My husband and I are travelling from Canada to see the band America at the Birchmere October 11. I need help in locating a good hotel preferably near "Old Town", close to the subway, near places to see. I have narrowed it down to Executive Club Suites on Bashford Lane at $120 or Holiday Inn Select for $170, someone also mentioned Embassy Suites but I don't have a price. What would you recommend? Has anyone been to the Birchmere for a concert? Thank you for your time!

Embassey suites and the new Hilton are right next to the metro in Old Town. Holiday Inn is about 8 blocks toward town from the station.

I just booked Executive Club Suites for July 25 2003. The rate was 109.00 for a 2 bedroom suite. Taht sounded really cheap. Any comments? I have a pet so my choices are limited.

Brichmere opens at 5:30 p.m. and you'll need to reserve a taxi from Old Town - located on Mt. Vernon Ave., but not near Metro.

If you're driving, they have free parking in the rear where you enter.

White Top - 703/683-4004.

FYI, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so you want to be in line early to get a table up front.

You get your tickets at the window, they also give you a number, and numbers are called in order about 6 p.m. or so, and they seat you.

Have fun.

I've stayed at the Hilton in Old Town Alexandria and found it quite convenient for walking around and for access to the Metro.

I second the recommendation for the Holiday Inn Select in Old Town. Nothing beats the convenience of being in the heart of the downtown area, plus the hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the Metro station. It's very easy. The continental breakfast is nothing great, but the big plus is the location.

The problem is the DOG! Very few hotels in Alexandria or Arlington accept them. I hate to board him. Thanks for the help, I need more.

I've had out of town guests stay at the Embassy Suites, it's nice and directly across the street from the metro (handy if you're planning to go into D.C). The Holiday Inn is more centrally located in Old Town, if you prefer to walk around there directly from the hotel.
I've been the Birchmere. The suggestions that were given earlier are good. I'd only add that the place is more casual than I expected, with plastic checkered tablecloths. It was fine, just helps to know when planning what to wear.

The Executive Club Suites started out in life as garden apartments (maybe post WWII?), were extensively refurbished as condo's some years back and then reincarnated as an extended stay hotel. I've only been in one 1 bedroom suite so my experience is limited. The furnishings were standard hotel stuff and the place was well maintained. The structures themselves are old so you are going to find smaller bathrooms (at least in the one I saw) as well as evidence of many layers of paint in place. Definitely not a flea bag if that's what you are nervous about.

It's a good location for getting into DC along the GW Parkway and about a 20 minute hike to the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

Obxgirl,
Thanks for the info. That is exactly what I was trying to figure out. Any other opinions are also welcome.

I found out that the Holiday inn old town does take pets, any opinions on whcih is better the executive club suites or the Holiday inn?

Which Holiday Inn? The one on King Street or the one on First Street...

The Holiday Inn on King Street is prime location for Old Town, but it is a ways from the metro to go to DC, if that is your intention. I don't know much about Executive Club, so can't add to obxgirl's comments.

Obxgirl - are you from the area? I live in the Landmark area of Alexandria.

Karen

Yeadonite, As Karen noted, the HI Select on King Street is a primo local for Old Town and might be slightly more upscale in decor than the one on First Street (which is closer to the Executive Suites). The reason I asked is when I drove by a week or so ago, the older motor court hotel next door on First St was being demolished. Noise could be a factor.

I would distill it all to this: Holiday Inn Select is the nicest location of the three. Between the other HI and the Executive Suites, I'd probably choose Exec Suites because there's more room to spread out.

Karen: I lived in Alexandria (Belle Haven, Old Town and Del Rey) until 1997 when I relocated to Wmburg with my husband. We visit family and friends frequently and it still feels like home.

We've stayed at the Washington Suites Alexandria just of Duke Street...maybe not too far from you!

Thanks both of you. As I may have said, since I have a dog it is much harder to find a place to stay. Two years ago I stayed at the best western it doesnt take pets and was a bit deserted and run down. I am going to a funeral at Arlington at 2:00pm on Friday and am looking for a place to spend the night with my Mom and dog. I have been told driving at that time is horrible so I thought Alexandria was a good choice. Thanks again for the help.

I heard an advertisement on the radio the other day for Motel6 with Tom Bodet mentioning "Pets welcome" ... I just went to their website, and one of the "Ameneties at every Motel 6" was indeed pets welcome*

* - "Other than Service Animals, one well behaved pet per room is permitted unless they are prohibited by state law or ordinance. Pets must be declared during guest registration. In consideration of all Motel 6 guests, pets must be attended at all times. "

I realize you're looking for something more upscale, but thought you might want to file that info away for future travels.

BTW, last I new, Holiday Inn Select on King St had free shuttle to the King St Metro station. I don't always trust "free" for timeliness, so please be aware that Alexandria's "Dash" buses travel up and down King St frequently, and will only cost $0.25 from the Metro to the hotel *IF* you get a tranfer ticket from the dispenser at the Metro station you ENTER the Metro on. (Actually, ANY station other than the one you exit the system from ... we've stopped midway on a trip because we'd forgotten it upon entry). Apart from the funeral, I hope you find your trip pleasant ... I love DC.

Just an update I am staying at The Executive Club Suites, it is much nicer than I thought it would be. The room is immaculate and spacious. The help has been great, I have a dog and a person in a wheelchair. It is far to King street but they have shuttles. For the price it is a good deal.