Kimpton Morrison House

I should have left this review earlier. Bottom line: I never went here and they charged me $ 200.
My husband and I (who got married down the street at their sister hotel, Hotel Monaco just a few weeks before this schedule event) decided we’d sign up for the Halloween murder mystery dinner. We’re big on murder mystery anything so «why not»?
2 months/​6 weeks before the Halloween… I call to make the reservation, I give my credit card to hold the reservation. I was told by their events coordinator it would not get charged until the day of the event when I showed up and they were very strict I had to be there by a certain time. Seems organized, they put effort/​thought into it. Very formal and structured. Works for me.
Weeks leading up to the event I get multiple phone calls and reminders to sign a «credit card authorization form» so they can charge my card. They said they emailed it to me. I thought I see it, but I saw Kimpton forms for Hotel Monaco (since we were getting married there mid October) and NOT Morrison House.
A couple days leading up to Halloween, I’m recovering from post wedding shenanigans and I remember «oh I still can’t find those authorization forms». 2 days before, I call and leave a voicemail. Day before, I call twice; left a voicemail once. Day of the event, I call 2 – 3 times and my last call I simply leave a voicemail stating «My husband and I will not be attending tonight. You have not returned our phone calls; this is unacceptable customer service.»
After the weekend is over, I check my credit card statement and behold «Morrison House $ 200 charge» on my credit card. It was the amount of the deposit (no tax or tip).
I immediately call my credit card company. The Morrison House /​Kimpton banks are still in dispute and I keep telling my credit card company to ask them for my «signed authorization form» (since I never signed it), and Morrison House keeps on kicking the can down the road regarding this situation so my credit card company dispute department has to keep on refiling with them.
I can’t believe it’s almost February and I’m writing this review on an event that happened on HALLOWEEN NIGHT 2015.
Kimpton — stop hiring two bit teenagers as your special events coordinators with no customer relationship management skills and stop playing games with the credit card company.

I have had some great experiences at the Morrison House. Its a great location, close to shopping, the ability to walk through all of Old Town, etc. In my experiences, the staff were great. And there are times when it is very reasonably priced. There was a great Greek restaurant within walking distance, and I had some authentic lemon rice soup there. I only knock off a star given that there have been sometimes when I’ve checked there and it has been steep for a room. Id check there first, and I hope they’ve kept the place in my absence.

Morrison House is a charming setting for an afternoon tea, a beautiful Federal style red brick building in Old Town. The cuteness doesn’t stop at the exterior either and each room has a lovely historic home look. The staff here were all very nice and helpful, and particularly kind to my little niece. While the atmosphere and service were excellent, the food wasn’t anything special.
Standard tea for an adult is $ 38 (if you’re looking to add a champagne cocktail, the Royal Tea is $ 44.) The upside is that the food is essentially «bottomless,» as the servers will refill your sandwiches and scones as often as you wish. The downside is that the food was disappointing. The bread was all very dry, probably because the sandwiches had been cut hours earlier and the toppings were so-​so. The scones were sad, very small (the size of those little post-​it notes) and rather sweet. Sadder still — they served them with whipped cream instead of clotted cream. Even though I was ravenous and planning for the tea to function as lunch, at some point, I just didn’t want another mediocre little sandwich or scone.
The children’s tea ($ 28) is a great idea, hot chocolate plus a tray of kid-​friendly finger sandwiches, like PB&J, ham and cheese, and ants on a log. Also the hot chocolate is amazing — the most delicious thing I tasted here. It is super rich, with a thick consistency similar to a custard sauce, and a lovely intense, but not too sweet chocolate flavor. Yum. The ants on a log were also the tastiest of all of the finger foods too, so clearly the kid’s version is the way to go.
Dessert was very prettily presented — each person received a fresh gooseberry dipped in white chocolate, a chocolate dipped strawberry, and a cream puff. All tasty and nice to have a dessert selection at tea that wasn’t a total sugar overload. Overall, this is a nice tea for groups with kids, but I wouldn’t return for a non-​family outing.

