Alexandria’s Old Town has many restaurants and main street style shops. Old Town has a lot charm and character relative to nearby neighborhoods like Crystal City, or Springfield. It is also close to Mt. Vernon, and the along the Mt. Vernon trail for accessing DC by bike.
Visitors should beware that the metro station which services Alexandria (King Street Station) is not centrally located in Alexandria’s Old Town where most tourist will want to spend time. It is about a 30 minute walk or about 15 blocks from the Metro to Old Town. This can be expedited by the free Trolley Street car that shuttles between the Metro and Old Town’s hub. Therefore weigh the pros and cons of staying near the Braddock or Eisenhower Metro instead.
Regardless, staying in this location has its advantages, mostly for visitors coming from the south because Alexandria is not too far off I-95. Another advantage is close proximity to the airport.