The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection

Place is very convenient. Very clean and tastefully decorated. We came on Metro but other family drove, say parking is very expensive. Rooms are small and lack some electrical one bedside lamp broken. Have a nice courtyard. Charge a mandatory $25 hotel charge but claim you get a $15 meal gratuity. Third for breakfast, limited choices. The eggs Benedict were good with seasoned oven baked potatoes. Great hollandaise sauce. Strange bacon one huge 3/8 inch thick and very chewy. Coffee was atrocious, strong and burnt sent back. Price was ok for venue. The removed their pool during Covid. Overall ok but expensive for lack of amenities. Pay for prime location to river and street activities

We (2 adults +one 9-year old) ended up here after the hotel we had booked for 2 nights did not have power. The room we ended up with was tiny but ok (like NY City tiny). On day 2 when our original hotel did not have power we asked to stay for the second night and also asked for a larger room which we were happy to pay an additional amount for. The woman at the front desk seemed to very kindly offer us a larger room and said that it would not be ready until later but we could leave our things in the room, asked for the best number to reach us and said they would call when it was ready. Around 1:00 we stopped by the desk and said we would be out until 5:00 and should we bring our bags down or leave them in the room? She said it was fine to leave everything and we could move when we got back. She confirmed that she had a room on hold. We returned around 4:30 and there was a long line at the front desk with only one man working. After some time and confusion with other guests ahead of us, we spoke to the sole person working at prime Saturday check in - Chris. He said that there were no notes on our room and no other information and they had no rooms available. He seemed to not believe us that she had told us all of this. I can’t believe it either. Unsure if she is incompetent or flat out lying but either way this was so absurd. We didn’t even care about the stupid room as much as the insane treatment. So we left. Would never even consider staying there again. The bathroom was also tiny and not particularly clean. The woman two spots ahead of us in line had an issue with her room and also needed to move . The overall look and feel is outdated.

I had a relaxing stay with a view of the cute courtyard. The room was so quiet I slept without earplugs. The cleaning staff and front desk staff were excellent. The complimentary drink at 5:30 was a nice touch as was the ice water (and apples) available in the comfortable lobby. This is an old building with beautifully unique upholstered furniture, some nice touches that update it. The location can’t be beat - restaurants, shops, and history of Old Town. In the past I’ve stayed closer to the metro but I avoided DC this weekend and didn’t miss the access to it at all. Each morning I walked to the marina, sketched a scene, jogged down to the Wilkes pedestrian tunnel, and snaked my way back to the hotel while viewing the gorgeous homes and gardens. The King and Rye next door has wonderful breakfast options and service to help start the day. I’d stay here again for sure.

I booked for two nights and was really looking forward to my stay, but unfortunately, it turned into a hassle as I ended up changing rooms three times. When I first arrived, I was given my room key and went up to settle in. The carpet felt a bit cold, but I didn’t think much of it. Later that evening, when I went to close the curtains, I realized the carpet was soaking wet — the AC unit was leaking badly. I checked behind it and noticed foam sealant, so it clearly had been an ongoing issue. I went down to reception, and to their credit, they moved me to another room without any fuss. So, I packed up and moved. Unfortunately, the second room was a disappointment — small, freezing cold, and the only window overlooked noisy air vents, making it difficult to sleep. The next morning, after barely any rest, I went down again to request a move, which was again handled politely and without complaint. The hotel itself is in a fantastic location, but it’s clear that it desperately needs investment and maintenance. What added to the frustration was still being charged an expensive resort fee, despite all the inconvenience. Honestly, I would have expected at least one night’s fee to be waived considering the disruption. Great staff, but the property needs serious work.

Quick Take: If you're looking for a hotel with soul, service, and southern-inspired comfort, The Alexandrian is it. From the gracious staff to the well-appointed rooms and mouthwatering cuisine, this is more than just a place to stay—it’s a welcome exhale in the heart of Alexandria. Whether you’re in town for business, leisure, or in my case, a PhD residency, this hotel delivers the perfect blend of warmth and professionalism. Pre-Arrival: Thoughtful, Responsive Service Before I even stepped foot in the lobby, I had the pleasure of corresponding with Sam, the Assistant Manager. I had several questions, and his responses were prompt, attentive, and genuine. His thoughtful approach gave me peace of mind and set the tone for the exceptional stay that followed. After my visit, I reached out again to express my thanks—and once again, Sam responded with warmth and sincerity. That level of follow-through matters. Arrival Experience: Southern Hospitality in Action When I arrived on a muggy Alexandria day, I was warmly greeted by Zeniah at the front desk. She offered me water and a curated list of local restaurants. She handled my many questions with patience and a smile. That moment—simple but thoughtful—was exactly what you hope for after a long day of travel. Room: Comfortable, Spacious, and Thoughtfully Designed I was delighted with my room: a spacious layout, a private balcony, a large bathroom, and amenities that actually feel like amenities. The refrigerator and safe were both appreciated—many hotels these days skip them. The Malin+Goetz bath products and generous supply of towels added to the upscale yet welcoming feel. Dining: King & Rye – A Meal to Remember I had planned to eat elsewhere, but after reviewing the menu, I knew I had to try King & Rye, the hotel’s southern-inspired restaurant. The staff was gracious, and even though I dined alone, I was treated with care and attention. Here’s what I ordered: - Lavender Bee’s Knees cocktail – beautifully balanced and aromatic - Shrimp & Grits with crawfish and crispy shallots – decadent and unforgettable - Biscuits – true southern comfort - Candied Brussels Sprouts – an unexpected standout Every bite exceeded expectations. I even joked with the team that it “better be good”—and it absolutely was. Neighborhood & Safety: Central, Walkable, and Inviting You’re just a short walk from the wharf, steps away from free trolley and DASH bus stops, and surrounded by restaurants offering global flavors. As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe walking around both at night and in the early morning. The location is a major bonus—especially if you're visiting without a car. Why I’ll Be Back: As a PhD student at Virginia Tech, I travel regularly to the area for residency sessions. These days are intense—hours of advanced statistics and academic rigor—so having a restful, well-run home base in between matters. The Alexandrian delivered. This isn’t just where I stayed; it became part of what supported me during an important chapter of my academic journey. Final Thought: I’ve stayed at many hotels, but few have matched the experience I had here. If you're considering a stay, stop considering and just book it. Huge thanks to Sam, Zeniah, and the restaurant team at King & Rye. You made this traveler feel cared for—and that, to me, is the gold standard.