Courtyard Alexandria Old Town/Southwest – Teen Hotel Review
Looking for a hotel with easy access to Washington, D.C., but outside the crazy downtown traffic? Let me give you the teen scoop on the Courtyard Alexandria Old Town/Southwest, located in Alexandria, Virginia. I stayed here during my family’s spring break road trip, and here’s what I think!
Location, Location, Location
The best thing about this hotel is how close it is to the Eisenhower Metro Station—just a 5-minute walk. That means getting to places like the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and downtown D.C. is super easy. Plus, it’s right off Interstate 495, so if you’re road-tripping, it’s a great stop.
First Impressions
We arrived around 10 p.m., and check-in was quick thanks to a friendly front desk team. The lobby was typical Courtyard style, but the Bistro and lounge area were bigger than most Courtyards I’ve stayed at. Bonus points for having luggage carts available late at night—made my job of hauling bags way easier.
The Room
We stayed in a double queen room that was clean and had enough space for the four of us. But… the room definitely needs a refresh. The TV was small, the furniture was old, and the view was just the parking lot. The bathroom was tiny and had a tub—not my favorite setup. But my mom reminded me this was a “crash and go” kind of stay. So for sleeping, it did the job. Beds = comfy ✅
Wi-Fi & Gaming
Wi-Fi was solid! I had no problems connecting my phone, laptop, iPad, or Nintendo Switch. Even better—because the TV was old, I had no issues hooking up my Switch. As always, bring a power strip—especially here. There were only two outlets near the TV, and they were both part of a desk lamp. Not ideal when you’ve got a family full of devices needing to charge.
Pool & Gym
No pool at this hotel 😕. There is a gym, but I didn’t visit—it was D.C. walking days, so I was definitely getting my steps in.
Bistro Breakfast & Eats
We had breakfast at the Bistro, which I’m not a big fan of, so I ordered off the kids’ menu—just cereal and a banana. Later that day, instead of hitting up a restaurant, we walked to Wegman’s (yes, the grocery store!). It was awesome—everyone got exactly what they wanted, and we even brought back dessert. If you’re picky or can’t agree on food, this is a great family-friendly option nearby.
Things to Do Nearby
There’s an AMC movie theater a 10-minute walk away, but we were too tired to go. The real perk of this hotel is how easy it is to get to downtown D.C. by Metro. From the hotel to L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station only took 20 minutes, then a short walk to places like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. 📌 Pro tip: Reserve free timed-entry tickets ahead of your visit for popular Smithsonian locations!
Teen Travel Tips:
🎮 Switch gamers: Bring a power strip—trust me.
🚇 D.C. travelers: The Eisenhower Metro Station makes sightseeing way easier.
🍽️ Picky eaters: Hit Wegman’s for food everyone agrees on.
Verdict: Good Location, Mid Hotel
This hotel was mid—nothing super special, just a solid place to crash if you’re spending your time exploring. If you’re coming to D.C. and need a spot near the Metro, it works. But if you want hotel vibes, a pool, or updated rooms—probably not the best pick.
Would I stay here again? Probably not, but I’d definitely stay in Alexandria again. Next time, I’ll try somewhere different.
Another trip, another review. Stay chill, stay curious, and don’t forget your power strip!
– Mateo / This Teen Travelz