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A Historic Southern Belle with Every Contemporary Comfort
Powered By TripAdvisorA Southern icon, The Jefferson Hotel has enchanted guests with its architectural grandeur and impeccable service since 1895. While retaining the glory of its early days, the Beaux Arts masterpiece has garnered AAA Five Diamond status and welcomed famous guests from music icons to former presidents. Step into the breathtaking lobbies and marvel at the soaring stained-glass ceilings, the sweeping Grand Staircase and the intricate design details, before heading to your lavish guestroom. Unwind with a visit to the salon, a relaxing swim in the indoor pool or a rejuvenating workout. When you’re ready to explore, Richmond’s must-see sights are at your fingertips thanks to the exceptional location.
- Featuring 181 guestrooms and suites, each combining heritage style and contemporary comforts
- Explore a menu of refined Southern classics in Lemaire, the elegant fine-dining restaurant
- Marble bathrooms are complete with deep soaking tubs and in-mirror TVs
- Dip into the palm-lined indoor pool, naturally lit by an elegant atrium roof
- Explore Richmond using the hotel’s complimentary bikes or car transfers
As a guest at The Jefferson Hotel, you’ll find yourself in fine company. It has welcomed 13 presidents, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley, who would ask for an extra order of ice cream with his breakfast.
Hotel Amenities
Accommodations
Spacious and handsome, The Jefferson Hotel’s 181 guestrooms are decorated in understated neutral tones with refined, dark wood furniture, and rich fabrics. This traditional feel is combined with contemporary amenities including Nespresso machines, vanities with in-mirror TV screens, plush bathrobes, and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers. Suites come with separate living areas, but for the ultimate in luxury book the Jefferson Suite, where you’ll find a grand piano in the parlor, and a marble balcony overlooking historic Franklin Street.
In-room dining is on offer 24 hours a day, and in the evening you can order from the menu at fine-dining restaurant Lemaire. The hotel’s concierge team can help enhance your stay with everything from restaurant reservations, theater tickets, and sightseeing information to pet-sitting services and local transportation.
Dining
From fine dining to light bites, each of the hotel’s restaurants serves up a unique experience.
Lemaire – The elegant ambiance at Lemaire is perfect for a romantic dinner or special celebration. Southern-inspired dishes made with Virginia ingredients — including fried green tomatoes with shrimp succotash — characterize a diverse menu that allows you to opt for a traditional three courses or graze from a selection of tasting plates. Pair dinner with handcrafted cocktails, local beers, or a bottle from the extensive wine list.
Champagne Sunday Brunch – There’s no better way to end your weekend than with a glass of champagne in the opulent setting of the Rotunda Lobby. Ice sculptures and a string trio accompany a bountiful buffet with breakfast classics alongside a carving station, a seafood display, and a host of cakes and desserts.
Afternoon Tea – On Friday and Saturday you can enjoy Southern afternoon tea overlooking the iconic Rotunda lobby. Enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, and delicate pastries in a truly refined setting in view of the hotel's legendary Grand Staircase.
Activities at The Jefferson Hotel
Make relaxation the order of the day and book a session at the hotel’s Salon Vivace spa. Ease your muscles with a massage, or treat yourself to a body wrap or beauty treatment. Afterward, take a dip in the heated pool, or grab a book and relax on the sun terrace. If you’d like to keep up with your training, the well-equipped fitness center is open 24 hours a day.
The city of Richmond offers the perfect blend of history, art, and beautiful, verdant scenery — and The Jefferson Hotel makes it easy to explore, offering not only complimentary car transfers to all downtown destinations, but also a fleet of bicycles, complete with helmets, combination locks, and baskets. Spend an afternoon at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, explore the Black History Museum, and discover Richmond's most famous author at the Edgar Allen Poe Museum. You can also get your adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting on the James River or admire the flora at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
Location
Sitting in an enviably central spot on Richmond’s smartest street, The Jefferson Hotel has one of the best locations in the city. Close to historic monuments, art galleries, and gourmet dining, this grand hotel is a landmark in a neighborhood of opulent historic mansions.
Address
101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA, United StatesTransportation
- Airport
- Richmond International Airport is 10 mi / 16 km away, around a 15-minute drive. Limousine transfers are available through the concierge.
- Rail
- Amtrak Main Street Station is 1.5 mi / 2 km away, and the hotel offers complimentary transfers upon arrival.
- Car
- The hotel offers both valet and self-parking services, plus electric car chargers, or leave the car and take advantage of the complimentary transfers to downtown destinations.
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Reviews
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Amazing
Wed Jan 29 2025 13:53:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Carter P
I came here for dinner during Christmas and it was amazing. The decor was top notch. They didn't miss a spot. The food was excellent and the Shirley temples were great. This place is so cool especially at Christmas time. The food was kind of expensive but that is to be expected. I wish I had gotten too stay here it is so cool.
Family Christmas Trip
Thu Jan 02 2025 21:00:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by 107robbb
Hotel is top notch. Rooms are clean and nice and large. Being decorated for Christmas was a plus. Staff was friendly and helpful. This was our first stop on a family trip and it didn’t disappoint. We had drinks at the bar, which was crowded, and breakfast before leaving.
Gratuity and Room Service Inconsistencies
Fri Dec 27 2024 15:40:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by major t
The staff and workers were kind and helpful, from the valet and check-in to waitresses and waiters. The hotel was decorated beautifully. Our room was very clean and quiet. However, for two nights we ordered drinks from room service and not knowing gratuity was included, I tipped $20 each to a young woman the first night and a young gentleman the second night. The ticket they gave me showed a blank gratuity and blank total as is normally done so I wrote “0” on gratuity and the total. The 3rd night the gentleman said it was paid and added to the hotel bill and we didn’t have to sign. 4th night the gentleman said the gratuity was included and we signed it. So we double-tipped! It was the same in the Lemaire and at the bar. Inconsistency! I definitely over tipped! On another note, the “Jumbo” Crab Cake on the appetizer menu was NOT jumbo but a miniature crab cake. Our first morning we ordered breakfast from room service. It was 45 minutes late! When we called to check on it they said they lost our ticket. Again, I gave cash for gratuity.
A disappointing stay
Thu Dec 26 2024 14:11:09 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Grace W
We came to the Jefferson for Christmas and, unlike other times, were left disappointed by our stay. We realize things are especially busy around the holidays but felt that there was a lack of attentiveness that would have been warranted, especially since we were spending quite a bit for a multi-day stay in one of the more exclusive suites. The first day we asked for glasses to be brought to the room; they never came. Then, we unfortunately, became ill (no fault of the hotel, of course) and called to ask for some extra towels and new sheets to freshen up the room. Several hours passed and nobody came. Then, after another call, the housekeeping team did show up but somehow broken glass shards were left in our room, which is not ideal with little kids and a dog (unclear where this came from). All in all, we were not entirely with the stay.
Christmas Charm
Thu Dec 26 2024 08:21:17 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by tiredof4walls
The Jefferson Hotel is a Southern classic . It is a hotel rich in history and classic Southern charm . I am biased as I’m a Richmond born girl, so I grew up around this beauty . We came back to RVA to see my mother and sister. I wanted to stay in a hotel that does Christmas with a magnificent flare . They did not disappoint . The details were thoughtful from decorating the alligator ( see history of the alligator ) , the Christmas trees adorned with cardinals ( state bird) , to the grand staircase ( also look up the history ). My family loved my hotel choice vs a boring old chain hotel for the holidays . Yes it was a hike to the West End , but if you know the scenic backroads - it is well worth the drive.
