Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town South at Carlyle

This hotel checked many boxes for me in Alexandria, and it offers a lot. Great staff, excellent breakfast, safe parking garage, and full kitchen in the room. You’re just three blocks from a Wegman’s grocery store, plus it’s in a great area with a large theater complex and a number of restaurants. This is the second Residence Inn I’ve stayed at where the mattress has been beyond hard, it’s like sleeping on a brick! My muscles could never really relax at night, but the end of my stay, I was actually in worse shape. I’d just stayed at another hotel chain with a wonderful bed, and my hotel afterwards had an excellent mattress as well. It’s Marriott buying poor quality! (The pillows weren’t great either.) And similar issues with the bottom sheet! Again, at two separate Residence Inns, the bottom sheet has been far too small for the huge mattress, so you wake up each morning with it rolled up under you. If you’re going to buy deep mattresses, buy sheets that fit! I also had issues with air quality in the room, and the washing machines, although convenient, were very low quality! I stay in many hotels a year, and use a lot of laundries. These were bottom line basic machines. At this price point, I certainly expect at least a comfortable mattress, a sheet that fits, and a washing machine with a few options.

The kindness of the two check in staff. Taylor and Abel were very professional and helpful. The very low commode in the room. Not good for seniors or people with joint replacements such as myself. The $40 a nite for parking was ridiculous. So if yhe hotel is not responsible for damage to your vehicle what is the high fee for? I am a Marriott member but didn't see any perks for staying here. I can't see any reason to recommend this property. After breakfast they even put up the coffee.

The layout, cleanliness, and decor of the room was excellent. Access pillows were a little bit hard and lumpy. The one negative would be that the parking is $40 a night, so we chose a nearby parking garage for eight dollars a night which was about a five minute walk. Coming from the parking garage, the access to the lobby was poor. The breakfast was good with eggs, oatmeal, and some fresh fruit.

I had the best hotel buffet breakfast!

For bad news, a number of the electrical outlets in our room were inoperable and too lose to hold a plug. Our shower was a a nightmare. The water pressure was fine but trying to adjust the water temperature was impossible. It ran scalding hot or ice cold. There was no in between. Neither my wife nor I could shower this morning. Since we were to leave shortly it didn’t make any sense to file a complaint with the lobby.

Close to the National Harbor where I had my conference

Great experience from start to finish.

Room was clean, bedding was comfortable. I would definitely stay here again.

Great Staff

Exceptional

The other thing I did not like is that even though they have what looks like secure parking with a gated entrance, when we drove up, the voice on the speaker at the entrance to the garage only asked if we were checking in. We said yes, and the security gate was raised. They did not ask our name. The garage is not secure if you're going to raise the gate for anyone saying they are checking in.

Great stay...wish parking was better.

no comment

Staying here was like staying at a home away from home. The staff went out of their way to be super friendly to everyone, with the welcome as you return returned after leaving the building, always a smile and a greeting, and a quick answer to every question. Love the fact that it has the kitchenette and a large, comfy bed. Can’t say enough good things about this place! And breakfast, out of this world!

Exceptional

El Staff increíble, siempre ayudaron a nuestra familia en todo, los cuartos muy limpios, lindos y espaciosos, con una cocina muy buena para cocinar y siempre atentos con la limpieza de la habitación. El desayuno conveniente para nuestro propósito. Si volvemos a DC, nos volveremos a hospedar con Residence Inn.

Everything went smoothly at this property.

The staff was very professional and welcoming. Maria at the front desk and the African American bartender (forgot his name) we're both very nice and friendly!

Great place to stay, more than expected!

I always enjoy coming here when I visit the Alexandria/DC area. Nice location. Very well-kept rooms. Nice and firm mattresses. Overall a nice property. You won't be disappointed for this Residence Inn location.