The Jefferson Hotel

One of Virginia's finest hotels, this stunning six-story Beaux Arts building is the creation of Maj. Lewis Ginter, a founder of the American Tobacco Company who in addition founded the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The magnificent limestone-and-brick facade is adorned with Renaissance-style balconies, arched porticos, and an Italian clock tower. Two-story faux-marble columns, embellished with gold leaf, encircle the soaring rotunda -- the original lobby -- which has a small museum explaining the hotel's history. From there, the marble grand staircase, wide and red-carpeted, leads up to reception in the Palm Court lobby. There Edward Valentine's statue of Thomas Jefferson stands directly under a stained-glass domed skylight, 9 of its 12 panes original Tiffany glass.

Furnished with custom-made 18th-century reproduction pieces, the well-equipped rooms come in 57 different configurations, including two-room suites with a multitude of phones (politicians make good use of them when the state legislature is in session). It's worth an extra $20 or so a night to get one of the Deluxe rooms, which have more space and charm -- some have their original fireplace mantels -- than the Superior models. Some Deluxe King rooms have balconies, as does the presidential suite.

Lemaire, the hotel's prime dining room, specializes in Chesapeake-style seafood. The Rotunda (as in the University of Virginia) is put to use for outstanding Sunday brunches (about $55 for adults, $20 for children, including champagne; reservations are required). Off the Rotunda, T.J.'s (as in Thomas Jefferson, who else?) offers good Mediterranean-inspired fare in a relaxed setting. The hotel's bar is almost hidden behind the Rotunda's original reception windows. Across the way, the gift shop serves freshly brewed coffees and teas. Other notable amenities include a state-of-the-art health club and a resortlike indoor pool under a skylight.

Your pets can enjoy the luxuries here, too.

Mr. Jefferson's Ascot -- With its Rotunda, grand marble staircase, skylit Palm Court, and small museum dedicated to itself, The Jefferson Hotel is an attraction in its own right. Take a close look at Edward Valentine's stunning statue of Thomas Jefferson standing in the middle of the Palm Court. In an effort to save it during a 1902 fire, Valentine and others lassoed the statue and pulled it down on some mattresses. Unfortunately the fall decapitated Mr. Jefferson. The Valentine Richmond History Center can't confirm it, but hotel legend says the sculptor added the ascot to conceal T.J.'s scar.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; concierge; executive or concierge-level rooms; health club; pool; room service

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Back to Top