In Leesburg
A mansion built atop a knoll in 1773 is the centerpiece of the Holiday Inn at Historic Carradoc Hall, 1500 E. Market St. (Va. 7), 2 miles east of downtown (tel. 800/465-4329 or 703/771-9200; www.holiday-inn.com). The four suites on the mansion's second floor have country inn-like ambience. The other 122 rooms are in standard motel buildings. The most modern digs in town are at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 117 Fort Evans Rd. (tel. 800/HAMPTON or 703/669-8640; www.leesburg.hamptoninn.com), and the Comfort Suites Leesburg, 80 Prosperity Ave. (tel. 866/533-7287 or 540/669-1650; www.comfortsuitesleesburg.com), which has some Jacuzzi-equipped units. Nearby on Va. 7 is the Best Western Leesburg-Dulles (tel. 800/528-1234 or 703/777-9400; www.guests-inc.com).
Bed & Breakfasts -- While the Norris House Inn (below) is the only place to stay in downtown Leesburg, the county has a dozen or so other bed-and-breakfasts scattered among its rolling hills. Check them out through the Loudoun County Bed & Breakfast Guild (tel. 866/771-2597; www.loudounbandb.com).
In Middleburg
The charming Middleburg Country Inn, 209 E. Washington St. (tel. 800/262-6082 or 540/687-6082; www.middleburgcountryinn.com), serves as the town's sole bed-and-breakfast. About 5 miles north of town, The Goldstone Inn & Estate, 36205 Snake Hill Rd. (tel. 877/219-4663 or 540/687-4645), is much more luxurious -- and expensive at $365 and up per night. It has 13 rooms in a restored carriage house, two cottages, and a spring house set on a 265-acre estate. If I could afford it, I would stay in its Goodwin Room.
