All photos by Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryVirginia
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If you’re a seeker of authentic travel experiences who tends to gravitate towards classic old places to stay, you’re in luck. The beautiful state of Virginia just so happens to be home to some of the Mid-Atlantic’s very best historic hotels, each of them perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in local lore, culture, and a little pampering, too.
From classic old downtown hotels that once hosted prominent politicians and deal makers to resorts that still attract celebrities, there’s no denying the allure of staying somewhere American icons once stayed (or still stay). Staying at these distinctive properties also brings practical advantages, too, such as prime locations within walking distance of major attractions.
Whether traveling for leisure or business (or perhaps even both?), choosing to stay classic hotel definitely connects you to centuries of tradition, art, and architecture. To help you decide where to stay when exploring the Old Dominion, check out our list of the best historic hotels in Virginia.
The Best Historic Hotels in Virginia
Williamsburg Inn, An official Colonial Williamsburg Hotel
The elegant Williamsburg Inn, a 5-star property established in 1937 by John D. Rockefeller Jr, stands as one of the most iconic old hotels in America. With only 62 rooms, the inn maintains an intimate atmosphere that marries its stately colonial-inspired design with plenty of modern luxury.
There are plenty of sophisticated accommodations to choose from, including suites that overlook the neighboring Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. Spacious and quiet, each room features refined furnishings, plush bedding, and chic marble-accented bathrooms, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the hotel’s historic ambiance.
The hotel’s classy Rockefeller Room serves farm-to-table fare with contemporary twists on classic Southern dishes, while the adjacent Social Terrace provides a relaxed setting for great afternoon tea or evening cocktails. Other on-site amenities include a full-service spa offering indulgent treatments and wellness services, while valet parking ensures you can forget about the car as you explore Colonial Williamsburg just a 10 minute walk away (check with concierge staff about complimentary passes).
LuxuryVirginia Recommends: For the best rates and other information about one of the best historic hotels in Virginia, visit Williamsburg Inn.
The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Entering The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into a classic European palace… at least until you spot the large central statue of the hotel’s namesake. A symbol of Virginian luxury since it opened in 1895, this grand 5-star establishment stands out as much for its palatial architecture as it does its storied past. The grand staircase is a popular spot for a photograph and is rumored to have inspired the iconic stair scene in Gone with the Wind.
Spread across 181 elegant rooms and suites, the hotel features soaring ceilings, ornate moldings, and an impressive marble-filled rotunda that, along with that statue of Thomas Jefferson, greets you upon arrival. Among its most luxurious accommodations is the Jefferson Suite, boasting a spacious living area, crystal chandeliers, and plush furnishings that echo the building’s Gilded Age origins.
For an exquisite dining adventure, reserve a table at Lemaire, a fine-dining restaurant that highlights Virginia-sourced ingredients in dishes that pair classic Southern flavors with modern culinary techniques. The hotel also features an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a range of event spaces, frequently hosting grand weddings and high-profile gatherings.
LuxuryVirginia Recommends: For the latest info, including rates and to make a reservation, visit The Jefferson Hotel.
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Bryan Dearsley is Editor of LuxuryVirginia, and a huge fan of the “Old Dominion.” He’s also Co-Founder of Riley and its luxury lifestyle websites, leading sources of news and reviews relating to luxury lifetyles and travel around the world, including the UK, Europe, and the United States.
