North America • United States • Virginia • Alexandria • Hotel Review

Hotel Heron: Old Town Character, Rooftop Views

A historic Alexandria address pairs nautical rooms with hearth-fired dining and sweeping views from Good Fortune.

By Lulu Chang

Why it works

A new jewel has opened its doors in Old Town Alexandria. Earlier this summer, the stunning Hotel Heron welcomed guests for the first time, delighting locals and travelers alike with its mid-century modern design, distinctly modern cuisine, and timeless rooftop views. 

An Old Town Address Reimagined

Located in the heart of the Old Town neighborhood of Alexandria, Virginia, Hotel Heron boasts one of the most desirable zip codes in the city. Just a few steps from the walkable King Street Mile and Alexandria’s stunning waterfront, the handsome red brick building was built in the 1920s as the George Mason Hotel. The newly designed property combines early 20th-century sensibilities with contemporary finishes. 

A Lobby Worth Lingering In

Lit by three unique hanging light fixtures, the welcoming lobby features warm colonial-style wood flooring and panels with federal blues, greens, and sharp hits of white. The concierge desk is accentuated by handmade tiling, while a sitting area immediately to the right of the entrance offers guests a welcome respite from a busy day of sightseeing. Head up the stairs of the multi-level lobby to find a delightful library, complete with a small reading selection, a chess board, and a long communal table ideal for catching up with friends and work. While the hotel has yet to see colder days, a fireplace with a reclaimed mantle stands at the ready. 

Nautical Notes Upstairs

Guest rooms are spread across four floors, maintaining a distinctly nautical feel with dark navy blue finishes, brushed metal fixtures, and rounded mirrors. Velvet headboards add a level of sophistication to the cozy rooms, and luxe curtains help to keep the strong Virginia sun at bay in the morning. Bathrooms come complete with Grown Alchemist bath amenities, and you’ll want to live in the Frette bathrobes and slippers that come standard with all rooms. 

Around the Hearth at KILN

While there’s plenty of great Alexandria dining (looking at you, Ada’s On the River, and Vermilion), newcomer Kiln at Hotel Heron is quickly cementing its place in Alexandria dining lore. Although the space is bathed in light during the day, once the sun sets, the lights are dimmed to create a moody, intimate setting where all attention is focused on the open kitchen, which centers around a wood-fired hearth.

Chef Matt Maienshein and his small yet mighty team showed excellence, working in quiet harmony to produce dishes that will continue to win accolades over the coming months and years. All ingredients are locally sourced and carefully highlighted; don’t miss the beautiful Olde Salt Oysters, served with a housemade mignonette and hot sauce, or the confit Maryland catfish served with crispy potatoes. Cold preparations include compressed vegetables, fruits (the beets and strawberries stand out), and fresh fish crudos like drum and red snapper. And if you’re open to a genuine culinary adventure, let Chef Maienshein prepare a five or eight-course tasting menu for the entire table. 

Cocktails are similarly inventive, with hearth-roasted fruits, clarified milk punches, and local farm herbs complementing traditional spirits. The wine list is also notable, nodding heavily to the surrounding Virginia wine region. 

Alexandria From Above

Of course, if you’re looking to drink at Hotel Heron, you’ll want to head up to Good Fortune, which, as of today, is Alexandria’s only hotel rooftop bar. The 360-degree views of Alexandria, the Potomac River, and D.C.’s iconic monuments are only improved by DJ sets and a summer concert series. Soon, the hotel also plans to open speakeasy Francis Hall, which will feature some 30-odd drinks when its highly anticipated opening is finally upon us. 

So whether you’re visiting Alexandria for the history, the waterfront, or the vastly underrated food scene, make Hotel Heron your jumping-off point for a stay you won’t forget. 

Fast Facts

Location: Old Town Alexandria, Virginia 

Rating: Five-Star

The Vibe: Classic federal charm meets contemporary chic luxury 

Food + Drink: Take advantage of the opportunity to dine at KILN, offering hearth-fired, regionally-focused dishes prepared in an open kitchen. For drinks, head upstairs to Good Fortune, and soon, you’ll also be able to check out the hotel’s speakeasy, Francis Hall. 

Amenities: fitness center; restaurant; bar; concierge; ballroom; meeting spaces 

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: KILN is truly in a league of its own regarding hotel dining and should be noticed. Make a reservation and get the chef’s tasting menu.  

5 Nearby Attractions: Alexandria waterfront, Lyceum, Gadsby’s Tavern, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, King Street boutiques 

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: For brunch, walk a few blocks to Vermilion before heading down to the waterfront and grabbing happy hour at Ada’s on the River or Barca.

Rooms: 134 rooms and suites

Pricing (at original publication): Rooms start at $299/night  

Closest Airport: Reagan National Airport 

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