Most of the bedrooms at our den of iniquity are the domain of people who are resident in the house full or part time. There is usually only one private room available for guests. A few people can be accommodated in the public playspace and on pullout sofas in the living room. But only 10 or so people can realistically spend the night, and this requires prior permission. Couples and single women who are coming a considerable distance get priority, as do party crew.
Here's the rundown on hotel options. I've given websites when there is one specific to the hotel; I trust you are capable of finding the chain websites on your own.
There is a cluster on Route 1 (Richmond Highway). All are close to us and convenient with amenities typical of their chains.
Days Inn, 6100 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. 703-329-0500
Holiday Inn Express, 6055 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. 571-257-9555; www.alexandriafortbelvoirhotel.com This place is new.
Springhill Suites, 6065 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. 703-287-9400; www.shsalexandria.com. This place is next door to Holiday Inn and also new.
Red Roof Inn, 5975 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. 703-960-5200
Hampton Inn, 5821 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. 703-329-1400; www.hamptoninnalexandria.com
Budget Host, 5916 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. 800-368-7378
The Quality Inn Mt. Vernon, 7212 Richmond Highway, is equally close but it is south of us. This is good for people coming from Woodbridge but the others are more convenient for people coming from DC or the Beltway. 703-765-9000.
If you are coming from Alexandria or points west, there is a smaller cluster of hotels on Eisenhower Avenue that is almost as close as the Route 1 hotels and you may find the location more convenient for you.
Courtyard by Marriott Alexandria, 2700 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. 703-329-2323.
Springhill Suites, 2950 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria. 703-317-2323.
Homestead, 200 Bluestone Ave., Alexandria. 703-329-3399.
If you are trying to impress a lady, you have high standards or you want to treat yourself, there are more upscale hotels in Old Town Alexandria. The hotels themselves are fancier and they are located amidst lovely old townhouses and great restaurants. (Seriously, the Majestic, Restaurant Eve, Morrison House and Vermilion are considered to be among the DC area's finest. My personal recommendation is Le Refuge, a cozy little French place on Washington Street. Sleep in and hit one of those great restaurants for Sunday lunch.) Old Town is a little further from us than the Route 1 options but not too much further. There is a Hilton, an Embassy Suites and a Hampton Inn near the King Street Metro, a Westin and a Residence Inn in the newly developed Carlyle area south of Duke St. There's also a cluster further north and closer to the river, including a Sheraton.
The nicest hotel in Old Town, hands down, is the Morrison House, 116 South Alfred Street. It's in a federal-style mansion, old-school beautiful and walking distance to everything. It will run you 200 bucks with tax most of the time, but if you want the best, this is it. Don't book anything over $140 without checking their rates. 703-838-8000, www.morrisonhouse.com.
Mixed in with the Route 1 chains you will find some "Mom and Pop" motels. They will be cheaper (sometimes under $50 including tax) but you will get what you pay for. I personally have been inside two of them (long story) and it was as expected: low quality furnishings, run down, but clean and acceptable if this sort of thing works for you. Gives you that on-the-lam-surrounded-by-rednecks retro feel that some people find oddly erotic.
My big warning is that these places tend to attract loud people checking in to party at the no-tell on Saturday nights. The Cedar Lodge (closest of everything to our place) is especially wild and woolly; the others may be quieter on a given weekend. If you are on a budget I would recommend against a reservation. Check out the scene and see the room before handing over your plastic. At least one of these places is always going to have vacancies. If you have a successful adventure at one of them please let me know.
Cedar Lodge, 6140 Richmond Highway, 703-765-6100
Relax Inn, 5963 Richmond Highway, 703-329-1800
Brookside Motel, 6001 Richmond Highway, 703-329-1500
Alexandria Motel, 6411 Richmond Highway, 703-768-1708
