Old Town Alexandria is by far my favorite part about living in the Washington, DC area. There is truly so much to see and do in Old Town. Zach and I go as often as we can and we fall more and more in love with it each time. Besides the amazing food, views, shopping, and history, Old Town Alexandria is incredibly dog friendly!
If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Alexandria, Virginia, or even Washington, DC, I’d highly recommend staying at the Alexandrian Hotel. We only live about 10 minutes from Old Town so we’ve visited the hotel restaurant, Jackson 20, a number of times for dinner, happy hour, brunch, and to attend one of the many dog-friendly events hosted by the hotel. This was the first time we spent the night, and it was truly one of the most memorable hotels I’ve ever stayed at for a number of reasons.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
You truly can’t beat the location of the Alexandrian Hotel. Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria on King Street, you are just steps away from amazing restaurants, bars, and shopping. If you are traveling from out of town, you are a short drive or metro ride away from downtown Washington, DC.
THE ROOM
All rooms in this boutique hotel have a red, white, and blue theme and ample amenities. We were lucky enough to stay in the impressive and spacious Loft Suite during our little staycation getaway. The pups absolutely loved running up and down the stairs and checking out our two spaces. I’ll admit, as soon as I saw the staircase I joined Navy and Duke to explore each floor. It really was so nice to have a couch to sit down, relax, and watch some TV on the first level and then our bed on the second level. I truly felt like I was at home!
Another thing that made our experience? The bathrooms (yes, bathrooms plural). It is incredibly annoying when Zach and I to try to get ready at the same time for a night out in our small bathroom. The two bathrooms allowed us to freshen up and get out the door that much faster!
Compare rooms and suites and find the best rates at thealexandrian.com
DINING
We’ve dined at the onsite Jackson 20 restaurant a number of times. This casual restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. It is one of the few restaurants in Alexandria that allow dogs to sit on the patio with you. Truthfully, there is not one thing on the menu I’ve ordered that I do not like. For brunch I recommend the Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes or the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Waffle. Zach recommends the Smoked Salmon or the Farm Eggs any Style.
Take a look at their menus online and visit their website to make a reservation.
The Jackson 20 hosts weekly events from nightly happy hour deals, to tater tot Tuesdays, and fried chicken Fridays. Every Thursday from 4 to 7 pm the courtyard of the Jackson 20 offers a happy hour for pups, called Barks, Brews & Bites! Celebrate National Dog Day at the Jackson 20 this Monday, August 26 from 5:30-8:30 pm. The Jackson 20 will be featuring their new Proper Pups Patio Provisions menu for dogs, a “Smooch a Pooch” kissing booth with adoptable dogs, and training demonstration by Olde Towne School for Dogs, prizes, pet watercolor portraits, and so much more!
DOG-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Want to know the best part of the Alexandrian Hotel? Every single room is incredibly dog-friendly! From treats at check in and check out, the Alexandrian is here to give you and your pup the royal treatment. Their Pampered Pups package offers a plush dog bed, food and water bowls, a list of the best dog parks in the area, and toys! The Alexandrian not only made it incredibly easy and stress-free to travel with Duke and Navy, it also made our overall experience that much more relaxing.
DOG-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN OLD TOWN
I know, I know, our travel guide for the Washington, DC is way overdue, but in the meantime, here are a few of our favorite things to do with our dogs in Old Town Alexandria:
- Watch the sunrise at Founders Park.
- Admire the art in the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
- If you plan ahead, catch a canine cruise and see Alexandria’s seaport.
- Visiting on a Thursday? Grab a drink and a bite at the Alexandrian Hotel’s Barks, Bites, and Brews dog-friendly happy hour.
- Shop in one of the many dog-friendly boutiques along King Street.
Thank you to The Alexandrian Hotel for hosting our little family for a mini staycation–we had a blast! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Did you like this review? Take a look here for another one of our travel recaps.
Like what you see? Pin it for later or share it using the buttons below!
what do you think?