Since Lurker's OOTF, I'll comment. Yes, the corporate-wide promos are independent of the regional and hotel-specific promos and don't interfere with one another. The somewhat common California/Vegas regional promos are often cited as examples.

A search for "combinable" will reveal other examples.

Come on now, I've been on the board long enough to know those general answers so you don't need to tell me to search

The reason why I asked was because the recent Four Points promo stay 4 nights get 4K points was NOT combinable with 2007 Q4 double stay promo @:-) Since I wasn't sure whether or not the Westin Alexandria promo was just a regional or a Westin-wide promo to promo a particular property, I wasn't sure if this promotion is combinable with the new 2008 Q1 promo.

Of course, it is likely they are are indeed combinable like the other general promos, however, I am paying a much higher rate than those in DC, so I want to make sure.

I'll admit that I was surprised to see you of all FTers ask such a question. So I guess you want an official answer, and I certainly can't give you that. My reasoning tells me that this is hotel-specific and not system-wide from corporate, but I can see how it might be otherwise.

I received my 3000 bonus points at the same time I was taking advantage of the Q4 Promo for double stays. The points posted a week later after a Saturday sweeps.

Thank you!!

Has anybody tried the club lounge? I'm trying to decide whether to book the Westin Alexandria or Westin Arlington for a mid-Dec weekend stay.

I completed a two night stay here the week after Thanksgiving. The staff was incredibly friendly and nice. I've never seen so many fresh-faced youngsters carrying bags, parking cars, etc. The location is nice by the Courthouse in Alexandria, so lots of commuters are around and there are a fair number of restaurants and such around. It seems as though more are on the way. However, the locals don't know where it is, as I got a bit lost on my way there. I asked several passersby who said they didn't know where the hotel was and one who assured me it wasn't open yet.

The lobby is pretty swank, but the rooms themselves are standard Westin variety. I did not check out the club lounge. I'll try during my next stay in a few weeks and report back. I'll probably make this my preferred DC Starwood from now on, but only because it's more convenient to my office than the Arlington Westin. The two hotels are almost exactly alike otherwise, in my opinion. And, I'll have to try the St. Regis when it re-opens, though it may be out of my price range.

What would you guys do without me

General Information
Westin Alexandria is located in the new developmental area of Alexandria. There are a lot of mid-high rise office buildings, condos, apartments, and businesses popping up in the neighborhood. I really like the area and find some interesting buildings and parks in the area. I walked by a real estate agency and saw a few listsings . They were mostly from $300-$1 mil with average in the $400s. That may be nothing to Californians, but from my understanding, that's pretty pricey for VA/DC.

Transportation
Westin Alexandria is on Courthouse Sq, which is directly across the street from the courthouse. Should you be lost, simply ask for directions to the courthouse. If you are coming from IAD, simply go to Baggage claim area and look for Washington Flyer. One way fare is $10 (RT $16) and the shuttle will take you directly to West Falls Church Station. The shuttle leaves every 30 minutes, 15 and 45 on the hour. Then, hop on Orange Line towards New Carolton, transfer and Roslyn, walk downstairs via escalators, and transfer to the Blue Line towards Franconia. If you are coming from DCA, hop on the blue line towards Franconia. If you are coming from BWI,...just stay in BWI Get off at King St Station. Once you get off the station, it might be confusing, so walk AWAY from the George Washing Monument and towards Diagonal and Duke. Once you are on Duke, look for Dulany and make a left. Then, make a right onto Jamieson. Westin is on your left on Courthouse. There are plenty of offstreet parking spaces available should you take a car.

Hotel
Lobby
The lobby is simply elegant and beautiful. There are 2 check in desks and 1 concierge desk along one wall. There is a "grand staircase" leading up to the mezzanine. There is also an in house restaurant. Starbucks will be open next year.

Facilities
The hotel does have a small pool and gym available to guests on the 3rd floor. There is also a club lounge which offers continental breakfast and evening appetizers. It is open from 6am (7 on weekends) to 10 pm daily.

Dining Options
There aren't too many restaurants in the immediate surroundings. All the restaurants and cafes are mostly in Old Town Alexandria, which is about 20 blocks away (on King St). It is, however, a very pleasant and enjoyable walk to the waterfront area. There is a Whole Foods market about 5 blocks away. The hotel does have an in-house restaurant, the trademark (?). It looked very nice. As you know, when there is an in-house restaurant, room service menu often offers more variety. They also offer the latest smart foods menu. We ordered some crab cakes, parsaman gnocchi, and molten chocolate cake to finish. They were delicious.

Rooms
The lounge is located on the 8th floor. The hotel itself has 9 floors total. Rooms start from the 4th floor (I believe). There are 2 suites per floor and 1 presidential suite for a total of 11 suites. There are only 2 suite types: executive corner junior or executive corner full. Each suite is posted clearly outside the door and is located at the corner of the hotel. The hotel offers the following room types:
Traditional
Westin Workout
Club
Executive Studio Suite
Executive Suite
Presidential (Lee)

Check in/Platinum Recognition
As soon as I walked into the hotel, an agent came to greet me and asked me if I were Mr. BlissWorld I asked her how she knew my name and she just smiled They had a filing cabinet for all Gold and Platinum guest. I saw a few gold folios mixed with platinum folios. Yes, gold members, you are important to this hotel . She quickly retireved my folio and informed me about my Executive Junior Corner Studio Suite upgrade. My keys were already made. She offered my platinum amenity, told me about the gym pool and club lounge, offered late check out, then personally exscorted me to the elevator and sent me to my suite ^ Excellent service...almost the same as St Regis.

Executive Junior Corner Studio Suite
Considering the hotel only has 10 suites (presidential is out of the question), I really appreciated the gesture. I was on the 5th floor. I saw the clearly "executive suite" sign outside the door. Upon entry, I found an large and cozy corner suite. There was a large sitting area with sofas and a table. There were a large plasma (42"+) hooked up with a media box, mini bar, work desk, and of course the heavenly bed.

As a new Westin, the bathrooms have the lovely illuminated mirrors (I love them). Everything was brand new and the towels were extremely soft. There wasn't much of a view, but the hotel was extreme quiet, which I really enjoyed.

I really like this hotel. Finally, there are some excellent choices in the DC proper. With rate in the lower 100s, this hotel is a bargain. This hotel definitely has more personality than Westin Arlington Gateway (which is also a very nice hotel with exceptional lounge offerings). There are things to do in Alenxandria, but not much in the Ballston area. I will definitely return.

Thanks, Bliss World - great hotel review!!

One question: Business Center/internet use/access?

Oh my....I totally forgot about Internet.

Internet access: Wireless or wired - $9.95 per 24 hours.

The club lounge does NOT offer free internet access!!!! Maybe that's something the hotel can improve upon in the future.

I'm not sure about the business center. They should have one I'd think...

Thanks!

I am conditioned...within the first 5 min after getting room key, I normally tell my wife if we've got:

a) free breakfast, b) free internet.

Thanks Blissworld! It's interesting to see an outsider's take of my neighborhood (I live 2 blocks past the Whole Foods).

If anyone is ever staying here and would like to get together for a drink, drop me a line!

Haveric -

Is there metered parking nearby that is not operational on Saturdays after 6 pm and Sundays? Am thinking of staying here over the weekend before Christmas.

Thanks!

There is street parking around the hotel that is two hour parking 8am - 5PM Monday through Friday. During this time, the Alexandria Police will mark your car and ticket you after two hours. Other times there is no restriction on parking provided you can find a spot.

RIP...

Thanks for the quick reply. How plentiful is the parking in the area especially since I plan to be there over the pre-christmas weekend. Thanks!