What’s in a Name? A Starwood Surprise!
As travel journalists, we travel all over the world and we’ve stayed in some really remarkable properties over the years. We are certainly familiar with the Starwood brand of properties (W, Le Meridien, Westin, St. Regis, etc.), so when were invited to view the renovations of three Northern Virginia Starwood Sheratons, we really didn’t expect to see anything different. But the Sheraton National, Sheraton Old Town Alexandria and the Sheraton Crystal City presented some very pleasant surprises and certainly surpassed our expectations.
Irwin could certainly use a good night sleep on a Sweet Sleeper Bed!
We have driven past these three hotels on multiple occasions but never really gave any of them a second thought; probably because we’ve never stopped to be a tourist in our own backyard. Of course, we know that the Sheraton brand has consistently wonderful features like the Sweet Sleeper Bed and plush duvet (which we coveted following a full week of sleep deprivation), flat screen TV and nice furnisher appointments. What surprised us (really, shocked us in the case of the Sheraton National) were the extraordinary views, regal interiors, spacious rooms and meeting spaces, the pet-friendly environment (whether we take Irwin with us on our next Sheraton adventure is questionable) and their commitment to sustainable practices.
Potomac Dining Room
Each of the Sheraton properties above has their own charming and unique features. The Sheraton National doesn’t have great curb appeal, but the interior and the view of Washington, DC “wowed” us and we quickly became infatuated with this property. From The Potomac Dining room with its patriotic design and artwork to the floor to ceiling glass windows, marble columns and spectacular views, this Sheraton is certainly dressed to impress!
We stayed overnight at the Sheraton National and awoke early the next morning to an amazing sunrise over the Potomac River. Because we are in the midst of winter, the clouds quickly rolled in but we sat for an hour in our cozy Sweet Sleeper Bed enjoying a cup of African Kitamu coffee (purchased under a fair trade agreement) and watched the airplanes take off to somewhere possibly warm and sunny. (Ahhh…one can only daydream…)
Another thing we really appreciated about the Sheraton National was its commitment to sustainable dining. Throughout the rooms and the dining area, we saw several signs that showcased their commitment to providing fish that is organic and wild-caught.
Indeed, the Sheraton National gave us the feeling of being wrapped in luxury.
Similarly, the Sheraton Old Town Alexandria has a very luxurious feel to it. This hotel is an all-suite property that resembles a boutique hotel. The bedroom and living room is divided by elegant French doors and the suites are spacious enough to accommodate a small meeting of six persons. Of course, a suite without a wet bar is not complete and the suites have that feature and more, including a balcony (in several rooms) that overlooks the Masonic Temple.
Boardroom
The Sheraton Old Town Alexandria is progressively implementing “green initiatives” including a program that rewards guests with a $5 voucher to participating food and beverage outlets or 500 Starpoints® for each night that a guest conserves water and energy by declining housekeeping (except the day of departure).
The Sheraton Crystal City is the most conveniently located of all of the properties. It sits adjacent to the Crystal City Metro Station which makes traveling into the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area very convenient. Like the other Sheratons, the Crystal City property has all of the bells and whistles but it is only one mile from the Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Flying in to Reagan National? All three properties have free shuttle service to their respective hotels. However, if you don’t feel like waiting for the Alexandria shuttle, just call and they’ll have someone there within five to seven minutes to collect you (as we found out first hand during the night of our visit).
"Link"
Don’t forget to check in with your loved ones and Facebook friends in the open-air Internet Lounge called Link. This space (which is standard in all three properties) sits adjacent to the bar and offers free Wireless connection.
We really enjoyed being a tourist in our own area and we walked away so impressed by these hotels that we decided to spend Valentine’s at one of them. We did a bit of research and discovered some great deals below. Each property offers many more specials and it’s worth visiting each respective website to see what’s available. But for those of you seeking a romantic getaway in February, the following promised to offer you a great escape with a “Sweet Sleep”.
- From $99 per night for stays Thursday through Sunday
- Includes continental breakfast for two
- Valid until March 31, 2011
- Book online or call 866-716-8115 and mention promo code VAD
Sheraton National Romance Package
- From $129/night for stays Friday through Sunday
- Includes: Bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival
- Chocolate covered strawberries
- Complimentary breakfast for two
- 4pm late checkout
Sheraton Old Town Alexandria Lover’s Hideaway Package
(Editor’s Note: Make sure you try the signature cocktail in the bar. We don’t know what’s in it but we can tell you that it is extremely refreshing. If the bartender is unsure about the ingredients, have him/her check with the sales manager, James Rattray.)
- Suite accommodations from $169
- Dinner for two from a special romance menu
- Sparkling wine upon arrival
- Complimentary parking
Tonya Fitzpatrick is Executive Producer and co-host of the award-winning syndicated World Footprints radio show.
Tags: Alexandria, Arlington, Northern Virginia, Pet Friendly Travel, Ronald Reagan National Airport, Sheraton, Sheraton Crystal City, Sheraton National, Sheraton Old Town Alexandria, Special Travel Deals, Starwood Hotels, Sustainable Fish, Valentines Day
Topics: Consumer & Industry Information, Hotels and Accommodations, Special Travel Deals, US Travel
