Get ready to see Old Town from a new vantage point as Hotel Heron officially opens its doors at 699 Prince St. in the heart of Alexandria. Steeped in rich history, this iconic property offers high design, superior service and exceptional culinary and beverage experiences across three distinct restaurants and bars. Inspired by the graceful Heron, a year-round resident of Alexandria symbolizing purity, longevity and good fortune, Hotel Heron blends historical charm with modern allure. The vibrant new landmark is a proud gathering place for the community, acting as the host of the party and the fresh face on the block.
“This building was once home to one of the most modern hotels of its era and a premier venue for social events in its heyday,” says General Manager Phillip Blane. “We’re honored to revive that storied legacy in Old Town, transforming it into a vibrant, welcoming community hub.”
Hotel Heron is part of Aparium Hotel Group, a world-class hotel operator with a unique focus on one-of-a-kind, independent hotels and a commitment to community connectivity.
Historic Elegance Meets Contemporary Comfort
Steps from King Street Mile and Alexandria’s waterfront, Hotel Heron is one of the city’s most iconic examples of Colonial Revival architecture. Led by DC-based architects Antonovich Associates and the interior design team at Streetsense, the restored property honors the heritage of Old Town, offering a specific point of view but with broad appeal.
Guests are welcomed into the heart of the lobby, immediately becoming part of the action. The split-tier layout offers unique viewpoints of the highly social area, inviting guests to wander and explore. The design features Mid-Atlantic elements with a rich color palette, blending warm colonial-style woods with federal blues, greens, and crisp whites. Ribbed glass and contemporary trims add texture and sheen to the rich dark woods, while handmade tiling wraps around the concierge desk. Local partners, including Austin Morris Furniture, provide comfortable and livable pieces that reflect traditional DC architecture and offer warmth and elegance while leaving formality behind.
Stairs from the front desk lead to the library, designed to mirror the aesthetic of a grand Alexandria home. This intimate space is perfect for enjoying coffee while working or sipping cocktails with friends in the evening. Above the fireplace’s reclaimed mantle and bookshelves crafted by Monkey in the Metal, custom-woven tapestries adorn the walls.
While the hotel has many cues to history and tradition, each guest room seamlessly blends historical architectural details with luxurious modern amenities to create moments of surprise and delight. Design elements like velvet headboards and federal-style mirrors add texture, while fluted glass paneling separates the bedroom, allowing natural light to flood the bathroom. All rooms are equipped with Grown Alchemist bath amenities, Frette bathrobes and slippers and a locally curated private bar for a touch of luxury. A variety of room types include the deluxe king or queen, Heron King, and Terrace King, among others.
Culinary Excellence at KILN
Inspired by Alexandria’s first documented potter, Henry Piercy, whose kiln once stood blocks away from Hotel Heron, KILN serves as a gathering spot offering breakfast and dinner, with lunch service starting in the fall. The space feels at home in Old Town, harnessing design elements such as locally crafted tables and banquettes from Beachley to complement the Mid-Atlantic food and beverage menu.
By day, breakfast highlights traditional dishes with top-notch regional ingredients. In the evenings, the signature restaurant transforms into an intimate, dimly lit space centered around the showcase kitchen and roaring wood-fired hearth, where Chef Matt Maienshein and his team expertly prepare each dish in view of diners. The dinner menu increases in complexity from small bites such as Olde Salt Oysters to larger entrees, including the Confit North Carolina Shrimp and Atlantic Spotted Seatrout. A “here today, gone tomorrow” section showcases the most seasonal and fleeting fare from local purveyors like Seylou and Pluma Bakery, Fresh Impact Farms and Wades Mill, sure to turn first-time diners into regulars. An 8-seat Chef’s Counter (limited availability) will be a sought-after reservation for an up-close-and-personal experience with Chef and team and a chance to taste the most crave-able dishes from the hearth on the full “At the Counter” menu.
“The wood-fired component of KILN will allow our Mid-Atlantic ingredients to shine,” says Chef Maienshein. “I’m especially excited to honor the generational fisherman and local farmers through our menus. We have the unique opportunity to showcase ingredients sourced from our own backyard, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
On the beverage front, Director of Food and Beverage, Betty Woodward, cross-utilizes culinary tools and techniques, such as hearth-roasted fruits, clarified milk punches, and local farm herbs, resulting in a menu that will constantly evolve as ingredients come into season.
Luxurious Libations and Rooftop Views
At the heart of Hotel Heron lies Francis Hall, a cocktail bar hidden in plain sight. Stepping into the jaw-dropping space, guests will be floored by the dramatic tented ceiling, rich jewel tones and burnished brass bar. The cocktail lounge is designed to feel overtly luxurious and upscale, from the velvet and fringe banquettes to the antique mirror accents. The menu features 30 drinks, ranging from approachable to experiential, inviting guests to indulge in a wide selection of craft spirits and luxurious libations.
Good Fortune, Alexandria’s only hotel rooftop bar, welcomes guests throughout the rooftop season with stunning 360-degree views. This vibrant addition to the food and beverage program offers unparalleled views of Alexandria, the Potomac River, and Washington D.C.’s most iconic monuments. Guests can enjoy dynamic cocktails and a lively lineup of events, including eclectic DJ sets and a summer concert series.
“Guests will be delighted by how our beverage menus pay tribute to Alexandria and the greater DC area, celebrating everything from local peach brandy and gin to farm-fresh herbs for garnishes. We’ve crafted an approachable and sophisticated selection, inviting every kind of drinker to find their favorite,” says Betty Woodward, Director of Food & Beverage.
The Premier Gathering Spot for Alexandria Locals and Visitors
The hotel features over 3,500 square feet of versatile indoor meeting and event space, including The Assembly Rooms and The Heritage Ballroom, with additional outdoor options available. The ballroom’s opulent design is perfect for weddings and social events, with a flexible floor plan to accommodate all types of gatherings. In partnership with CulturalDC, the hotel showcases an impressive array of art in the ballroom, highlighting works from local artists, including Stephanie Mercedes, Heron Hotel’s first artist in residency. Her show “Metal and I, Want the Same Thing” will debut with the opening of the hotel.
Emphasizing its role as a community hub for Alexandria and D.C. locals, Hotel Heron will curate monthly programming with great intention as to what’s happening in the neighborhood. From a rooftop concert series to health and wellness programs in collaboration with local fitness instructors to year-round celebrations in honor of Alexandria’s 275th anniversary, the happenings at Heron will create a magnetic pull and connective tissue between the hotel and the community of Alexandria.
“Alexandria is already a thriving city, and we aim to enhance that vibrancy,” says Harry Francis, Hotel Heron’s Director of Lifestyle. “Our goal is for Hotel Heron to become a beloved gathering place for locals—whether they’re celebrating, looking to relax, or meeting strangers who become friends.”
Hotel Heron’s prime location offers a chance for visitors to explore Old Town, located only blocks away from King Street Mile for shopping and dining, the Alexandria Waterfront, and historical landmarks like Mt Vernon to Tall Ship Providence. For more information on Hotel Heron and to book your visit, please visit heronalexandria.com. Reservations for KILN, Francis Hall and Good Fortune are now available on OpenTable. To stay updated on Hotel Heron’s happenings, follow @hotelheronalexandria.
