The Lorien Alexandria During No Fly July
July 12, 2017
Though NPS does not fly in July or December, there is still stuff to be done. The solution? A working meeting at the Lorien in Old Town Alexandria. We’ve been to the Lorien a couple of times since Steph Vogel took over as GM. Sadly, Steph is in Switzerland this week. We’ll pretend that the ship runs just as well without Steph at the helm (though it’s really not true).
The Spartan balcony off 619
This visit finds us in 619, which is similar to 615 only slightly smaller and on the other side of the building. There is a very large balcony on this side too. Because it’s 100 degrees this week (with an overnight low in the upper ’70s), the balcony will be ignored due to weather. Strikes us that a remake of these balconies as a garden would make them both more inviting.
Look to the left
Look to the right
Our meeting room was cavernous and highly functional. We spent all day working.
#BSIMM summit underway with @sfjacob and @acyrologia in Washgington, DC. The invisible Kathy Clark-Fisher on the phone. pic.twitter.com/Kf3ZSMiMDy
— Gary McGraw (@cigitalgem) July 11, 2017
A cocktail was in order after all that work. The bar is still very good, though barman and detail freak Phil Clark is no longer around. Phil has moved to Phoenix. You can tell. Damien is doing his damndest to keep things up.
Big Tahona @kimpton lorien by Damien Torgeson pic.twitter.com/eCFYZeRdIF
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) July 11, 2017
CR2 with @catoctincreek watershed @kimpton lorien pic.twitter.com/Xru4E8b1fC
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) July 11, 2017
No whey (sour) pic.twitter.com/1O4Q6WpgRZ
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) July 11, 2017
Whey Sour
.75 cachaça (novo fogo)
.75 rye (copper fox)
1.5 whey
.75 honey
1 lemon
pinch of salt
Shake. Serve up.
Snacks at the bar took forever to arrive. That ended up making them free. Timely is better than free.
Dinner at The Warehouse was a massive disappointment. The crayfish were good. Or was that the crawdads? The wine list?
Unusable. Skip it. In other news from the evening, the bar at Restaurant Eve still holds its own, but Jackson 20 has slipped to skip it level as well. So sad that the old Alexandria Monaco is now a Marriott property.
On return from dinner around 11, we were greeted with a nice amenity. Thanks Stephani. The ice cold San Pelegrino is particularly welcome.
Sitting room 619
Sleeping room 619
The huge glass shower will do just fine.
Shower? Perfect.
Once the work was done, there were museums to see. First stop was the National Building Museum to see Hive. Well worth the visit.
Home of hive. At least for a while.
That was followed by another great lunch at Bistrot du Coin.
Croziflette Savoyarde @BistrotducoinDC pic.twitter.com/K14W9zifwE
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) July 12, 2017
And a visit to the Phillips Collection. The old building is under renovation, so only half of the paintings as usual were out. But still fantastic. An NPS introduction to the stunning art of German artist Markus Lüpertz.
German artist Markus Lüpertz
The suit
Detail from Spoon
German artist Markus Lüpertz
A fantastic day. Followed almost immediately on its heels by a fantastic evening.
Roses Luxury is just as stellar as its incredible reputation. Just go. We showed up at 5:10pm and walked right in for a 180 minute dinner extravaganza.
Those poor “other people” had to wait in line
Caviar service
Yes, we took pictures of our food. We also had extensive conversations about it.
The best dish of the evening was a soft shelled crab served with Singapore-style chilli sauce (on the sweet side) over steamed buns with pickles. Delicious.
So really. Go to Roses Luxury as soon as you can.
Then there was the Columbia Room in the back booth (our usual NPS haunt), this time with the geek patrol. Excellent as usual, this time less for the drinks presentation than the company.
Columbia Room
Ice
Seaweed?!
Rum from 1857 always seems like a good idea after the tasting menu is complete.
Old? Yeah. @ColumbiaRoom pic.twitter.com/zufZIfC5o2
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) July 13, 2017
The moral of the story is: get your work done quickly so you can spend some time being spoiled in DC!
