The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection

I am glad I didn’t pay full price ($350/night) for this. Great location and everything looks nice from the outside and the lobby. The room is decent from the looks but once you stay in there, you will realized nothing is working properly. The AC/Heater was not working, the control for the AC/Heater doesn’t work so the AC was blasting cold air all night on NYE!!! So we were both freezing and it was 2am! The TV only have 5 channels and 2 are the same as the other 2, so in reality only 3 channels. The TV quality is also very outdated. Feel like we were watching TV from the 80s/90s when it was the actual 2024 NYE concerts. And on the 5th channel, it is just showing how DirectTV subscription is expired, like what? The Wifi in the room is not free unless you are a Bonvoy member. There was less than a quarter roll of toilet paper on the Tp dispenser and they also didn’t provide a second roll. The body wash pump was empty and the shampoo ran out. The bottom side of the toilet seat looks very filthy as if they haven’t clean that part of the toilet seat in a while. The floor of the bathroom was also very dirty. We usually check if we can ask for a late check-out the night before, but we called the front desk with no answers. When they finally answered, they said we have to call back at 7am to let us know. Ehh Hello? The whole point of getting a late check out is so we can sleep in? So I had to set an alarm to call back at 7am to get a 1pm check out. It was a bit annoying. This was a big disappointment for me because this was supposed to be a nice hotel from Marriott as the Autograph Collection. Especially for $350 a night in the middle of Old Town Alexandria, I had expected better quality. Not to mention the chaos during check-in. Seems like there were only 4 workers there for HUNDReDs of customer. People were angry about being stuck in the parking garage and no one can help them and they gave a lady a room that currently already have someone checked-in. Apparently the lady opened the door when the guy was showering in the room. What a chaos!

I'll say this. The location, the room, and the cleanliness are all great. However, I'm giving it a 3 star because customer service is severely lacking here. For a property like this one, as expensive as it is, 4 out 5 people I interacted with here were either completely dismissive, or completely indifferent. Not cool when you're in the hospitality business, and that's your job! When reception staff and restaurant staff, those responsible for welcoming you, put out a 'can't be bothered vibe', it doesn't bode well and leaves a sour note. If this place hired people who WANTED to work here, I'd give it a better review. Otherwise, expect to get the bare minimum from most staff here when it comes to making you feel like home. Too bad.

Clean, friendly staff and comfortable beds!

This hotel has an identity problem. They desperately want to transition to a boutique hotel, but they can't figure it out. I have been to this hotel multiple times, and every time something is not quite right. The latest was showing up at 4pm, and not having my room ready. And it didn't get better from there. I want to love this place, given it's location in Old Town Alexandria, but the management and staff need to figure things out. Until they do, I will find another Marriott when I want to stay overnight in Alexandria.

No vending machines or any way to get a drink or snack if the restaurant is closed.

The room had an attic feel which wasn’t horrible, although the blinds were broken. Additionally, the walls were so thin, we could hear our neighbors returning from being out after 2am and their detailed conversation about Cinnabon. The bed had a built-in pillow topper that made sleeping uncomfortable. There was also the loud hvac system that would start and stop uncontrollably. The central location on King Street does not overlook the negatives.

The property is a bit dated, however the rooms were very clean, friendly staff and the location is absolutely prime. You are in the middle of Oldtown and within walking distance to many restaurants. Our faves, Murphy’s Irish bar, The Warehouse, and the Chart House.