Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Just a short drive south from Washington DC and Arlington is the quaint historic town of Alexandria. Here, the modern shops and bistros on King Street wed seamlessly with 18th-century houses in the surrounding Old Town. Whether you're staying in town to explore the Revolutionary Era ambiance or the sights of the nation's capital to the north, Alexandria has a number of affordable hotels.
Situated in the heart of Old Town, the Alexandria Travelodge offers one of the most underrated amenities in Alexandria--free parking. All of the rooms, which start at less than $100 a night as of 2010, come with refrigerators and free Wi-Fi access. A free Bear Bites breakfast is offered in the mornings, and pets are welcome for a small deposit.
Alexandria Travelodge
700 N. Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-836-5100
travelodge.com
Located on the far west side of Alexandria near Lincolnia, this Days Inn offers some of the cheapest rooms in the area. It's little surprise, then, that a pool and free Wi-Fi are the only real amenities that the hotel advertises. A second but more expensive Days Inn location is just south of downtown Alexandria.
Alexandria Days Inn
110 S. Bragg St.
Alexandria, VA 22312
703-354-4950
daysinn.com
If it's not peak season, you can find a studio suite at Bragg Towers for less than $100 a night (2010 prices). For a little more, you can reserve an efficiency suite that sleeps three to four people. Each suite at Bragg Towers comes with a kitchenette, which includes a microwave and coffee maker. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the 10-story building. Bragg Towers offers discounts for seniors, military personnel and government employees.
Bragg Towers Extended Stay Hotel
99 S. Bragg St.
Alexandria, VA 22312
703-354-6300
braggtowers.com
Situated within walking distance of the historic waterfront homes and shops, the Crowne Plaza Old Town offers convenient amenities for business travelers. Each room comes with a work desk, two-line phone with voice mail and free high-speed Internet. A concierge service is available as well as complimentary daily newspapers. A scheduled free shuttle ferries guests to Ronald Reagan International Airport or the Metro station.
Crowne Plaza Old Town
901 N. Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-683-6000
cpoldtownalexandriahotel.com
For extended stays in the Alexandria or DC area, the Homestead Studio Suites offers many comforts of home, often for less than $100 a night (2010 prices). Each room has a kitchenette that is fully furnished and stocked with a refrigerator, microwave, stove top, cookware and utensils. Workspaces with data ports are also provided, though there is a nominal fee to access the hotel's Internet connection. Located on the other side of Seminary Hill from downtown Alexandria, the Homestead is a bit remote.
Homestead Washington DC
200 Blue Stone Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-329-3399
homesteadhotels.com
The Hampton Inn on Leesburg Pike is also a good choice for business travelers. Each of the 130 updated rooms comes with a work desk, lap desk, two-line phones with voice mail and data ports, and free Internet access. Sofa beds and high-definition TVs add comfort for all guests. This location of the Hampton Inn offers rooms starting at less than $100 a night, as of 2010. Hampton Inn has two pricier locations near Old Town--one in the heart of Old Town and one a little north of the historic city center.
Hampton Inn Alexandria
4800 Leesburg Pike
Alexandria, VA 22302
703-671-4800
hamptoninn.com
For extended stays, the Hawthorn Suites is an attractive combination of luxury and value. Each room offers 42-inch plasma TVs and DVD players, as well as free Internet access. The hotel offers each of its guests a free hot breakfast buffet as well as a complimentary beer and wine reception Monday through Thursday. The entire hotel is nonsmoking and also offers a fitness center, outdoor pool and coin-operated laundry for guests.
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
420 N. Van Dorn St.
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-370-1000
hawthorn.com