Five showerheads and a real wish that Steph were around. We miss you Steph.
From Monaco to Monaco: Alexandria Revisited
April 9, 2015
I’ve been to the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria a bunch. In fact, it is now one of the “home away from home” hotels. This time when I arrived (in the mosquito) I was greeted by the doorman who recognized me (and my car). And so did the people manning the front desk. And so did Matt Hurlburt the GM. Cool beans.
I was assigned a great suite, room 503, which seems to be my usual room now. NPS approves!
Room 508 at the Alexandria Monaco
The room has been spruced up a couple of notches since last visit.
503 sitting room
The non-plastic shower in 503 bathroom is very spacious
Sparkling water and a mini-amentity
As I was finishing up a call with California, an incredibly awesome amenity was delivered by Rae and company. Gotta love the “Shine and Swine.” Just awesome.
Holy cow, look at that, moonshine and charcuterie.
I had a few minutes to catch up with Matt for a cocktail after work (and before heading out for a business dinner at Vermillion). Dinner was workaday at Vermillion. The soup outshone the rockfish.
So implemented @KimptonInDC @Kimpton @LoveTequila pic.twitter.com/HAxHgj2xD8
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) April 8, 2015
Late night was spent at Jackson20 served by barman Andy Nelson. As has become our habit, we had a Sazarac with Sazarac 18 (wow) and some Eagle Rare 17. Great bourbon.
Fantastic visit, five showerheads and some shine.
Deja Vu in Alexandria: Hotel Monaco
January 8, 2015
It was a quick turnaround from no travel back to travel, but Kimpton helps make it all bearable. Back at the Hotel Monaco just like December, but this time up one floor in 503 (thanks Matt).
We should probably resist comparing the welcome package, but it’s NPS, so we just can’t resist. After all, that is what this prosthetic memory of a blog is all about!
Here is 2015.
2015
Lets compare to 2014.
2014
Hmm. No booze?! But we promise we have not gone dry as a misguided New Year’s resolution! In fact we had quite the adventure getting an after dinner cocktail, about which stay tuned.
Meanwhile 503 looks similar to 403 but it has been updated and is slightly more stylish with a nice scent of carpet glue in the air.
Alexandria Monaco 503
Alexandria Monaco 503
The shower is not plastic, and its pressure may just scour all of the old year’s dirt right off.
Not a plastic shower. Great way to start 2015 at NPS.
Dinner (corporate style) at the Columbia Firehouse was very good. Great oysters and a nice rendition of shrimp and grits. Sadly, they make a pretty bad Negroni (which calls into question their cocktail capability).
After dinner, we headed over around 10:30 to Restaurant Eve for a cocktail as their bar is rumored to be good. But who would ever know if the bar closes well before its advertised closing time?! Lame. We walked in and the bartender who was wiping down was not at all accommodating about making a drink. In fact, he refused to do so. Guess what Restaurant Eve, that kind of crappy behavior eradicated ALL of the goodwill built up during the last (spectacular) visit. Chef, I believe you need a new bartender post haste!
Restaurnt eve bar closes early. Do not want our money. @Restaurant_Eve what is wrong with you?
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) January 8, 2015
Please fix your website @Restaurant_Eve. pic.twitter.com/Hal7oj1yJr
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) January 8, 2015
So cha
stened to deal with lameness in Alexandria, we returned to the Monaco in low spirits (or with no spirits as the case may be). A pleasant surprise awaited at Jackson 20. Though I am not at all a fan of the architecture or the way the bar is situated, Jackson20 has some good bourbon and rye on tap. And a very good barman in Alvaro Colato.
Sazarac with Sazarac 18? Yes please. And a chaser of Eagle Rare 17? Sure, why not! Fabulous.
How to make a Sazarac (video from #glassaholic).
Salvaged and saved @Jackson20VA by @Alcolato. Take note @LoveTequila.
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) January 8, 2015
So there you have it. 2015, here we come. Five showerheads and a bourbon-based amenity for the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria.
