Old Town Alexandria is one of those places that feels like a movie set. Cobblestones everywhere. Gas lamps flickering at dusk. It’s charming, sure, but it’s also a logistical nightmare if you pick the wrong hotel. Most people hunting for a place to stay end up torn between the overpriced boutiques on King Street and the soul-crushing commuter hotels out by the highway.
That’s where the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria Virginia enters the chat. It sits in a weirdly perfect spot. It’s not smack in the middle of the tourist chaos, yet it’s close enough that you’re only a five-minute stroll from the water. Honestly, if you’re traveling with a family or just hate feeling like you're sleeping in a shoebox, this is the one.
The "All-Suite" Factor is Actually a Big Deal
Let’s be real. Most hotels lie about being "suites." They put a half-wall between the bed and a chair and call it a day. But the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria Virginia is a true all-suite setup. You get a door. A real, solid door that separates the bedroom from the living area.
Think about why that matters. If you’ve got kids, you can tuck them into the pull-out sofa, shut the door, and actually watch a movie or work without whispering in the dark. If you’re a business traveler, you aren't conducting Zoom calls with your unmade bed in the background. It’s basically a small apartment. The layout features a king or two double beds in the back room and a separate living space with a wet bar, fridge, and microwave.
Having a fridge isn't just a "nice to have" anymore. Alexandria has some of the best food in the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) area. You’re going to have leftovers from Mia’s Italian Kitchen or Virtue Feed & Grain. You need a place to put them.
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Location: North End is the New Center
For a long time, the north end of Old Town was the quiet, industrial cousin of the historic district. Not anymore. The Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria Virginia is positioned in what’s now a thriving hub. You are right across the street from a Harris Teeter. That sounds boring until you realize you can grab a bottle of wine and some snacks for a third of the price of the hotel bar.
Walking to the waterfront takes maybe eight minutes. You hit the Mount Vernon Trail almost immediately. If you're a runner, this is your paradise. You can head south toward Jones Point Park or north toward National Airport. The views of the Potomac at sunrise are unbeatable.
One thing people get wrong: they think they need to be right on King Street to "see" Alexandria. King Street is great, but it’s loud. It’s crowded. Staying at the Sheraton gives you a buffer. You get the quiet of a residential neighborhood but the King Street Trolley—which is free, by the way—is easily accessible to ferry you up and down the main drag.
Navigating the DC Commute
Most people stay here because they want to see the monuments in DC but don't want to pay $500 a night for a cramped room in Foggy Bottom. It’s a smart play. From the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria Virginia, you have three real options to get into the city:
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- The Metro: The Braddock Road station (Blue and Yellow lines) is about a 15-20 minute walk or a very quick Uber. From there, you're at the Smithsonian station in 20 minutes.
- The Water Taxi: This is the "pro move." Walk down to the Torpedo Factory Art Center and hop on the Potomac Riverboat. It takes you straight to The Wharf or Georgetown. It’s more expensive than the train, but it’s a boat ride. How often do you get to commute by boat?
- Driving: Don't. Just don't. Parking in DC is a nightmare, and the GW Parkway traffic is unpredictable.
The Reality of the Modern Sheraton Experience
Is it the Ritz? No. Sheraton as a brand has been going through a bit of a mid-life crisis, but this specific property holds its own because of the staff. There’s a certain "neighborhood" feel here that you don't get at the massive convention hotels at National Harbor.
The fitness center is decent. The indoor pool is a lifesaver if you’re visiting in February when the Virginia humidity has turned into a bone-chilling dampness. The on-site restaurant, usually some variation of a classic American bistro, does a solid breakfast. But again, you’re in Alexandria. Walk three blocks and find a local coffee shop like St. Elmo’s or Misha’s.
Why the Suite Life Matters Here
- Remote Work: The desks are actually big enough to fit a laptop and a second monitor.
- Storage: Plenty of closet space for those staying a week or more.
- Pet Friendly: Alexandria is arguably the most dog-friendly city on the East Coast. The Sheraton usually accommodates furry friends, though you should always check the latest pet fee before booking.
Dealing with the Quirks
Nothing is perfect. The elevators can be a bit slow during peak checkout times. Because it’s an older building that’s been renovated, the HVAC units can sometimes be a little hummy. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevators on a higher floor.
Also, keep an eye on the parking fees. Like any urban hotel, they charge for the garage. If you’re clever and don't mind a bit of a walk, you can sometimes find street parking in the residential zones, but be warned: Alexandria parking enforcement is legendary. They will find you. They will ticket you. Just pay for the hotel garage and save yourself the headache.
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Surprising History Nearby
Most guests at the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria Virginia don't realize they are standing near history that isn't just about George Washington. Just a few blocks away is the site of the first sit-in of the American Civil Rights Movement at the Alexandria Library in 1939. This neighborhood has layers.
You’re also close to the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. It’s where the Founding Fathers used to drink and dance. It’s easy to get swept up in the touristy "colonial" vibe, but the North End location of the Sheraton lets you see the more authentic, lived-in side of the city.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book the first rate you see on a travel site. Sheraton is part of the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem.
- Check the Bonvoy App: Sometimes the "Member Rate" saves you $20 a night, which covers your coffee and a croissant.
- Request a Waterfront View: Even though it’s a few blocks back, some of the higher floors on the east side of the building have glimpses of the Potomac. It makes the room feel much larger.
- Pack Walking Shoes: I cannot stress this enough. You will walk 20,000 steps a day without trying. The brick sidewalks in Old Town are beautiful but they are uneven. Leave the stilettos at home.
- The Grocery Run: As soon as you check in, hit that Harris Teeter. Grab a gallon of water, some fruit, and maybe some local Virginia peanuts. It changes the vibe of the room from "hotel" to "home base."
The Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria Virginia isn't trying to be the trendiest hotel in the world. It’s trying to be a reliable, spacious, and well-located hub for people who want to experience the history of Alexandria and the power of DC without losing their minds in a tiny room. It succeeds at that. Whether you’re here for a wedding at one of the historic warehouses or a week-long grind at the Patent and Trademark Office, the extra square footage alone makes it the smartest play in town.
Go for a walk along the water at 10:00 PM. The crowds are gone, the ships are docked, and the air smells like the river. That’s when you’ll realize why people keep coming back to this corner of Virginia.