In these times of economic awareness, many people are choosing to vacation close to home. Hoping to attract both local and business travelers alike is the new Lorien Hotel and Spa, a resort-like 107-room hotel and spa right in the middle of Alexandria.

The Lorien is a Kimpton Hotel, joining the Morrison House and the Hotel Monaco in Old Town, and the intention is for the establishment to be the jewel in the Kimpton crown. On February 12, you can be among the first to see what Alexandrias first hotel and spa has to offer at 1600 King Street. The new hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, three fine restaurants, a spa, gym, meeting and banquet rooms and a convenient location just steps from the King Street Metro.

To even a casual observer, the current economic downturn does not seem the best time to open a luxury hotel anywhere in the United States, let alone in a town with plenty of competition for the high-end hotel business. Businesses are cutting back on expenses across the board and business travel is down. The good news for the Kimpton Group of hotels and the greater Washington, D.C. metro area is that PFK Hospitality Research Group believes that, while this region may have a slight dip in occupancy, it is likely to remain a strong and consistent performer.

While the global and national economic conditions are creating a downturn in tourism, it will not be as dramatic in this region, said William A. Hanbury, President and CEO of Destination DC. With this new administration, the D.C. area is considered a hot destination right now.

Prior to the economic downturn, plans were well-underway for the Lorien and it hopes to offer something different: an upscale urban retreat. According to Alexandria native and Lorien general manager Don Anderson, The Lorien Hotel and Spa will be a destination all its own, with a level of service that is unsurpassed. We are in the unique position to offer the comfort and intimacy of a boutique hotel with the amenities of a resort to deliver a four-and-a-half star caliber hotel experience.

Vicente Wolf is the designer that the Kimpton Group hired to provide a comfortable but elegant spot for travelers and those simply seeking a spa experience. According to the Lorien Hotel, Wolf was tasked with the challenge of using traditional American classic designs and blending the old with the new to offer a welcome retreat with a modern flair. While the exterior of the Hotel and Spa are traditional brick with copper roofs, the interior is sleek and elegant with a fresh contemporary feel to the space.

Every Kimpton Hotel has a theme or story and the Lorien Hotels is dreams. Personalized amenities range from the direct dream button on every guests phone to the well-trained concierge who will ensure that each guests stay is perfect. To help guests get a great nights sleep, an extensive Dream Service menu is on offer, featuring aromatherapy and pillow options, comfort foods and soothing bath products that can be delivered to the room.

Many local residents are particularly interested in the hotels restaurant, and rumor has it that the Lorien aims to exceed expectations with its varied dining venues inspired and orchestrated by chef Robert Wiedmaier. Dining options include the 105-seat restaurant Brabo by Robert Wiedmaier, serving Belgian cuisine with an American influence, a 43-seat Brabo Tasting Room with a casual European style and lighter fare from a wood-fired oven, and the wine, cheese and fine meats retail shop Butchers Block, A Market by RW. For romantics who enjoy an outdoor setting for their meal, the Lorien will also prepare gourmet picnic baskets upon request.

Making this hotel different are the extra touches in standard rooms as well as the enhanced terrace suites. The terrace suites at the Lorien are unique, with large terraces sporting couches and seating for up to 30 people. Some suites have terraces that are 700 square feet and afford a great setting for stargazing or entertaining. To make the experience in these suites even more special, the Lorien is offering a Terrace Menu, which includes alfresco dining, private wine tastings or dance lessons. For those who ask, there are sleeping bags, telescopes and luxurious blankets for the terraces.

Standard rooms at the Lorien have 42-inch flat panel televisions, a dedicated work area with wireless and wired high-speed Internet access, plush robes, a gourmet honor bar featuring organic and healthy options and an iHome clock radio. These features are in addition to other traditional Kimpton hotel services such in-room yoga, Pilates and meditation TV programming, 24-hour room service, Forgot It? Weve Got It! travel items and overnight shoe shine and valet/laundry service.

Bicycles are available for guests to explore the area, while those who prefer pampering can head for the 4,000 square foot spa with its five treatment rooms, or the 24-hour spa fitness center with exercise equipment and free weights. The Lorien Spa fitness center can also arrange for personal training and private yoga sessions. The Spa is open to anyone regardless of whether or not they are staying at the Lorien.
As someone who is from Alexandria, I am thrilled to be a part of bringing this fine hotel to Old Town, said Anderson. I know that our hotel guests and Alexandria residents alike are going to love their experience at the Lorien Hotel and Spa, whether they are enjoying the spa or one of our excellent restaurants or gazing at the stars from one of the terraces. The energy and enthusiasm of the staff makes me even more excited about our opening.

For more information or reservations, please call 703-894-3434 or 877-856-7436 or visit www.lorienhotelandspa.com. Room rates at the Lorien Hotel&Spa start at $329 and special weekend rates are available.