Westin Alexandria.....A Westin's A Westin, No Matter How Small....
Written: Jan 30 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Crisp rooms, pleasant lobby and well meaning service
Cons: Not as close to Old Town as you might think- perhaps a 15 minute walk.
The Bottom Line: Yes Virginia, there is a Westin in Whoville. Seriously, though, this is a solid choice for anyone traveling to Alexandria.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: The Westin Alexandria, VA |
The Westin Alexandria is nestled into a little corporate Whoville not far from Old Town. The hotel offers a bit more in the way of panache than its sister in Ballston, but it's still very much a Westin. As you will see, this is a good thing.
The Building
There is little to set the hotel apart from its corporate neighbors in a thicket of red brick, stone and glass buildings which almost evoke a sense of permanence in their stalwart newness. The hotel might appear larger than it is, mostly because part of the building has been given over to an expensive condominium called the Jamieson. The hotel's 319 rooms are on floors 3-8 while the condos take up the rest of the tower.
Lobby
Far from being another white marble mausolaeum, the lobby manages to achieve a certain individuality with its beige marble and rather striking clock (almost more of a sculpture than a timepiece) in the center. Only the fireplace strikes an odd note- there's no fire, merely logs and candles. Dark wood paneling, mosaic panels and well chosen artwork round out the picture of a hotel designed for today's traveler.
Registering at the reception desk was swift and I found that I was able to snag an upgrade to the Executive Club floor- not a bad deal considering I had paid only $90.00 through Priceline to stay here.
Room
Furnished in a vaguely Art-Deco theme, the room offered the usual plush comforts of most Westin hotels. The color plaette was uninspired but still soothing- mostly grays and cream tones evlivened by an occasional touch of color in the artwork. However much hype the Heavenly Bed has received from its corporate parent, it's fairly justifiable. A reading chair with an ottoman is right by the window. The television was a new model with a flat screen, but I never turned it on.
The view was mostly of the high-rise condo towers across the street, but I could see the Washington Monument from the window if I squinted (or used my zoom lens). the view to request would be the north-facing rooms which have a view of the Masonic Memorial, a striking tower near King Street station.
Bath
Lilliputian in size, the bath compensated with its fixtures and amenities. I'm still mystified about the so-called Heavenly Shower, which is little more than a dual showerhead. There was plenty of light surrounding the mirror. The amenities were the usual Westin soaps and shampoo with the addition of bath gel and soap carved in the shape of a leaf.
Club Lounge
The club lounge is on the 8th floor and has been carved out what might have once ben intended for a suite. The complimentary Continental breakfast and the evening hors d'oeuvres were standard enough, but the service was friendly and efficient. They might want to rethink their choice of wines, though. Sutter Home is foul stuff any which way you look at it. They get points for providing energy bars (glorified candy bars) and soft drinks during the day when the room is otherwise closed.
Dining and Bar
The Jamieson Grill is a good looking space, with more of the creamy white marble of the lobby6 combined with dark wood and an inventive use of cobalt colored bottles placed on glass shelves. I ended up having a simple dinner at the bar- mussels and a decent hamburger. The menu offers the usual sort of steak and business fare, but the lunch menu is lighter and is refreshingly reasonable.
The bartender, Bob McIntyre, is a veteran of Washington bars. He was even featured as a character in one of Maragaret Truman's novels.
Pool/Fitness
There is an indoor pool with an adjacent fitness room on the third floor. The pool is only about four feet deep, but it is sufficient for swimming laps. Due to Virginia law (or so they said), the lifeguard's schedule dictated some rather strange operating hours. I had to wait until the pool opened again at 4:00 PM to swim. There was also a decently hot whirlpool.
Service
The service here was efficient and even friendly in certain departments. The attendant in the Executive Club lounge upstairs was particularly attentive.
Cost
Most rates here are generally in the neighborhood of $250.00-$300.00. Deals such as I received may occasionally be found on Priceline or similar sites.
Overall
This is a hotel which has been primarily designed with business travelers in mind. the second floor has quite a bit of meeting space, though it isn't what I'd call a convention hotel. Families might find the hotel comfortable enough. As for getting there, the hotel is three blocks from the King Street Metro/Amtrak station in Alexandria and about three miles from Reagan National Airport.
Westin Alexandria
400 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314-5700
Tel. 703-253-8600
Toll -free 800-228-3000
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 443 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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