This review is for the restaurant.
First off, I was wondering about the attire, with some calling it casual, but their website hinting toward something a little more formal. I went with a necktie but no coat. My wife wore a cocktail dress. Initially, most of the male guests were in coats, but as the evening went on, eventually you saw some blue jeans and zip-​collar sweaters. I was glad I dressed down.
Don’t try to find a parking spot; there is valet parking. The attendant wasn’t at a dedicated station or anything; he was just kind of standing in the alley across from the entrance. His uniform was little more than a jacket with a name tag. I was slightly reassured when he handed me a claim ticket with the hotel logo (but that wouldn’t be hard to make at home). Fortunately, he was legit, and we did in fact get our car back. The fee was $ 6.
We opted to sit in the piano bar, also known as the lounge. Initially they sat us in the southeast corner, with the table literally abutting the HVAC unit (like one you might find in a cheap hotel). It was odd that they’d sit us right on top of this noisy steel box blowing air in our faces, since we were only one of three couples seated at the time. You’d think that would be the last table to be used. I put up with it for about 30 seconds before asking to be relocated to the adjacent table, which wasn’t a problem.
As soon as we were seated, our server came around and asked for our drink order. We told her we’d need a minute to look over the wine list. Then when she came back, she somehow got us to order our food order right away. So we snacked on some bread until my French onion soup came out. It was just okay, not worth $ 12 by any means. Time rolled on and we worked through our second basket of bread. After 40 minutes had elapsed since placing our order, my wife spoke up «This is entirely too long to be waiting for our food; it’s not like they’re busy.» And just then the server appeared with our entrees. My filet mignon was perfectly medium rare, though not exactly fresh off the grill. Better than being over-​cooked I suppose. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her seared scallops, obviously cooked after my filet.
The pianist was good, playing at just the right level. We almost missed the transition from Christmas mp3s to live music.
For the two of us, with one glass of wine each and no dessert, our tab with a 20% tip was $ 145.
On the way out we passed the formal dining room. It didn’t look appealing to me.
It was a nice place for a special night out, but I doubt we’ll be back any time soon. It just wasn’t any more remarkable than other upscale casual restaurants in the area which cost 20% less.

It’s a lovely little hotel, particularly when it comes to the common spaces. However, my room was another story. My corporate travel agent arranged for the room ahead of time and when I arrived, I was assigned a garden level room, meaning my one tiny window had an eye-​level view of the parking lot. I would expect better when booking through a corporate account that commonly books Kimpton hotels.
I was willing to overlook that since I was only staying one night. But then, as I was settling in for the night, I noticed I could hear every noise in the hallway. Every door, every footfall, every time someone went to the ice maker. I told myself it was a cool old building and that was all par for the course, until I turned off the news to go to sleep and all I could hear was my neighbors going at it… for like an hour. I’m not a square and I’m not saying people shouldn’t be able to do whatever they want in their hotel rooms, but this was so far beyond loud and freaky. Imagine having no other option but to call down to the front desk to complain about excessively loud sex. Not only do I find that distasteful, but embarrassing and obviously disruptive to my rest and relaxation.
I would not stay at this hotel again. If you appreciate peace, quiet, and/​or privacy to wave your freak flag without disrupting your neighbors, this is not the place for you either.

I had my daughter’s Bridal Shower at the hotel this afternoon and unlike some of the other reviews I was disappointed in the service. We also did a tea. When we arrived at the Hotel the room was not set up. The tables were in place but the chairs or China had not been brought in. Our event started a late as a result. Which I was not happy with. We requested a mimosa bar which was also not set up.
The overall service team appeared unorganized. A few of the chair cushions were not in good condition. Our coordinator Katie was no where to be found for most of the event. If we needed something we had to make a request at the front desk. They in turn would page Katie. We had to ask for napkins, tea bags and the hot water to be brought in and served. I felt we were not a priority or our business was appreciated.
Overall I would not recommend the Morrison House. Extremely disappointed MOB.

Lovely little Kimpton property in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. I’m a huge fan of Kimpton Hotels. Tea and coffee in the front room is lovely. Very traditional décor. Lovely piano bar featuring live music. Staff is extremely accommodating and very friendly. The Morrison House is located just off busy Kings Street (less than a block) meaning loading and unloading bags is far less hectic than the hotels directly on Kings. Lovely shopping and restaurants close by.
The Morrison is definitely one of my favorite places to stay in the NOVA area.

I had my bridal shower at the Morrison House last Saturday. It was a Royal Tea, held in the Louie XVI room. Everything was beyond my expectations! From the moment we arrived, the valets were extremely helpful, and they even assisted us in carrying everything for the party inside! The venue is gorgeous, the food was delicious (the salmon tartare caviar cones were to-​die-​for!), and the service was impeccable. Everyone especially loved the specialty champagne cocktail! While the venue may look somewhat stuffy, it is actually a fairly lively place (there were several events going on that day) with a super friendly staff. When the event was over, the «butlers» assisted us with carrying all of the gifts and decorations outside and loading our vehicles! A+ service!
I would highly recommend this venue for a bridal shower (or any other special event you are planning)!

Econo-​Lodge or Kimpton?
Peeling wallpaper. Flickering lights. Chipped furniture. Not a great start so far!
The staff is lovely, which is very refreshing given the state of the property.

BEST BRIDAL SHOWER LOCATION IN THE DMV!
I recently had a Bridal Shower in the Louie room at The Morrison House Hotel. The service was nothing short of amazing. The food was excellent, the room was perfectly set up, and the staff was so incredibly kind! A special shoutout to Anne Gillet (and Charlie), Katie Rehnberg, Fanta, and Martin for treating my guests like family.
If you are looking for a top-​of-​the-​line location for a Bridal Shower or any event (wedding, baby shower, etc.) I can’t recommend this location enough! Thank you for making my Bridal Shower so special!

