Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is commanding attention and generating buzz in the travel industry with a growing selection of exceptional hotels, restaurants and eclectic boutiques.  One of the most recent headliners of this town is Kimpton’s Lorien Hotel & Spa.

Set back on historic King Street, the property’s coral-hued brick façade blends seamlessly with the charming street’s array of boutiques and fine art galleries.  The urban retreat, considered Kimpton’s crown jewel in the region, is perfect for a weekend getaway, intimate wedding, or infusing leisure time into a business trip.  Resort-like offerings include a full-service spa that was recently named the Best New Day Spa in Virginia by Washingtonian magazine and three culinary venues by award-winning D.C. chef, Robert Wiedmaier.  Within just three months of opening the hotel has become an Alexandria favorite and is hailed as the number one hotel in the city by reviewers on TripAdvisor.com, outshining 45 hotels.

One of the many things that makes Lorien Hotel & Spa stand out from the competition is its high end interior design. Acclaimed New York-based designer Vicente Wolf created the unique look and feel for the 107-room hotel by reinterpreting American classic design with a decidedly modern flair.  Design highlights include an ornate, hand-stacked slate wall behind the Queen Ann-style reception desk and a bookcase featuring hundreds of books neatly wrapped in glossy white paper in the Living Room.  In the guest rooms and suites, Wolf creates a residential feel with a calming palette of robin’s egg blue, gray, and white.  

One of the hotel’s most awe-inspiring offerings is the collection of Terrace Suites with alluring outdoor spaces, some as large as 700 square feet.  Accented with cozy seating areas, it is ideal for entertaining or nighttime stargazing.  To enhance the experience in these exclusive suites, a Terrace Menu serves up choices ranging from sunrise breakfasts to private dance lessons.  Food options from BRABO include intimate dinners and an array of palate-pleasing tastings: small-production wines, Belgian beers, or a sampling of delectable pastries.  More playful amenities include telescopes, and tarot card readings.

Another menu unique to the Lorien Hotel & Spa, the Dream Service Menu, was created to aid in the sleep process. To fully appreciate this concept, it’s important to note that every Kimpton hotel tells a story, and the Lorien Hotel & Spa’s story is the celebration of dreams.  This is brought to life though a 24-hour “dream” button on in-room phones, where a simple touch connects guests with a concierge capable of making nearly any dream a reality.  The extensive Dream Service Menu helps set the stage for a good night’s sleep with complimentary items including sound machines, luxurious sleep masks, and over a dozen pillow options, to name a few.  Sleep-deprived travelers can also order-up one of four tension-tackling bath options or comforting treat like warm milk and cookies.

For added relaxation, guests can visit the Lorien Spa, featuring products from Kerstin Florian.  Inspired by the hotel’s theme, signature services include a Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy Massage, Lavender Dreams Ultimate Experience, and a Rejuvenating Caviar Dream Crème Facial.  Before or after treatments, spa-goers can unwind in steam rooms or the spa’s Relaxation Room offering cool fruit-infused water, a variety of herbal teas, and an assortment of healthful spa mixes to munch on.  In addition, the state-of-the-art, 24-hour fitness center at the Lorien Spas provides travelers with the necessary essentials to stay fit on the road.  

After indulging their spirit at the Lorien Spa, travelers can indulge their palate at the hotel’s three culinary venues helmed by Wiedmaier, who was recently named Chef of the Year by The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.  

BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier serves Belgian cuisine with American inspiration.  The restaurant features a list of small production, yet approachable wines from around the world, and an extensive list of Belgian beers.

At BRABO Tasting Room, Chef Wiedmaier sets the stage for a more casual experience reminiscent of early European dining, where food and wine is best shared.  BRABO Tasting Room offers items that are perfect for doing so, such as gourmet style pizza, seafood platters, a classic meat charcuterie selection, and more.  Diners can also sample fine, small-production wines from the tasting menu.

Completing the experience is The Butcher’s Block, a Market by RW, a shop for wine, Belgian beer, and an abundance of gourmet treats.  Favorites include choice meats, fine cheeses, olives, fresh-baked breads, charcuterie, pâté, and homemade chocolate-covered nuts.  Guests on the go can pick-up gourmet picnic lunches made fresh.   

After experiencing the hotel’s array of amenities, guests can venture out to immerse themselves in the history of Old Town and browse its many shops and attractions.  By day, visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage tours, or a picnic lunch and leisurely stroll at scenic parks and trails.  By night, antique light posts lead the way to a bevy of entertainment offerings.

No matter where travelers are headed, getting around is a breeze in Alexandria.  Explore by foot, on the King Street Trolley, hop on the Metro just steps from the hotel, or take a spin on one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes, available in both adult and children’s sizes.  

Wherever the day takes you, at the end guests can lay their head at the Lorien Hotel & Spa, and just dream.  

For more information, please call (703) 894-3434 or visit www.lorienhotelandspa.com.

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