I had to go up to the DC area for a meeting with a client earlier this week and I stayed at what is now called the Old Town Hotel in Alexandria, VA.  Until the property was recently purchased by Kimpton the Old Town was a Holiday Inn and its location in the heart of Old Town Alexandria made it a hot-spot for tourists.  To say it’s threadbare would be an understatement.

To Kimpton’s credit they’re refurbishing the property, which I noticed as I checked in at the temporary registration desk just outside the elevators on the second floor, but until they’re done this is still one ugly hotel.  They’ve put nice little No Smoking plaques on all the doors, but there’s no mistaking the odor of decades of cigarette smoke permeating the carpet, wallpaper and curtains. There’s also no mistaking that distinctive 80s-era decor in the rooms, but you can tell change is afoot by looking at the sundries.  Lots of Aveda soap, shampoo, creams, etc. are provided.  They’ve also installed cool looking shower heads and funky shower curtains.

The other thing Kimpton has done is drop the room rate back below $200 a night.  I heard from my brother who’s had business associates stay there when they’re in town that right before the sale the Holiday Inn was charging $280-ish a night.  Imagine trying to convince your boss that you really stayed in a Holiday Inn for $280!

All told it’s not a bad deal for Old Town, and if they keep the rates reasonable after the renovations it should be a great place to stay.