Updated on December 4, 2023 by Julie McCool
Enjoy 5-star luxury and elegance at The Jefferson hotel in Richmond VA, perfect for a romantic getaway to Virginia's hip capital city. This fabulous star of the Gilded Age has been extensively restored and thoughtfully renovated for the modern traveler.
The Jefferson is one of the most luxurious hotels in Richmond VA. The hotel's decor, rooms, dining, and amenities are so lovely you may not want to leave. And during the holiday season, guests are treated to some of the prettiest holiday decorations in Virginia.
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We first stayed at The Jefferson in 1996, and the hotel has been beautifully renovated since then. Our return stays in the summer and during the holidays gave us ample time to find lots of great things to do in Richmond. The hotel's location is perfect for exploring downtown.
Check rates and availability at The Jefferson now.
The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond VA: Rooms and Amenities
Even before you enter The Jefferson hotel, you'll see signs of its quirky history. Alligators once lived in the fountains inside the hotel lobby, amusing and sometimes scaring guests. Today, two bronze alligators greet your arrival, perfect for a fun photo opp.
Stunning Public Spaces at The Jefferson in Richmond VA
Inside, the beautiful Palm Court sets the stage for elegance throughout the property. The room is crowned by a massive stained-glass ceiling towering above a life-size marble statue of Thomas Jefferson.
Tobacco baron Lewis Ginter spared no expense when he planned the hotel, and the renovated space honors the original design.
A sweeping Grand Staircase (rumored to have inspired Gone with the Wind) leads down to the swank Rotunda Lobby. This beautiful room is the site of countless photographs marking a stay or special event at The Jefferson. It's an elegant place to relax and enjoy a cocktail at TJ's Lounge.
Stop in the small museum to learn more about the famous people who have stayed at the Jefferson Hotel and one guest's alligator encounter.
An indoor pool topped with a large skylight offers another nice place to relax. There is also a small patio with a few chairs if you want to sit outside.
And find more romantic places to stay in our guide 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC.
Holidays at The Jefferson
During the holidays, special performances and gorgeous decorations make the hotel a top destination to celebrate the season. Upstairs, guests can enjoy tea surrounded by more elaborate holiday decor.
In 2019, more than 250 pounds of Gingerbread and 200 pounds of icing were used to create this holiday scene of “Santa's Arctic Vacation.”
The Jefferson Hotel Guest Rooms
Our elegant Grand Premier Guest Room featured a comfortable king bed, separate sitting area, and spacious marble bath. Plush robes, luxury linens, top-quality toiletries, and free wifi kept us comfortable and relaxed.
Richmond Suites add a separate living area, and there are even larger suites with kitchen and dining space.
Dining at The Jefferson Hotel
Dinner at Lemaire highlights locally sourced ingredients and Southern flavors. Lemaire does wonders with fresh seafood, and we particularly enjoyed the scallops and halibut. Be sure to save room for dessert. The dining room features soaring ceilings in a space that's refined but not too formal.
The spacious Lemaire bar is a casual but chic spot to relax with a cocktail after a day of exploring.
Head to TJ's, next to the downstairs lobby for breakfast and casual dining. We enjoyed delicious made-to-order omelets with home fries and a biscuit.
Afternoon tea is served from Friday to Sunday, and reservations are required. Tea is served under the beautiful stained glass dome of the Palm Court.
Read traveler reviews of Richmond's Jefferson Hotel and visit the hotel website for more information and special getaway packages.
The Jefferson Location in Richmond
The Jefferson is one of the most beautiful historic hotels in Virginia and it's a fabulous base for a Richmond getaway. The property is located on West Franklin Street, a few blocks uphill from the James River.
The hotel's central location is close to many of the best things to do in Richmond. The State Capital area, riverfront, Broad Street shopping. and historic neighborhoods are all nearby. Note that you will walk downhill to reach the river so be prepared for the uphill return. Of course, it's easy to get around by Uber or public transportation as well.
The Jefferson Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America, a collection dedicated to preserving historic authenticity. Plan more romantic getaways in the Washington DC capital region with our guide to Historic Hotels in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic.
You'll find even more getaway ideas here:
Thank you and happy travel!
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We were guests of The Jefferson and Visit Richmond Tourism provided some of our meals in Richmond. As always, all photos, text, and opinions are our own.
