Best Hotel Bets

The Best Luxury Accommodations

With deep enough pockets, you can enjoy some of the Mid-Atlantic's best luxury accommodations in Virginia.

Morrison House (Alexandria): More like a country inn in the middle of Old Town Alexandria, this small, luxurious hotel isn't that old, but it looks exactly like the Federal period homes surrounding it. The dining is marvelous.

The Tides Inn (Irvington): After a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Tides Inn once again stands among Virginia's elite resorts. The style is now more British raj than Old Virginny, but the facilities are first-rate, including a spa with treatment rooms overlooking Carter's Creek. The golf course has been improved, too.

The Boar's Head Inn (Charlottesville): A 19th-century gristmill serves as the centerpiece of this lakeside resort, on the outskirts of Charlottesville, and lends ancient charm to the Old Mill dining room, one of the best places to sample Virginia wines without trekking to the vineyards. Modern amenities include a full-service spa and access to Charlottesville's best-equipped sports club.

The Homestead (Hot Springs): Outstanding service, fine cuisine, and a myriad of activities characterize this grand old establishment, in business since Thomas Jefferson's day. In fact, Jefferson was the first of seven presidents to stay here. The Homestead offers accommodations ranging from standard rooms to plush suites. PGA pro Lanny Wadkins presides over its golf course, one of Virginia's finest.

Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center (Roanoke): The grand, Tudor-style Hotel Roanoke stood in a wheat field when the Norfolk & Western Railroad built it in 1882. It was closed in 1989, but a $45-million renovation completely restored its grand public areas to their original appearance and rebuilt all its rooms to modern standards.

Jefferson Hotel (Richmond): A Beaux Arts landmark with Renaissance-style balconies and an Italian clock tower, the Jefferson was opened in 1895 by a wealthy Richmonder who wanted his city to have one of America's finest hotels. A complete 1980s restoration renewed its splendor.

Williamsburg Inn (Williamsburg): An establishment with three fine golf courses, the Williamsburg Inn was built as part of the Colonial Williamsburg restoration but looks like it might have been here in 1750. If staying in the main inn with its superb service and cuisine won't do, you can opt for one of the restored houses and taverns that have been converted into accommodations.

The Best Moderately Priced Accommodations

Virginia has too many fine, affordable lodgings to mention them all here. The following are some we like best.

Holiday Inn Select Old Town (Alexandria): One of the finest Holiday Inns, this colonial-style brick building occupies an entire block in the heart of Alexandria's historic Old Town. It looks like it's been there forever.

Norris House Inn (Leesburg): Built in 1806, this charming house offers comfy lodging in Leesburg's historic district.

Richard Johnston Inn (Fredericksburg): Elegantly appointed rooms await in these two 18th-century homes across from historic Fredericksburg's visitor center.

Hampton Inn Col Alto (Lexington): No ordinary Hampton Inn, Col Alto is an 1827 manor house converted into a comfortable B&B-type hotel. Even if you stay in the modern motel buildings next door, you'll eat your continental breakfast in the period dining room.

Linden Row Inn (Richmond): This row of Victorian-era town houses has been renovated but not restored, which has left the rooms with 12-foot ceilings, a mix of late Empire and Victorian pieces, and marble-top dressers.

The Best Inexpensive Accommodations

Virginia has many clean, comfortable motels of the budget-chain variety. But for something a little more special, check out the following choices.

Big Meadows & Skyland Lodges (Shenandoah National Park): With stunning views from atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, these two rustic but charming inns are surprisingly affordable. Just be sure to reserve as early as possible.

Fredericksburg Colonial Inn (Fredericksburg): Don't be surprised to see Blues and Grays toting Civil War rifles in the lobby; this place is very popular with reenactors. An avid collector, the owner has laden the rooms with antiques.

Roseloe Motel (Hot Springs): You don't have to pay a fortune to stay at the Homestead -- head 3 miles north to the Roseloe, a clean family operation across U.S. 220 from the Garth Newel Chamber Music Center. Warm Springs is a short drive, and you can pay much less than the cost of a room to use the Homestead's recreational facilities.

Colony House Motor Lodge (Roanoke): This older, but clean and very well maintained motel, is convenient to both downtown Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Doors to the rooms have louvers to let in fresh air but not light -- an unusual touch for any inexpensive hotel.

Angie's Guest Cottage (Virginia Beach): You won't find any luxuries but you will have an interesting mix of guests at one of Virginia's few hostels. Those who don't care for dorm-style accommodations can stay in one of the comfortable, spotlessly clean private rooms.