Hotel very nice per décor, old classic. Piano bar nightly very nice.
Restaurant was horrible. 40 min to cook breakfast with only one other guest in dine room. I ordered their breakfast steak, most expensive on menu, tough as rawhide. Worst breakfast I can recall. So much for relaxing breakfast. I ran a few blocks away to get a bagel that hit the spot.
Overall very nice hotel, restaurant is classy look, horrible breakfast for any price, a complete waste of $ 25

This hotel is such a gem. I surprised my husband with a night away for his birthday. We were greeted with wine upon arrival, and the staff even delivered a cupcake to our room for the birthday boy. They really went above and beyond on the little touches — turn down service, luggage storage and delivery, and Kimpton’s ‘raid the bar’ program. Impeccable service.

I’ve been to the Morrison house before but this time I was disappointed. It took a really long time for us to be acknowledged once we sat down, a long time for the server to come to our table to take our order (we actually almost left) and just an extremely long experience overall. The food overall was good but the lack of attention may discourage me from coming back again.

Such a great hotel! Friendly staff, great amenities, and the real historical flair and feel. Definitely worth upgrading to one of the king deluxe rooms: spacious and great amenities. Like other kimptons, the coffee in the morning and wine at night are great options, and the parlor for it is wonderful (again, that old fashioned feel).
The only thing I would say: it’s not great if you’re tall. My room, as well as the common areas, all had lots of low hanging chandeliers that I nailed my head on pretty often; so if you’re 6’6″ or taller this might not be the best place for you.

Love me my Kimptons — love being spoiled. Lovely room. Ice filled ice bucket when we returned from our event, nice little welcome cookie, quiet comfy bed with ridiculous sheets and they even had my feather pillows. Woke to my newpaper outside my door free coffee and fruit. The bellman was sweet as could be. Great location to get about King Street and explore.

I would rate this as a 3.5 star.
Room was great and they allowed us to have ours dogs which is awesome on a road trip.
Service was subpar, the valet forgot to get one of ours cars and had me go get it in the parking structure… the overnight parking was $ 27 per car so I would expect a bit better service.
Food: We ordered room service the food was solid but expensive ($ 16 for a waffle and bacon) and cold…

My husband and I recently went out for date night and had a beautifully unique experience. We had reservations but decided to go a little early to sit at the bar listening to the piano. Service was quick and exceptional, our drinks were made perfectly and right if front of us. Our dinner was made for our dietary needs and tasted amazing! If your lucky you can witness or join in on mic night:) A perfect place for a special occasion or having an extraordinary romantic dinner.

Let me start in this review, with the ABC’s of a good business and what I experienced!
Arrival was perfect with a door man to great you.
Beautiful entry to look at.
Courteous staff from the moment you step onto the property.
Delightful front desk check-​in
Excellent amenities in the room.
Food, see my other rating for the Grille Restaurant.
Gorgeous, says my husband for the grounds keeping!
Happy to have this hotel as a getaway.
Ice bucket was filled when we came back from dinner.
Just perfect, the theme of this lovely mansion hotel.
Kimpton really has it right, when it comes to hotels!
Lamb prepared so mouthwatering, that I wanted to trade my dinner choice with my husband’s.
Money spends well here and again well worth it.
No unnecessary noise other that of the guest having a great time
Overall, the guest have many good adjectives, when asked, «How was your stay?»
Piano entertainment with local singing talent, like at the Apollo.
Queen deluxe room was our choice, to get real acquainted after a busy week.
Raining like cats and dogs with hail to boot on that day.
Slept comfortably on «Frette» sheets. That bed makes you want to make… XOXO!!!
Towels plush, and plentiful.
Umbrella to greet us from the car. Posh huh?
Valet Service $ 25.00
Welcoming wine reception from 5 – 6 PM with appetizers.
Xplain to me why many other hotels don’t have the Kimpton, saavy?
You need to stay here, but will want to keep it a secret for your «Besties and Significants».
Zee Best!!!

Amongst Kimpton Hotels, I’d rate the Morrison House as 3 stars (average) but it deserves an extra star for being part of the Kimpton family. There’s nothing wrong with Morrison House but when you’ve stayed at over a dozen Kimpton properties, you can’t help but rank them amongst each other. First, few hotels can rival the hospitality, service, and amneities found at Kimpton — the Morrision House is no different. But the Morrison House is too old fashioned for my taste. Its rooms are smaller than nearby Kimptons like Lorein or Monaco. While ideal for vacationers it lacks that executive touch to set up a temporary office (e.g. Palomar).
Given a choice between Morrison House or the nearby Hilton, I’d recommend the Morrison House. Given a choice between the Lorein Hotel & Spa and the Morrison House, I’ll prefer the former. [Original Visit: October 12, 2011]

I recently stayed here and while there are some nice features there are also some drawbacks
Pros
1. Raid the bar 10 credit for rewards members
2. Turndown service and complimentary chocolates
3. Morning coffee and tea
Cons
1. Slow check in and check out
2. The room could have been cleaner. The glass surfaces had sticky marks and cups rings and there was mold showing in the shower tile grout
3. Outrageously expensive parking of 27 per night
4. The bed wasn’t that comfortable and the sheets were kind of rough
It was an ok experience but I was in no way impressed.