Photo courtesy of Morrison House
Morrison House in Alexandria
If you're like us and feel like you need a change of scenery — whether you need a break from Zoom calls, are looking for some inspiration to finish the Great American Novel or just feel like playing tourist in your hometown — try a stay at one of Alexandria's hotels, where most are going above and beyond to follow safety protocols due to the pandemic.
Alexandria Living Magazine recently enjoyed a writers' retreat with a stay in the Publisher's Suite at the Morrison House, the city's only AAA four-diamond property, where the literary theme inspired us to focus on some big upcoming projects.
We were greeted by staff when we arrived at the boutique hotel, located just off King Street at 116 S. Alfred St.; valet parking was a breeze. As you enter, the cozy Study Bar is to the left and a large living room (The Parlor) with soaring ceilings and large windows is to the right. A crackling fire in the parlor fireplace provided welcome warmth on a blustery day.
Photo courtesy of Morrison House
The Parlor at Morrison House
After stowing our bags in our rooms, we headed out for Mexican "street eats" (tasty tacos and burritos) at Don Taco, 808 King St., just a short walk around the corner from the hotel. After lunch, it was back to the Publisher's Suite, where we put the finishing touches on the magazine's plans for this year's upcoming Alexandria Wedding Showcase.
The Publisher's Suite includes a small living room with a sofa, club chair, coffee table and desk, and plenty of room for our laptops, notebooks, pens, water, coffee (and candy). Water, a coffee-maker and a mini-fridge all provided in the room also came in handy. A flat-screen TV was perfect for some channel-surfing once we finished up our work. If you have a larger group than two or three people, there are larger meeting rooms on the main level.
At 5 p.m., we headed down to the hotel bar, The Study, for Morrison House's complimentary wine hour. Other guests were enjoying the fire in the parlor and one couple strai
ght out of central casting played chess while chatting in French and sipping champagne.
To clear our heads before diving into more work, we took a walk down to the waterfront and back (about 18 blocks, roundtrip) skipping dinner and going straight for dessert — caramel apples at Kilwins, at 212 King St., and twist cones at The Creamery, 110 King St. Back at the hotel, we got more planning done before calling it a night.
The next morning, before checking out, we managed to get a little more work done while enjoying a continental breakfast (guests can choose from wrapped croissants, muffins, pastries, fruit, yogurt and other breakfast items, as well as juice and coffee) before saying goodbye to the Morrison House.
As we were preparing to leave, a guest with a pooch strolled through the lobby. The hotel is both dog and cat-friendly and guests are allowed to bring two pets at an additional cost of $25 for each.
From March 18-April 21, Morrison House is offering a Cherry Blossom Package which features two signature "Cherry Bounce" cocktails upon arrival and complimentary valet parking.
There are a number of other hotels across Alexandria also perfect for staycations during spring break, cherry blossom season or any time. Here's a short list and some of the specials they have coming up:
- The Alexandrian: Cherry Blossom Package
- Hilton Alexandria Old Town: Cherry Blossoms Experience
- Hotel Indigo: Hello Spring! Package
- Hyatt Centric Old Town
- Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa
- Sheraton Suites: Cheery Cherry Blossom Package
- The Westin Old Town Alexandria
