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The Lorien Hotel Wants Us To Give Up Facebook and Twitter

Where: 1600 King St [map], Alexandria, VA, United States, 22314-2719

We have definitely admired Kimpton's new Lorien Hotel and Spa since it opened up earlier this year. But their new special package is one we're finding a little bit confronting – although we suspect it's our fault, not the hotel's.

The thing is, the Lorien Hotel and Spa wants us to relax, and is worried that our addiction to social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook (we do mention them occasionally) might be bordering on a social dysfunction (they even found therapists who agree). So they are offering a Social Media Detox Program for the rest of this year.

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Lorien Presents 'The Weekender,' Bike and Picnic Included

Where: 1600 King St, [map], Alexandria , VA, United States, 22314-2719

There’s something altogether dreamy about a weekend getaway that includes bicycling, picnicking, and sightseeing in historic Virginia. So it only makes sense that Kimpton’s new Lorien Hotel and Spa in Alexandria, Virginia, would be the purveyor of such an idyllic scenario. After all, lest you forget, the Lorien is dedicated to the "story of dreams.”

The hotel’s “Weekender Package” includes use of two of the hotel’s “retro-chic” bikes, a picnic lunch for two from the adjacent Butchers Block, a custom-designed biking map, tickets to the Mount Vernon estate, two river cruise tickets with the Potomac Riverboat Company, and late 2 p.m. check-out. Available through Aug. 31, rates start at a totally reasonable $398 for two nights (yes, that’s just $199 per night). You can also add $30 per night to accommodate a family of four.

Perched near the metro at the edge of Old Town Alexandria, the Lorien is convenient if you need to offset all that rural goodness with an urban fix, just a quick jaunt into D.C. But, really, why sully a perfectly quaint weekend with city frenzy?

Book the package using rate code PFUN.

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Lorien Staffers Roll Out Red Carpets and Fix Flat Tires

Where: 1600 King St. [map], Alexandria , VA, United States, 22314-2719

We have to hand it to Kimpton for their newest hotel. Since opening Feb. 12, the Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria, Virginia, has managed — first of all — to impress us (no easy feat). And now that three weeks have passed, we thought it high time to dig deep into the first take on the guest experience in the often ugly, no-holds-barred world of TripAdvisor.

Except, well, hmm. Seven reviewers, seven perfect ratings. If you’re like us, overly glowing reviews strike you as a little suspect — especially for a brand-new hotel. But these reviews just don’t sound particularly phony. On the contrary, they read like the words of genuinely happy customers. And get this: The hotel’s GM actually responded to five of the reviews, even including his phone number and email address so guests can get in touch if/when they return. Wowza.

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Kimpton's Newest Hotel, The Lorien Hotel and Spa

Where: 1600 King St. [map], Alexandria , VA, United States, 22314-2719

Yesterday we hopped down to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, to tour the just-opened Lorien Hotel and Spa. We’ll have full coverage Monday, but for now, here are a few photos and our initial reactions of the Kimpton space.

The Lorien radiates a sleek, contemporary, moneyed feel that’s right on target in Alexandria. Like, you wouldn’t feel weird about coming back here after an afternoon strolling through Old Town’s antiques shops and bakeries, but you’re not going to drown in schmaltz either. The palette is all about soft grays, robin’s egg blues, and whites; old brick meets new slate.

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The Lorien Hotel Will Start Making Dreams Come True Today

Where: 1600 King St [map], Alexandria , VA, United States, 22314-2719

Proof that the recession hasn’t yet hijacked the hotel industry: Kimpton’s newest property, the Lorien Hotel and Spa in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, opens today — and right on schedule, we might add.

Located just outside Washington, D.C., the $50-million Lorien is Kimpton’s 11th outpost in the area and has been coronated the “crown jewel.” The 107-room boutique hotel is marketed to “celebrate the story of dreams.”

For starters, that includes a Grand Opening package through June 30th, boasting 20 percent off room rates, guaranteed room upgrades, $20 hotel credit for each night’s stay (to be applied towards spa treatments, dining, or retail at the on-site gourmet food shop), and a welcome amenity from Chef Robert Wiedmaier. Even better? According to the Lorien’s website, rates are currently starting at $179.

So that’s three new hotels to open their doors today (with Viceroy Miami and Ace Hotel Palm Springs). A little ballsy, to be sure, but we wish all three spots the best of luck.