Hotel Monaco: Alexandria, Virginia's Dog-Friendly Luxury Hotel

Traveling with pets is sometimes a chore, albeit a rewarding one, but not for dog-owning patrons of the Hotel Monaco in the historic Old Town of Alexandria, Virginia. The Hotel Monaco is the setting for a doggie institution known throughout the entire Washington, D.C. metro area: Old Town Alexandria's Doggie Happy Hour. April through October on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can take your pooch down to the courtyard of the hotel and enjoy a cold beer, letting your dog socialize and enjoy complimentary dog treats. Be sure to introduce your dog to Charlie, a Bichon Frise and the hotel's "Director of Pet Relations." Just remember to bring your rabies tag, as it is required.

All pets, and not just dogs, are welcome at Alexandria's Hotel Monaco. Pets staying at the hotel receive a new toy, gourmet welcome treat, and designer pet bed and bowl. Pet owners receive a leash and a guide to local pet parks. There is no extra charge for this pet package, and the hotel has no restrictions regarding the size or number of pets. All the Hotel Monaco asks is that you notify them at least 72 hours in advance of your arrival that your pet(s) will be staying with you.

Set in the heart of Old Town historic district, the Hotel's surroundings are ideal for pets and people alike. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria described their city as "one of dog-friendliest cities in America" with an "off-leash dog park within a mile of virtually every residence in the City." The Hotel Monaco is only three blocks from the Hotel from one of those off-leash parks, Founder's Park. Also, the same old houses that exude colonial and antebellum charm are set on quiet, infrequently trafficked streets. If you keep your route off the main thoroughfares like King Street, you will find few people or cars and plenty of space for a dog or cat walk.

With a location across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., Alexandria and the Hotel Monaco enjoy easy access through the Washington Metro and by car via the 14th Street Bridge to the sights of downtown Washington, D.C., such as the Smithsonian Museums, the White House and the U.S. Capitol. It is also only eight miles from George Washington's historic estate at Mount Vernon. Established in 1749, Old Town is a historic attraction in its own right, with numerous lovely examples of 18th and 19th century houses, churches and public buildings.

Those same streets are the setting for one of the Washington, D.C. metro areas liveliest restaurant scenes. The Hotel Monaco is located right on King Street, the main street of Old Town, packed with nine blocks worth of restaurants, bars and shops, with still more on the side streets. These range from the humble Burger Joint to the quirky Bilbo Baggins Restaurant to the upscale Eve's Tasting Room.

The Hotel Monaco has 241 rooms and suites, all equipped with 37-inch flat-screen TV with cable service, bedding designed by Frette, and Wi-Fi internet. The latter is free for Kimpton InTouch program members only. Room rates include complimentary parking and range between $309 to $570, depending on the room, with discounts available to AAA members.

Sources: Hotel Monaco, Personal Experience