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Hi all -- my girlfriend and I are thinking of spending a weekend in Richmond in December. We wouldn't have a car, but we're good walkers. Should we stay somewhere in downtown Richmond, and is there enough to do in the city itself to keep us entertained? I know there are historical sites, the Capitol, the river, etc. Any suggestions on the best hotel in terms of comfort and neighborhood are appreciated. Thanks!
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Richmond recommendations?
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The interesting restaurants and bars tend to cluster in two areas -- the Fan and Carytown, with artsier outlets on Main in a gentrifying area wiht a lot of galleries. There is another "entertainment" area called Shockoe but it is sort of "frat boys not quite grown up" in my opinion.
You have two choices. You can get a cheap room at the Omni downtown on Priceline and use the savings to rent a car, or you can look for a special at the Jefferson Hotel (call them about weekends) which is near Virginia Commonwealth University, a lively area. It is an expensive but beautiful place, within walking distance or a bus ride from much that you might enjoy doing.
By the way, these opinions might not be shared by everyone in Richmond, but we spend the really cold months there and have formed them based on our experience.
The best hotels in Richmond are The Jefferson which is downtown and The Berkley in Shockoe Slip. Shockoe Slip is a better walking area than downtown and has a number of good bars, restaurants, etc. You would still need a cab to get to most sites. The Jefferson's restaurant, Lemaire, has a fun bar and good food.
Carytown is great for shopping and food and The Fan has a good number of good restaurants and bars, but neither has a hotel closeby.
Adding...I would not recommend taking the bus for in town transportation. I also disagree with the assessment of Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom as "frat boys not quite grown up." It's a fun area with some great places.
Also in December Downtown will be lit up and decorated for Christmas (as will The Jefferson)...an added bonus.
The Barkley or omni in the shockoe area or the jefferson (if your older). Eat at The Tobacco Company. Tons of character, good food, live bands.
I vote for the Berkley. We stayed there this spring. Walking distance to Millies Diner, the church where Patrick Henry spoke, the civil war museum, the river, the train station. Great restaurants nearby. Jazz next door.
I do not recommend eating at Tobacco Company. Have a cocktail and then venture to Millie's or Sensi or Lulu's or anyplace else.
If you stay downtown around the Omni or the Berkeley, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance. But if you can find a cheap car rental it might be worth it -- some things that might interest you, like Carytown or Hollywood Cemetery, aren't so close. This is a pretty car-oriented town, although cabs are available.
There is a free shuttle bus that runs a circular route from Carytown to Shockoe Bottom and back that may be helpful. The hours are limited...Thursday and Friday 6pm to 3am...Saturday noon to 3am....Sunday 11am to 8pm. The website is www.tothebottomandback.com which gives their route and schedule.