Charlottesville Hotel and restaurant
 

I just cancelled my long-awaited hiking trip to Italy in two weeks, and scheduled one in the Shenandoahs that starts in Charlottesville. Any hotel recommendations? I'm looking for someplace centrally located in the $100-$150 range, although I'm thinking as a resident of an expensive northeastern city. Maybe that's much more than I need to spend for someplace nice. Also, any good mid-priced restaurants?

We go to Charlottesville about once a year for a restful weekend and usually stay at the Omni downtown. It is at the foot of a real nice pedestrian mall with several good restuarants and numerous stores, even a movie theatre. Can't remember the name of any restuarants there, but one of the best had most of their seating outdoors - on a typical Va. fall evening - this is a real treat. Also, close by on Main St. was a restuarant called something like the "Robin Inn" or the "Blue Robin" which was the best meal I've ever had and very reasonable ($7-14 for entrees). I've stayed at other hotels (including Holiday Inn nearest Monticello) but it was a 2 star quality - run down etc. Have fun- you'll love this laid-back town!

Thanks. I had my travel agent try them, and they were booked. There seems to be a big football game or something going on when I'll be there, so reservations are scarce. I have a room at the Boar's Head Inn - a bit more than I wanted to spend, but sounds lovely. Anyone know anything about it? Right now my only concern is convenience - is it in walking distance (which I define broadly, as I walk everywhere) to anything?

boar's head inn is lovely--a great way to experience that part of the world

Boar's Head Inn is a good choice. Also recommend the Silver Thatch Inn 804? 978-4686. Runs about $140. Farther up the road where 64 at Waynesboro, I like the Iris Inn B&B 703-943-1991 (breakfast only, less than $100).

Boar's Head has nice facilities, if a bit soulless, but you can't walk anywhere unless you want to risk the traffic on Route 250. Any chance there are rooms available at the South Street Inn (www.southstreetinn.com)? It's right downtown--you could walk to the Bluebird Cafe (think that's what Boots was talking about), the C&O restaurant, Tastings, or any of the other swell places downtown.

Oh yes -it was the Bluebird Cafe and we loved it - thanks Martha! The Boars Head is very nice and is on the western side of town, but you can't walk anywhere other than around the Boar's Head (even broadly defining walking) (good for you for walking!!)