on the free shuttle to the metro, too.

Two miles (3km) from downtown Alexandria and close to Mount Vernon, this red brick Hampton property has the boon of an outdoor pool with chaise lounges, perfect for a summer staycation. Free parking, free breakfast, a complimentary airport shuttle, and oodles of meeting space make it a good choice for conference organizers, too. Affordable and less than two blocks from the metro, this hotel will suit a wide variety of Virginia visitors.