Ranging from authentic log cabins in the woods to historic resorts, Virginia has a fine variety of impressive accommodations. There’s once located right in the heart of the state’s capital that just may take the cake, though. The Jefferson Hotel has welcomed visitors from all over the world to Virginia. And it’s not just visually stunning; the detail and history of the building has a truly fascinating history.
Jefferson Hotel Richmond/Facebook The Jefferson Hotel is a true Virginian landmark and a major draw to downtown Richmond. This luxury boutique hotel is as fascinating as it is grand, with a whole cast of celebrity visitors that includes 13 U.S. Presidents, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.
Derek Bruff/flickr
Adam Rosenberg/flickr A vision of Richmond’s Lewis Ginter, the hotel opened its doors in 1895. The architecture was to be unique and extraordinary, overseen by same architects who designed the Frick in New York. Despite a tragic fire that destroyed a majority of the hotel’s interior in the early 1900s, the Jefferson is one of only 27 hotels in the country with both a Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond rating.
Mr.TinDC/flickr
Jefferson Hotel As soon as you walk into this grand building, you’ll see why it is such a famed destination. From the beautiful palm tree detail on the ceiling, to the massive grand hallway, each room is exquisite.
The Jefferson Hotel
Ashley G./Yelp
The Jefferson Hotel In addition to the accommodations, the hotel also features a spa and two dining areas, all of which are up to the hotel’s fine standards. The Sunday Brunch is open to visitors and guests alike and features some of Virginia’s finest local ingredients. Tea is also served Friday through Sunday between 3:00 - 4:15.
Jefferson Hotel Richmond/Facebook
Norry H./Yelp Wandering through the hotel and admiring the furnishings and artwork is almost like a step back in time. You might even imagine the famous scenes from Gone With The Wind as you descend the famous 36-step marble staircase.
Ron Cogswell/flickr Perhaps one of the most peculiar aspects of the hotel is its history of alligators. In the 1930s, the hotel accumulated a collection of alligators that lived in a small pool just a few feet from the reception desk. After the famous actor David Niven described this detail in his autobiography, these alligators would become world famous. The last alligator to live at the Jefferson died in 1948, but is commemorated by a statue just outside the main door.
Olga G./Yelp In a hotel this grand, it’s no surprise that Christmas decorations are simply extravagant. Many make a holiday visit to the Jefferson as part of their annual tradition. The Christmas Tree lighting takes place on November 28th and the tree will stay up until January 1st.
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr
Mark Goebel/flickr While the cost to stay overnight is understandably pricey, it does make for an incredible place for celebrating a special occasion. The hotel is an ideal wedding venue. Even if only for a quick visit, a trip to the Jefferson Hotel is a true Virginian experience.
The Jefferson is located at 101 West Franklin Street, Richmond. If you’ve visited this beautiful hotel recently, be sure to share your experience with us. For more unique places to stay, be sure to check out these 10 Quaint And Beautiful Inns In Virginia.
Jefferson Hotel Richmond/Facebook
The Jefferson Hotel is a true Virginian landmark and a major draw to downtown Richmond. This luxury boutique hotel is as fascinating as it is grand, with a whole cast of celebrity visitors that includes 13 U.S. Presidents, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.
Derek Bruff/flickr
Adam Rosenberg/flickr
A vision of Richmond’s Lewis Ginter, the hotel opened its doors in 1895. The architecture was to be unique and extraordinary, overseen by same architects who designed the Frick in New York. Despite a tragic fire that destroyed a majority of the hotel’s interior in the early 1900s, the Jefferson is one of only 27 hotels in the country with both a Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond rating.
Mr.TinDC/flickr
Jefferson Hotel
As soon as you walk into this grand building, you’ll see why it is such a famed destination. From the beautiful palm tree detail on the ceiling, to the massive grand hallway, each room is exquisite.
The Jefferson Hotel
Ashley G./Yelp
In addition to the accommodations, the hotel also features a spa and two dining areas, all of which are up to the hotel’s fine standards. The Sunday Brunch is open to visitors and guests alike and features some of Virginia’s finest local ingredients. Tea is also served Friday through Sunday between 3:00 - 4:15.
Norry H./Yelp
Wandering through the hotel and admiring the furnishings and artwork is almost like a step back in time. You might even imagine the famous scenes from Gone With The Wind as you descend the famous 36-step marble staircase.
Ron Cogswell/flickr
Perhaps one of the most peculiar aspects of the hotel is its history of alligators. In the 1930s, the hotel accumulated a collection of alligators that lived in a small pool just a few feet from the reception desk. After the famous actor David Niven described this detail in his autobiography, these alligators would become world famous. The last alligator to live at the Jefferson died in 1948, but is commemorated by a statue just outside the main door.
Olga G./Yelp
In a hotel this grand, it’s no surprise that Christmas decorations are simply extravagant. Many make a holiday visit to the Jefferson as part of their annual tradition. The Christmas Tree lighting takes place on November 28th and the tree will stay up until January 1st.
Taber Andrew Bain/flickr
Mark Goebel/flickr
While the cost to stay overnight is understandably pricey, it does make for an incredible place for celebrating a special occasion. The hotel is an ideal wedding venue. Even if only for a quick visit, a trip to the Jefferson Hotel is a true Virginian experience.
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