2016 Last Licks at the Lorien: Alexandria
December 29, 2016
You know that quandry where you’re just below the threshold for Inner Circle status by one night? That. Somehow it happens every year.
Why leave this?
Fortunately, NPS can always make the best of it by visiting Steph Vogel and finding out what he is up to. A little backstory, Steph has run a number of DC-area Kimpton properties, lifting them every time up into excellence: the Palomar, the George, and the Donovan. Now it’s time for the Lorien.
The Lorien’s main problem is competition from the very fabulous Hotel Monaco just down the street (and much closer to the water). The Monaco seems to have sucked up all of the great design resources, leaving the Lorien marooned in the dreamscape ’90s. That is all starting to change now that Steph is in charge.
For example, the bar and restaurant are already going places. Once a scary exclusively white tablecloth space is now a bar buzzing with life and engaged with the street (not to mention soaked in cocktail excellence). Phil Clark runs a very nice bar.
The Lorien bar program is top notch
Get those drinks right! Attention detail, you are now on call.
Just take a look at the glassware. This is top shelf.
Liberty Punch
Bourbon Crusta
The amenity deposited for NPS in 619 highlighted both the bar and the kitchen to great effect. Just gorgeous, very welcoming, and kind.
Fancy a sweet?
How to make a Liberty Punch: Some Assembly Required
Watching the rooms transform from their current stark, almost bland design to something better will be fun. NPS money says that in six months this property will be the hottest ticket in town.
619 Bedroom
Stark
The shower, we are happy to report, is glass shower excellence (and huge). NPS could shoot a movie in there!
Enter the glass door for showering
NPS approved shower
And off the bedroom and sitting room both, is a balcony overlooking Alexandria. Can’t wait to come back and see what that is like in the summer.
View from balcony of 619
Our visit was punctuated by a drink with Phil and Steph at the bar. And then it was off to the always fabulous Restaurant Eve for dinner. Eve did not disappoint. The five course tasting meal was absolutely delicious and worth every penny (that’s lots of pennies for those counting). Three hours of laughter, great flavors, and fun was just what the doctor ordered after this year.
We returned for a nightcap of Liberty Punch.
Four showerheads and massive velocity towards five for the Lorien. Let the transformation begin.
Great food. Great drinks. Great hospitality. 2016, we bid you adieu.
Hotel Monaco Alexandria, Last Licks for Kimpton Before IHG Acquisition
December 16, 2014
This visit to the Monaco in Alexandria (across the river from Washington) was designed to perfection by GM Matt Hurlburt. Everything was all set before arrival. Even traffic in northern Virginia cooperated. Kimpton Karma. Hopefully not the last of it. (Now that IHG has bought the chain we will keep our fingers crossed that inner circle goodness persists. IHG also owns Holiday Inn Express??!!)
Room 403 is a nice suite with a great glass shower. A liquid amenity was just what the doctor ordered. Personal note, fancy cocktail, fruit and cheese (featuring apricots) and a bourbon flight for late night. Excellent.
Welcome to Monaco 403
The Virginia Gentleman made a great evening cocktail before the Leukemia Cup party at Port City Brewery.
Then it was off to the Leukemia Cup event where we were surprised to learn that Team Tartan was the 3rd biggest fundraiser in the nation in 2014! Thanks to all of our supporters, including the Hotel Marlowe staff.
Fundraising for @llsusa. 3rd in the nation. Thanks @philvenables and all our donors! Team tartan. pic.twitter.com/nUEjJyNPaV
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) December 16, 2014
A quick drive back to the Marlowe got us there just in time to meet Matt for a drink. We decided to go to Society Fair and meet the czarina of the eat good food group twitterz, Vina Sananikone. She turns out to be a video artist as well.
at @societyfair meeting the czarina of the twitterz https://t.co/rAFOSkXkEM
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) December 16, 2014
Matt and I had a Wine and Whiskey designed by Todd Thrasher and implemented by Justin Owens. It’s a great beverage, but complicated to make:
Base
Sauternes
Orange Peel
Cardamom Pods
Star Anise
Cloves
All spice
Cinnamon
Honey
Crush and toast spices. Simmer 30 minutes. Strain
2oz base
1 oz bourbon (four roses)
1 oz canadian whiskey
dash orange bitters
This one was a bit too sweet for my palate. Would skip the honey and maybe add some heat to the spices. But a nice cocktail all told.
