If you’ve ever walked down South Alfred Street in Old Town, you might’ve missed it. Honestly, that’s kind of the point. Tucked just a block away from the relentless, tourist-heavy hum of King Street, Morrison House Alexandria VA looks less like a hotel and more like the private mansion of a 17th-century diplomat who happens to have very good taste.
It’s a Federalist-style building. Red brick, white columns, and a sweeping staircase that feels like it was designed specifically for dramatic entrances or very expensive wedding photos. But here’s the thing: it wasn't built in the 1700s. It was actually built in the mid-1980s.
Despite being a "new" addition to a city that treats its 18th-century roots like sacred scripture, this place has managed to snag a spot on the Travel + Leisure T+L 500 list and has been ranked among the top hotels in the world. It’s a bit of a local paradox.
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The Vibe: Luxury Without the Stuffiness
Most "luxury" hotels in the D.C. area feel like they’re auditioning for a role in a political thriller. They’re cold. Polished marble everywhere. Staff who look at you like you’re a security threat if your shoes aren't shined.
Morrison House Alexandria VA is different. It’s part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, which basically means it has the backing of a massive corporation but the soul of an independent boutique. With only 45 rooms, the staff usually knows your name by the second time you walk through the lobby.
The interior design is a weird, wonderful mix. You’ve got floor-to-ceiling windows and tufted sofas that scream "Old Virginia," but then you see the modern, sleek Italian marble bathrooms and the slate blue vanities. It shouldn't work. It does.
What You’re Actually Getting
Let's talk about the rooms. They aren't huge. If you’re looking for a sprawling suite to host a 20-person cocktail hour, you might be disappointed. They name the rooms things like "Illustrator," "Author," and "Editor"—a nod to the literary heritage the hotel tries to cultivate.
Some rooms have working fireplaces. In the winter, after a day of freezing your face off at the Torpedo Factory or Mount Vernon, there is nothing—and I mean nothing—better than that.
- The Bed: It’s a pillowtop mattress with hypo-allergenic bedding. It's the kind of bed that makes it physically difficult to check out on time.
- The Bathroom: Italian marble. No plastic shower curtains here.
- The Tech: Wi-Fi is fast. There are charging stations on the nightstands.
One weird quirk? You won't find a coffee machine in most rooms. You have to go down to the lobby or order service. Some people hate this. Others find it a good excuse to see the lobby fireplace in the morning.
Dining at The Study: More Than Just a Hotel Bar
If you stay here and don't eat at The Study, you’ve basically failed the trip.
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Currently, the kitchen is helmed by Chef Tomas Chavarria. He’s brought a Mesoamerican influence to a neighborhood that, frankly, is often oversaturated with generic "American" fare and overpriced crab cakes. We’re talking Costa Rican Ceviche, Seven Hills Farms Dry-Aged Strip Loin, and Korobuta Pork Belly.
The bar is the real heart of the place. It’s dark, moody, and filled with locals—which is always a good sign for a hotel restaurant. If you don’t drink alcohol, ask the bartender for a spicy mocktail. They’re known for experimenting with flavors that actually taste like a grown-up drink rather than just sugary fruit juice.
The Logistics Most People Miss
Parking in Old Town Alexandria is a nightmare. It’s a city of narrow cobblestone streets and aggressive meter maids. Morrison House has a "destination fee" (usually around $25) that some travelers find annoying, but it often includes things like Wi-Fi and certain amenities.
Pro Tip: Ditch the car. The hotel is about a 10-15 minute walk from the King St-Old Town Metro station. From there, you can be at the National Mall or the Smithsonian in about 25 minutes. If you’re coming from Reagan National Airport (DCA), it’s a 10-minute Uber ride.
The Dog Situation
This is one of the most pet-friendly spots in the city. They don't just "allow" dogs; they actually seem to like them. It’s a $75 fee per stay for up to two animals. It’s not uncommon to see a Goldendoodle lounging in the lobby while their owner finishes a glass of wine.
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Real Talk: The Limitations
Nothing is perfect. I’ve heard from some travelers that the hallways can get a bit chilly in the winter. And because it’s a boutique property in an old-style building, the elevators aren't exactly lightning fast.
Also, the "library" atmosphere is real. If you’re looking for a loud, high-energy party hotel, this is not it. This is a place for people who want to read a book by a fire, drink a very well-made Old Fashioned, and sleep in total silence.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip to Morrison House Alexandria VA, don't just book a random room on a third-party site and hope for the best.
- Request a Room with a Fireplace: If you’re visiting between October and March, it changes the entire experience. Not all rooms have them.
- Check the Live Music Schedule: The Study often has live piano music or local performers. It’s worth timing your dinner to catch them.
- Walk the Waterfront at Night: The hotel is only about three blocks from the Potomac River. Old Town is incredibly safe and the waterfront at 10 PM is a completely different world than the daytime crowds.
- Use the Sister Property: They are affiliated with The Alexandrian just down the street. Sometimes you can use their facilities or even get vouchers for their dining if the Morrison House bar is closed on a slow weeknight (which happens occasionally on Sundays or Mondays).
Staying here is about embracing a slower pace. It’s about the smell of woodsmoke and the feel of heavy linen. It’s not the cheapest stay in Northern Virginia, but it’s arguably the one that feels the most like "Alexandria."
Next Steps for You: Check the Marriott Bonvoy app for "Member Rates" specifically for this property. They often drop prices significantly for Sunday and Monday night stays when the business crowd clears out but the leisure travelers haven't arrived yet. If you’re planning a wedding or an intimate event, the Watermark Ballroom on-site handles about 80 people and is one of the few venues in the city that doesn't feel like a sterile conference room.