Hilton Hotel on 43-Acre Botanical Preserve near DC

It’s not always easy to find peace and quiet in Washington, DC, amid the comings and goings of tourists, politicians, lobbyists, reporters, and more than half a million inhabitants. But on the grounds of the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center—located just 5 miles from the heart of the city—it’s a different story. The hotel stands next to a lake and a 43-acre botanical preserve where tranquility and natural beauty abound. It’s still close enough to the city, though, to make sightseeing easy. In fact, a complimentary shuttle makes stops at a nearby Metro station with trains to the capital.

The Hilton name guarantees a certain level of style and comfort, and this outpost is no exception. Guest rooms are outfitted with mahogany furnishings and beds with leather headboards and footboards. From the windows, you’ll look out on views of the lake or gardens.

Downstairs, the hotel’s award-winning Finn & Porter restaurant serves seafood and steaks in a dining room decorated with glimmering glass. The onsite sushi bar, meanwhile, offers exotic maki rolls as well as sashimi and fresh oysters. The lobby lounge stays open till midnight during the week and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, providing an elegant spot to relax with a cocktail or catch a game on the flat-screen TVs.

Alexandria, Virginia: Stomping Grounds of Historic Heroes in DC’s Shadow

Situated just 5 miles south of Washington, DC, Alexandria is a scenic suburb that was once the stomping grounds of some of America’s most notable history makers. In Old Town—the city’s official historic district—George Washington surveyed his troops from the door of Gadsby’s Tavern, and, years later, a young Robert E. Lee worshipped in the pews of Christ Church. The town maintains its historic charm with brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets lined with more than 2,000 buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these structures house eclectic cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

Using the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to the nearby Metro station, you can easily get to many of Washington’s best attractions, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Smithsonian, and the 555-foot Washington Monument.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.