The hype
Travelers love the transit access but consistently groan about tired rooms and steep parking costs.
Hilton Alexandria Old Town
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want to be 30 seconds from the King St Metro and the free trolley, and you prioritize location over luxury.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location right next to King St-Old Town Metro
- Free King Street Trolley stops practically at the doorstep
- Walkable to hundreds of Old Town shops and restaurants
Quick Take: A strictly functional launchpad for DC exploration that rests entirely on its location while letting maintenance and housekeeping slide.
Reviewed by @Njmahe: I stayed here for a conference and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. The room was super quiet, the desk was huge for getting work done, and waking up to that sunny city view was a nice bonus. Solid choice if you're in town for business.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'cleanliness' rating is taking a hit—recent guests report peeling toilet seats, visible mold in bathrooms, and missed housekeeping spots.
- You need to be on the Metro Yellow/Blue line in minutes
- You plan to spend all day exploring and just need a bed
- You want Old Town charm without the $400+ waterfront price tag
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Reports of 'dusty' surfaces and missed daily cleaning even when requested.
- Bathroom hygiene: CRITICAL FAIL. Multiple recent reports of 'visible mold', 'peeling toilet seats', and 'hair in the tub'.
- Maintenance: Showing age. 'Loose outlets', 'running toilets', and 'broken AC units' are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: Hit or miss. Some guests find them 'clean and comfortable', others report 'stained sheets' and 'musty smells'.
- Odors & scents: Frequent mentions of a 'musty' or 'damp' smell, likely due to the age of the building and carpet condition.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Metro trains screeching and rumbling (front-facing rooms)
- King Street traffic and sirens
- Thin walls between connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Free King Street Trolley' stops right outside and takes you to the waterfront—use it.
- Breakfast is NOT included for most rates and costs ~$25/person.
- There is no valet parking; you must self-park in the underground garage which requires a key card for in/out privileges.
What to pack
- White noise machine or heavy-duty earplugs
- Slippers (carpets are reported as worn/stained)
- Your own toiletries (hotel supply can be stingy)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Courtyard-facing rooms (quieter, view of fountain)
- Top floor (6th/7th) away from elevators to minimize foot traffic noise
- Corner King rooms for slightly more square footage
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms facing King Street (direct Metro noise)
- Rooms near the elevators (noisy hallway traffic)
- Connecting rooms (sound bleed is an issue)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and kindly request a room on a high floor facing the interior courtyard/fountain, away from the elevators and the King Street Metro tracks.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No. Do not believe third-party aggregators that list an 'indoor pool'—it does not exist.
Is parking included?
No, self-parking is approximately $37 per night. The garage is tight and shared with other businesses.
How close is the Metro?
Literally across the street. You can walk from the lobby to the King St-Old Town platform in 3 minutes.
Is breakfast free?
No, the buffet at King Street Tavern is around $25. Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond members get a food & beverage credit instead.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but with a steep non-refundable fee of around $75-125 per stay.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness center. It's functional but basic; check for the single Peloton bike if that's your thing.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the $25 hotel breakfast and walk 5 minutes to 'Table Talk' (1623 Duke St) for a classic, affordable diner breakfast.
- ✨
The 'courtyard' is actually a nice hidden spot—ask for a room with a balcony facing it for a rare quiet outdoor space.
- ✨
If the hotel garage is full or too tight, there is a public garage at 1800 Diagonal Rd (verify overnight rates first).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'peeling toilet seat' is a recurring character in recent reviews—check yours immediately.
💡You can hear the Metro announcements from some front-facing rooms.
💡Housekeeping is often 'by request only' or missed entirely—verify your schedule at check-in.
💡The outlets on the lamps are often loose, making phone charging a balancing act.
💡There is a Starbucks in the lobby, but the line gets long with commuters in the morning.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hilton Alexandria Old Town is located and what's nearby.