Holiday Inn Alexandria at Carlyle an IHG Hotel

I have lived in Alexandria for over a decade. I never stayed at this hotel until last month, and I do not regret it. The location of this hotel is very convenient. It is right off the beltway-495 (exit 176B-Eisenhower); it is a short walking distance to the Eisenhower Metro station (you can access Reagan airport on the same line), and walking distance to great restaurants, movie theater, grocery store, etc. I took advantage of all these locations. The hotel rooms are very spacious, have great views of Alexandria, very clean and comfortable. Huge flat screen TV that swivels to desired position. Great restaurant in the lobby that is open for dinner until 10 pm. The staff is also very professional and courteous. When you are eating breakfast, there is a small flat screen TV at each booth. You watch the news while you eat. The staff who serve the breakfast are also friendly and helpful. Although I am local to Alexandria, I will definitely return to this hotel. It is truly a home away from home!

The hotel urgently requires an total update. The room was small and the bathroom was even crammed. The bathroom door was missing a hook, there was no place to hang or put your changed clothes while showering. The hotel was cheap by not providing any free water or coffee in the lobby. You have to pay for their breakfast in order to get a morning coffee.

Not impressed, We checke in and went for dinner downtown. After our return we had a drink at the hotel bar. When I asked for the check I was told that she only could accept cash, could not book it to the room or a credit card. I did not get a receipt for my cash payment. The staff at the reception shrugged shoulders and apologized but basically told me it is not under their control. It is a bar in their hotel though. No up front notification that her credit card equipment is not working or that she can’t book it to the room. This is not acceptable and borderline fishy.

I got the last room at short notice. Three other people were booked for the same room as me! Fortunately the clerk gave me priority because I was a Gold member. You have to pay for parking. Some road noise. Hotel only offered a sit down breakfast, which looked good but did not meet my schedule. Hotel was full of eighth graders on their Washington DC trip. Tip: Book early so that the rooms are not oversold

The facility This hotel is old, but old is ok if management keeps up with cleanliness. The carpet was gross. There were dead bugs on the floor. I arrived to a room with tucked in dirty sheets and had to ask for the bed to be redressed. The shower rod was hanging and shook as the water ran during shower time. The Staff The staff was pleasant and welcoming. I was able to check in on time and check has a digital option. The Location The location is great! It’s near the metro, right off of the highway and a 2 minute walk to Starbucks. The surrounding area has restaurants, a walking trail, grocery stores etc. Unfortunately, for the price, there are much better options in Alexandria. I regret this stay. Reason for Visit:Work meeting Next Destination:None ProsLocation ConsRoom Cleanliness, Atmosphere, Facilities