After a cocktail and some time with Matt (a great guy), we headed over to Restaurant Eve where we opted for the Thai/Philippines inspired tasting menu. Delicious and absolutely packed with flavor. The first course was incredible. A delightful departure from Eve’s solid fare. Go chef go!
Then it was back to the Monaco for a late night bourbon taste.
Bourbon flight
And a dip in the tub?! That’s right. First time ever in the big Kimpton bathtub.
Bathtub with actual hot water, bourbon and a book
403 bedroom
403 sitting room
403 sitting room
this shower is not plastic
Anyway, five showerheads and a tub full of steam for the Hotel Monaco. Everything a quick visit could be! No fly noël can still include car based travel, and to great effect.
Hotel Monaco in Old Town Alexandria
September 10, 2014
Trouble in paradise this visit which started out about as chunky as possible—no reservation. I always rely on my travel people to get things squared away (thanks edie!) and they are great. This time I let an outside firm work travel. Yes, I did already know not to do that! When I tried to tack a day on to this trip, everything went south fast.
Having arrived in the nick of time to drop stuff off and head to DC for a business dinner, I was confronted with a problem. No reservation and no available rooms in the hotel. While very courteous, the front desk clerk Damien was ultimately not very helpful at all, and he did not escalate to more senior management. My inner circle Kimpton status did not seem to make much difference either. I was in a bind.
Fortunately, Stephan Vogel (GM at the George) had my back and started an email thread to find me a room on DC including the new GM of the DC Palomar Josh Lustig. (FWIW, Josh just took over from Abe Liao.) While they were solving the problem, I finally got a message back from the people who had messed up the reservation in the first place. They convinced the Monaco to give me a room. So that’s good…
But it was room 315, which if I were you I would avoid. It faces the street and is very noisy in the morning starting around 6:30am. It is also a handicap accessible room with a shower over tub design. Not my style.
Of course, not knowing I was staying the night made it hard for the Monaco to do anything to greet me or personalize my stay. Apparently they don’t monitor the twitter feed very closely. If they did, the problem would have been discovered way before my arrival.
I was told that I can get a different (better) room for the second night. Hopefully that is the case.
Room 315
Bathroom in 315
Shower over tub full of handrails. The curtain blows in the wind.
I rushed off to a fantastic business dinner at Le Diplomate (highly recommended, especially the world class bread). Larry secured us a VIP table. After dinner it was off on a bourbon search, first to bourbon (booked for a private event) and then to Jack Rose (also booked for a private event, but by friends as it turned out). Jack Rose has a fantastic bourbon selection that included Pappy 23, Pappy 20, and two varieties (US and Japanese) of Hirsch 16.
Two kinds of Hirsch 16
When I returned to 315 at midnight, I was greeted with a belated welcome note and a shot or two of bourbon (!!) from Pete and Jess, who turned out to be people from the organization hosting the meeting. Somebody is paying attention, but are any Kimpton people paying attention?! For the record I did have to go find a paper in the morning.
Welcome back to 315 after midnight
After a long day of meetings and presentations I returned briefly to the Monaco and switched to room 503. 503 is an excellent room and I appreciate the move, but strangely nobody mentioned the mixup, the bind, the switch. It’s as if “these are not the droids you’re looking for” applies.
There’s nothing to see here. All is well.
Cheese plate and San Pellegrino. So they do know I am here! Awesome. But no note, so “they” remain unknown.
Welcome to 503. Kimpton Karma.
503 suite is sweet
Lots of light and no noise in the living room
The shower in 503 is fantastic. Great water pressure and plenty of glass-defined space. As usual, there is a huge (unused) tub in this room as well.
