March 9th, 2006, by Mary Winston Nicklin
Extreme Makeovers: Kimpton Hotels Comes to Alexandria, Virginia
My home town is getting a makeover and I couldn’t be happier. Kimpton– that most delightful hotelier– has bought the aged, decrepit Holiday Inn in Old Town, Alexandria and plans a complete overhaul. At long last: the return of glamour and class to this prime real estate in the heart of Old Town’s cobblestone streets, flickering gas lamps and gorgeous colonial homes! Kimpton is pumping in $22 million in its conversion; the new Hotel Monaco, Alexandria will have 241 colorful and unique guest rooms, a pool, fitness club, and fine dining. Bring it on.
As much as I dislike Kimpton Hotels, Holiday Inns are far worse.