Hotel Heron Blends History, Hospitality and – Views on High – in Old Town Alexandria

If you’ve strolled down Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria over the last year, you may have noticed a familiar facade looking a little fresher. What was once the long-quiet George Mason Hotel has spread its wings into something entirely new: Hotel Heron, Old Town Alexandria’s latest (and potentially most stylish) place to stay, sip, and settle in.

After quietly building buzz for the past nine months, the hotel officially hit its stride — just in time for Spring blossoms, farmers markets, and the return of waterfront strolls. Set in the heart of the city’s nationally designated historic district, Hotel Heron stepped into a neighborhood already full of charm, history, and cobblestone appeal. But rather than trying to compete with Old Town’s colonial character, the hotel leans into it with a few modern twists.

Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend change of scenery, or a traveler wanting to see Alexandria from a new angle, Hotel Heron makes a strong case for checking in. It’s where old meets new, history meets hospitality, and rooftop views meet a town full of stories.

From Landmark to Lifestyle Hub
Hotel Heron is what you get when you take a beloved old building and reimagine it for today’s trendy traveler. The space has been completely overhauled by DC-based architects Antonovich Associates and the design team at Streetsense. The result? A graceful pairing of preserved Colonial Revival bones and sleek, contemporary interiors, with a new adjoining structure (called the Washington building) that blends in without blending in.

Inside, you’ll find 134 guest rooms that feel cozy but current, with Mid-Atlantic design influences, a rich, moody color palette, and custom furniture made locally by Austin Morris Furniture. Some rooms even have private terraces—ideal for morning coffee or evening wine, depending on the kind of Old Town day you’ve had.

Local Vibes, Elevated Views
Of course, Hotel Heron didn’t just come to offer pretty rooms. It came with plans to be part of the fabric of Old Town life. There’s a library nook for quiet moments, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a trio of food and beverage spots that locals might want to bookmark, even if they’re not checking in.

There’s the hearth-inspired restaurant – Kiln – serving elevated takes on Mid-Atlantic staples (crab cakes, obviously), a cozy cocktail bar perfect for date night or a post-work drink, and the real standout—Old Town’s first seasonal rooftop bar. That’s right. For the first time, Alexandria has a rooftop spot to catch the sunset over the Potomac with a drink in hand. Expect it to be busy once word gets out.

A City Worth Wandering
Hotel Heron is just steps from the King Street Mile, a vibrant stretch of indie shops, historic buildings, and some of the best people-watching in the region. From there, you’re minutes from the waterfront, where you can hop on a water taxi to DC, check out the Torpedo Factory Art Center, or just sit with a gelato and watch the boats go by.

Old Town isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the main attraction. And for those who haven’t visited in a while, it’s worth noting how much is happening here these days. New restaurants are popping up alongside longtime favorites. Boutiques, art galleries, and weekend events keep the area lively without ever feeling overdone. And now, with Hotel Heron, there’s one more reason to linger a little longer.

*All images courtesy Hotel Heron