I am thinking of spending Thanksgiving weekend in the DC area - Have never stayed in Old Alexandria, is it nice and is it easy to use the metro to DC. Also am thinking of staying at the Raddison there- any comments.
Thanks.

Old Town Alexandria is one of the best spots in the DC area. The metro is a number of blocks from the river area, but as another poster said about the walk, it takes you by such interesting shops you hardly are aware of the length. There are historical houses, shops of all kinds, great restaurants, The Torpedo Factory (working art center open to the public), a riverside park, etc. The metro can get you to downtown DC in a matter of minutes also. Mt. Vernon, Washington's home, is about a 20 minute drive south of Old Town. I don't know the Raddison, but if it is close to the metro, you've got it made. Enjoy.

Joanna I have lived in Old Town Alexandria all my life so I might be biased but I think its a nice little city. DC is about a 10-15 minute drive and depending where you want to go in DC it could take as little as 15 min on the metro as well. Is the Raddison you mentioned the one on North Fairfax, if so you would have about a 20 min. walk to the closest metro station (I don't know they might have a shuttle) there are always buses. It is also at least a l0 min walk to the center of Old Town with the shops, restaurants etc. HOliday Inn has a hotel right in the heart of old Town it is closer to the station but still a walk. Hilton just opened a new Hotel right across the street from the King Street metro and I believe Embassy Suites is on the other side of the station.Granted they are on the other side of Old town(from the Holiday inn and where the concentration of restaurants are) but the location is nice. The Marriot Old town which is a few blocks away from the Raddison (closer to DC, if you drove but further from the center of Old Town) does have a shuttle service to the metro. I wish I could help you more. I like the Morrison Inn, its small in a good location but more costly. I wish I could be of more help, if I knew exactly what you were looking for--location to the metro vs location in the center of Old Town, value etc. Old Town is a nice city with a lot of history. We are only a 15 min drive to Mount Vernon. If I could be of any help feel free.

Mo -
Am interested in the Inn you mentioned Morrison Inn is this more centril to old town & how far to a metro station -
A walk through the old city sounds great, so I wouldn't mind havinging to do this. Thanks.
Joanna

Joanne,I didn't mean to repeat some of what Beth said but we must have been posting our reply at the same time because her comments weren't there when I read your question. I'm sorry the hotel is called The Morrison House (I don't know where my mind was last night) and they do have a web site www.morrisonhouse.com. I like its location better than the Raddison but don't get me wrong the Raddison is right off the river you just don't get the old Town feeling. The Morrison house is about 9 blocks from the river and a very nice walk to the metro. It is considered centrally located. I don't know your budget, but I can tell you the Raddison is probably much better for your pocket book. If I can be of any more service just let me know.