No plastic shower in 503
More data from Alexandria, the Landini Brothers restaurant has workaday Italian with a weird but decent wine list and food served by Spanish-speaking waiters. The PX Lounge is so full of itself that though they might make a decent cocktail, it is ultimately skippable. The greeter/waitress/busybody calls herself a “den mother” which pretty much says it all. If you’re not a cub scout, ignore the reviews by foodies with no cocktail clue (sietsema) and go somewhere else. Yes, PX some of us know more about mixing drinks than you do.
Hotel Monaco is a great place to stay. Some more attention to personal service seems to be warranted. A low four showerheads for this visit. I’m sure I will be back and I will make sure to make my own reservation!
Wednesday fun at the Monaco Alexandria
March 10, 2011
I am on one of those ridiculous early Spring travel tears. Six cities in ten days (Alexandria, Boston, Heidelberg, Munich, Geneva, London). Just to complicate things, I tacked an extra day on the front of the trip to go see a friend of a friend perform.
What a Wednesday! We headed in to the city (well Alexandria is close enough as far as I am concerned…) to see one of our best friend’s ex boyfriend play a concert at the Birchmere. Robyn Hitchcock is playing a series of dates with Joe Boyd centered around Joe’s book White Bicycles. There is a good review of the show from San Francisco here.
To prep for the show (I know, I know, OCD), I bought Joe’s book in LA and read it over a couple of days. It’s an OK book if you can stand all of the name dropping…as well as Joe’s acerbic tendencies at the end. Seems like Joe almost had a career worth writing a book about?! Or something. Anyway, our section of the crowd loved the songs that Robyn played as well as his hilarious remarks designed to get Joe off the beaten path. More Robyn please! It is always a pleasure to watch a master perform.
In order to pull off the trip after tacking on the extra Wednesday, I decided to fly out of DCA and spend the night in Alexandria. So it was back to the well shamelessly asking Her InTouch Majesty Queen Natalie and Shirley “Morgana” King to plus up a night at the Monaco with their magic wands. They came through in spades with the expert help of Kate Ellis. My favorite thing was that they also upgraded Robyn’s room since he was mentioned in an email. Awesome. The Kimpton has me wagging my tail like crazy.
The staff at the Monaco is great. Friendly with a personal greeting, caring, and efficient.
Without further ado, the suite (room 537). Love the bed.
And the sitting room was nicely appointed as well.
You can see the note (replete with references to previous stays) leaning on a bottle of wine next to a tasty selection of fruit and cheese.
And of course the bathroom was top notch.
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The Monaco retains its five showerheads rating for all of the right reasons.
Before the show, we swung by the Majestic for some world class mixology (thanks Mike) and a great dinner. Like I said before…top notch Wednesday.
Hotel Monaco, Alexandria, VA
October 21, 2010
After flying all day back from Rome, I was due in Washington for a two day meeting. I’ve found that avoiding the HOV restrictions in Washington requires either staying in the city the night before or driving in insanely early. This time, I chose to stay close to the city at the Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, VA.
Hotel Monaco is a Kimpton, and you already know how I feel about that chain. I’m pleased to report that the staff at the Monaco is excellent, interactive, and mostly informed. I recommend the rooms with balconies that overlook the internal courtyard. Here’s the view from room 447.
Bathrooms are fairly standard as far as Kimptons go. Nice marble shower over a heavy duty tub in the case of the Monaco. The shower I took after 10 hours in a plane felt great.
The wallpaper actually looks slightly spiffier in person than it does in these pictures. Very tasteful.
On the strength of its staff, the Hotel Monaco earns a five showerheads rating. I’ve stayed here before and I will stay here again.
Mixology-wise, Alexandria has a superb mixologist at the Restaurant Eve bar where they make a majority of their own ingredients. Also the bartender at the Majestic Cafe is very good and knowledgeable. He turned me on to Leopolds Gin which is made in Virginia.
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