We recently spent a few days in Old Town Alexandria, just across the river from Washington, D.C. It turned out to be one of those trips where every corner had a story, every meal was memorable, and we instantly felt at home. Shamefully, it hadn’t been on my radar up to now but here’s why it should be on your list too.
1. A Warm Welcome at the Hyatt Centric
Our base was the Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, and it couldn’t have been a better choice. We had a spacious room with two double beds – perfect for a family stay – and a lovely street view that gave us that Old Town charm even from the window. 
Breakfast was included each morning, which made starting the day so easy (and delicious!). And when it came time to leave, we asked for a late checkout – no problem at all. The staff were genuinely kind and accommodating, which made such a difference. The hotel had a lovely relaxed friendly vibe. For us the overriding thing about this hotel is its location. The location is right on the famous King Street and you can walk to the shops, waterfront and restaurant areas so easily.
Stylish, central, and so comfortable, it set the tone for the whole trip. I do have a full blog post on the hotel in the works which I will link here when its completed.
2. Food Adventures at Every Turn
We (literally) ate our way through Old Town and loved every bite. There is so much choice and we didn’t have any issues with not booking places we were able to pop in to wherever took our fancy on at day. Some highlights
- IndoChen for vibrant flavours and cosy vibes. Located at the Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria, we ate here the day we arrived and kids adore the food.
- Like typical Irish, we popped into the local Irish bar (s) for a pint! There are two located along King Street so we did both!
- Emmy Squared Pizza served up a slice of heaven. Not only that the manager made my eldest’s birthday very special.
- Call Your Mother was the perfect bagel stop for lunch. This is located very close to the hotel, its very instagrammable and the bagels are seriously good.
- And of course, Jeni’s Ice Cream – huge scoops, worth every calorie! There was a queue here literally all day every day until late in the evening. Best ice cream ever the kids reckoned.
Food in Old Town is not just good, it’s fun.
3. The Buzz of King Street
King Street stole our hearts. In the evenings, the fairy lights above and the chatter spilling out of cafés gave it such a warm, safe, and lively feel. Wandering up and down became our nightly ritual. Its hard to put in to words, the charming streets and the buzz of the street lines with cafes. We were there over a weekend and it was just so lovely to see the world passing by while sipping nice wines and enjoying good food. All restaurants we went to were very family friendly.
We had spent a few days in DC before hand and I think this relaxed area was exactly what we needed. At one of the kids soccer games when we got home I over heard my husband telling another parent that he cant wait to go back to Old Town Alexandria that he just loved the buzz of King Street. High praise indeed!
4. The Free Trolley Adventure
The Old Town Trolley was such a hit – free, fun, and perfect for exploring without rushing. We hopped on and off between shops, cafés, and the waterfront, and the kids thought it was part of the holiday magic. Ideally for us too the Trolley stops outside the Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria. Its a great service and seems really well used. 
5. History Meets Waterfront Charm
Cobblestones, colonial buildings, and a waterfront sunset – Old Town has that perfect mix of history and modern life. One minute you’re walking 18th-century streets, the next you’re sipping coffee by the river. It’s a place where past and present blend beautifully. People are really friendly and very proud of their hometown. It feels really safe walking around even late into the evening.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Getting there: Old Town Alexandria is about 20 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C. by car or metro.
- Parking: There’s metered street parking and several garages – easy enough once you know where to look.
- Family-friendly: With walkable streets, plenty of food options, and that free trolley, it’s great for kids.
- Best time to visit: Evenings are magical with the lights on King Street. Weekends bring extra buzz, but weekdays are more relaxed.
- Perfect for: A weekend getaway, a foodie adventure, or a base for exploring D.C. with more charm and less bustle.
Final Thoughts
Old Town Alexandria surprised us in the best possible way. From the friendly faces to the food, the buzz of King Street to the calm of the waterfront – it felt like a destination with heart. Basing ourselves at the Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria really did add to our short visit, location was perfect. We really felt it was the ideal base for families with its close proximity to D. C also.
We went for a short stay, but we’ll definitely be back.
Note: Thank you to Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria for inviting us. We were not asked or expected to write this. All view are our own.
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