Alexandria or Arlington for our 3 day weekend trip to the DC area?

[Antonia]

We are traveling to the DC area over Thanksgiving weekend to check out monuments, museums, etc.
I have a reservation in Arlington, but wonder if we would enjoy staying in Alexandria more. I’ve never been to Alexandria - but the Old Town photos remind me of Williamsburg!
Any ideas on which to choose?

 

[princesspiglet]

We really love Old Town Alexandria, so I highly recommend that. You can also take the ferry across the river into National Harbour.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Alexandria

 

[mikehn]

Both are nice, but if you've never been to Old town, I would say go for it.

 

[Christine]

Where in Arlington?

 

[gillep]

Alexandria, used to live farther out in Alexandria and loved Old Town.

 

[Antonia]

Where in Arlington?

Ballston Residence Inn

 

[Christine]

Ballston Residence Inn

Both areas are nice but very different. Arlington (and to some extent the Ballston area) now has a younger, "hipper" vibe and lots of really cool eating areas. Old Town has sort of been the same for many years, much more attuned to a more adult crowd, very walkable, and charming. You'll probably enjoy Old Town better but Arlington can be pretty darned convenient into the city.

 

[mmouse37]

I just stayed at the Gaylord National Harbor for the Marine Corps Marathon weekend. Beautiful area!! Beautiful river walk, many shops, restaurants, giant Ferris Wheel.

Last year for marathon weekend we stayed at the Marriott in Arlington which had the Metro right underneath so very easy to get around.

Never stayed in Alexandria.

MJ

 

[Christine]

If you do end up staying in Ballston, if you have time, check out this place for eating:

https://www.quartermarket.com/
I love me some Bartaco (although not quite open there) and District Doughnut!

 

[Boardwalk Jedi]

We really love Old Town Alexandria, so I highly recommend that. You can also take the ferry across the river into National Harbour.

Is the King St Metro open yet?

 

[dish rag]

We like staying in Alexandria and walking down to the water front. Walk out of the hotel and the metro is right across the street.

 

[Antonia]

Is the King St Metro open yet?

I think it is but I will check again

 

[dish rag]

Is the King St Metro open yet?

We stay at the Hilton on King St there is a metro right there.

 

[3threebabies]

I would consider the importance of easy Metro access and parking if those are important to you. You didn’t mention where in Old Town, so hotel may not be convenient to Metro. Either location is nice for a long weekend. Clarendon is a couple stops from Ballston and also very quaint.

 

[ncc1701]

If the King Street Metro is open and you can get a nearby hotel Alexandria would get my vote. We have stayed at the Hilton across the street from the Metro station and it is very easy to get into DC from there. There was a bus that ran down King Street Metro to the Old Town that we used. Haven't been in a couple of years so not sure if it still runs.
In addition to the Hilton there were several other hotels within walking distance of the Metro.

 

[JaxDad]

It’s been a while, but I used to stay at the Residence Inn in Pentagon City. It was convenient to my work at The Pentagon, but also a couple Metrorail stops, lots of restaurants, shopping, including a large mall and a nice grocery store, and even more stuff just south in Crystal City.

Just FWIW, if you stay in Arlington you can always pop down to Alexandria for a day or evening trip. You can also get to Mount Vernon via Metro rail and bus (from either place), which can be convenient.

 

[wai2cool4u]

having lived in ballston and worked in old town, i think old town would appeal more to tourists. there is nothing ‘touristy’ to do in the ballston area. sure there are great places to eat, but old town will get u to dc equally as fast via king street metro and it has that historic vibe.

the yellow/blue line metro renovations were completed by the end of this summer so all stations are open now.

 

[Antonia]

We are staying at Embassy Suites

 

[3threebabies]

We are staying at Embassy Suites

Embassy Suites OT will be a great location for a weekend trip. Unique dining, a lot of shopping and excellent Metro access just steps away. Enjoy!