Old Town charm with urban buzz

Shopping trip getaway?  Set your GPS for Old Town Alexandria VA. Just 6 miles south along the Potomac River from Reagan International Airport, Alexandria was made for impromptu weekend escapes, girlfriend getaways and, of course, business travelers. Although I visit during the week on business, I make time for playing and, of course, eating, shopping and even a run along the Potomac.

Old Town AlexandriaOver the next week, I'll be mapping out getaways for you and your girlfriends, your lover and even your whole family. With its historic sites, art galleries, boutique shops and trendy restaurants, you'll run out of time before you run out of things to do.

Want to know where to stay in Old Town Alexandria? Have a look at these finds.

Hotel Monaco - Perfect for families (even Fido can come!)

Hotel MonacoI love the Hotel Monaco because it offers old world charm seamlessly alongside modern luxuries (like iPod docking stations). It caters to families and pets and understand that a free shuttle service to Reagan International Airport is expected. What's more, you're within walking distance of all the shops, restaurants and museums (don't miss the Torpedo Museum).

The 241 guest room hotel, once a Holiday Inn, has transformed itself while embracing its past. It was built in 1749 and is an official historic site. It has the dubious honor of being the site of the first two deaths of the Civil War in 1861...

If you're on a family adventure in Alexandria, VA, the Hotel Monaco offers:

• Get on the bikes and ride with free bike rentals for kids and adults
• Have fun with Fido at the Doggie Happy Hour - owners welcome
• "Dive in Movie" Night - cocktail service maximizes fun for mom and dad as well as the kids

Rates  begin at $179 per night. Find out more about Hotel Monaco online.

Hotel Monaco Alexandria
480 King Street
Alexandria, VA  22314

Reservations: 800.368.5047
Direct: 703.549.6080

The Lorien Hotel - Perfect for girlfriends or a romantic retreat

Want your hotel stay to echo a visit to the spa? The Hotel Lorien's 107 rooms offer modern elegance in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. We know that just like wedding dresses, there's a spa treatment for every girl, and you're going to love the selection here.

Lorien HotelIf you're visiting with your significant other, choose an in-room massage. After all, cuddling up together after your treatment is so much easier without all the dressing and undressing a spa appointment necessitates.

Unlike the Hotel Monaco, a stay here is a soothing escape - which makes it perfect for girlfriends and couples who just want to catch up on each other's lives. No distractions and a spa at the ready. Sounds perfect, right?

Choose from a ready-made package or customize your girlfriend getaway yourselves.

• Lunch at the spa if you want to skip site seeing and spend the day indoors
• Indulge in the best spa treatment (Caviar Dream Facial) and for $200 and 80 minutes, you too can experience nirvana
• Use the "Dream Service Menu," which includes customizable amenities like comfort foods, aromatherapies and a pillow menu to set the stage for a good night's sleep
• Plan for a long, epicurean delight-filled evening at Brabo, led by DC chef of the year, Robert Weidmaier

Rates begin at $329 per night. Find out more about the Lorien Hotel online.

Lorien Hotel & Spa Alexandria
1600 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Reservations: 877.956.7436
Direct: 703.894.3434

Morrison House - A business traveler's retreat

Morrison HouseSo you want to unwind between meetings but not be so far away that jumping back into the fray is frustrating? Morrison House, a boutique hotel with 45 rooms, offers business travelers what they need, nestled in the heart of Old Town of Alexandria.

I love Morrison House because it gives me what I need for business travel, but I still feel attended to. Four poster beds, early American furnishings and a pillow menu round out my favorite luxury offerings. But yoga accessories available for loan when I want make this a hotel that understands my wants and needs as a business traveler.

I love the "Forgot it, we've got it," essential travel items for when I pack to fast (no extra charge), thank you very much. And the in-room safe (large enough for a small laptop) tell me they're in tune with business travelers who need to move fast.

And if I can sneak in time for the spa, they offer Kerstin Florian in-room spa services...sweet!

Rates begin at $279 per night. Find out more about Morrison House online.

Morrison House Hotel
116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA  22314

Reservations: 866.834.6628
Direct:  703.838.8000