Another jewel in the ever-expanding crown of the Kimpton boutique hotel chain, the Monaco is located in the heart of one of the D.C. metro area’s most desirable suburbs. Family-centric perks include a Saturday movie night in the indoor pool and a daily kid’s hour from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by a wine hour for parents.
Drive time: About three hours.
Rates: Rooms and suites $169-$519.
Where to eat: The modern tavern-style fare at the Monaco’s Jackson 20 restaurant is worth at least one visit, and Old Town’s bounty of culinary options is just steps away. Head to the cozy yet trendy downstairs dining room at the Light Horse on King Street for its Lazy Deviled Eggs, a quirky surf-and-turf sandwich (with fried oysters and foie gras butter) and other inspired gastropub fare. 715 King St., (703) 549-0533, thelighthorserestaurant.com.
What to do: Whether or not you plan on seeing the sights in the nation’s capital, you’ll need at least a day to absorb all that Alexandria’s thoroughly walkable historic Old Town has to offer. Leave your car with the Monaco’s valet and forget about it.
Rainy-day fun: Set aside at least a few hours to explore the 90 artists’ studios, galleries and workshops in Old Town’s Torpedo Factory Art Center along the Potomac River. An actual torpedo factory until 1945, the facility also houses the Alexandria Archaeology Museum. 105 N. Union St., (703) 838-4399, torpedofactory.org, alexandriava.gov/archeology.
Hotel Monaco Alexandria 480 King St., Alexandria, (800) 368-5047, monaco-alexandria.com
» Return to Virginia Fall 2013 Travel
