16 Best Hotels in Central and Western Virginia, Virginia

This elegant Tudor Revival building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1882 by the Norfolk and Western Railroad. The richly paneled lobby has Florentine marble floors and ceiling frescos. Its formal restaurant ($$$–$$$$) serves regional Southern cuisine. A $6.5-million renovation of guest rooms and suites includes new furnishings, flat-screens, and Sweet Dreams beds. The Market Square Bridge, a glassed-in walkway, goes from the hotel to downtown attractions.

What began as a small-town eatery in 1978 has grown into a legendary establishment. The rich interior of the three-story white-frame inn is the work of Joyce Conway-Evans, who has designed theatrical sets and rooms in English royal houses. Plush canopy beds, marble bathrooms, and fresh flowers make the rooms sumptuous. If you need more space, the Inn also has two luxurious cottages: the 3,200 square foot Claiborne House and the smaller but equally charming Gamekeeper's Cottage, both steps from the main inn. Chef Patrick O'Connell's much-loved New American food is served in a slate-floor dining room with William Morris wallpaper, and his restaurant consistently wins respect from international critics. Gourmands can reserve a seat at the Chef's Table to watch the kitchen in action.

Chef-owner Alain Borel and his wife Celeste of Avignon, France, bring the warm elegance of the south of France to this 1750s country inn, originally a sheep farm owned by Lord Fairfax. Rooms are eclectically decorated with French art and fabrics, and Victorian wicker and antiques; some even have fireplaces. Breakfast includes fresh homemade croissants and apple crepes with maple syrup. This is considered one of the most romantic inns in Virginia; the restaurant is highly popular on its own as well.

Two Georgian houses, one of them a former brothel, have been combined and restored to create this old-fashioned inn in the historic district, two blocks from the Downtown Mall. Furnishings throughout are English and Belgian antiques, and several rooms come with a canopy bed, sitting room, fireplace, and whirlpool.

This 1789 home features four luxurious suites and three intimate cottages overlooking the rolling hills of Harrisonburg. The inn combines 21st-century amenities with the old-world elegance of featherbeds and fireplaces. The three cottages feature whirlpool tubs set in front of the fireplace and 4-inch-thick featherbeds. All rooms and suites are furnished with period antiques and reproductions: Colonial in the 1790s main house and Victorian in the 1840s addition.

Constructed as a private house in 1832, turned into a college dormitory in 1860, and then used as a field hospital during the Civil War, the Martha Washington finally became an inn in 1935. Across from the Barter Theatre, the inn has rooms furnished with Victorian antiques; some have fireplaces and all have flat-screens and even the odd touch of phones in the bathroom. A natatorium, pool, and full-service spa add to the old-world luxury. There is a daily resort fee, which includes breakfast, morning coffee, afternoon tea, Wi-Fi, access to the fitness center, and shuttle service to the Virginia Highlands Airport.

This small inn is the ultimate in luxury, with top-shelf amenities like Mascioni linens and robes, and Molton Brown toiletries. There are 18 uniquely appointed rooms and suites situated on 100 acres, offering spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Many of the rooms are named to reflect the property's ties to the Jefferson family. About 350 acres passed to Thomas Jefferson's daughter and her husband, Thomas Mann Randolph, who established their home, Edgehill, on the property. The foundations of the main building are thought to be the original foundations of one of Mann's warehouses. The Inn is also known for its excellent restaurant.

Prepare to be pampered upon arrival with complimentary port and chocolates in the cozy library at this welcoming inn that will make you feel like a local. Located on the quiet end of town, this 1850s farmhouse furnished with antiques and period pieces is within walking distance of restaurants and shopping. Curl up in front of the fireplace on a chilly fall day or enjoy the scenery during warm weather from the spacious front porch. A full home-cooked breakfast in the serene sunroom is included.

Federalist and Italianate architecture are joined by a hall in this bed-and-breakfast (and working vineyard), combining houses from 1832 and 1882. This 13-acre property is 15 miles south of Monticello and close to several top wineries, and their own vineyard is known for its pinot noir. All of the rooms have been recently renovated, with the addition of luxury linens and Arbonne toiletries. Dinner is served in the dining room by reservation Wednesday through Saturday, and a substantial breakfast is included in the room rate. The inn even keeps its own hens for true farm-to-table organic eggs.

Occupying five restored buildings at the same site as the Waterwheel Restaurant, the rooms of this state historical landmark inn are in a Colonial Virginia style. Four units are in the original miller's house; others occupy the former blacksmith's shop, hardware store, gristmill, and cottage. Some of the rooms have fireplaces and patios, and each has its own unique decor, from Colonial cottage chic to modern rustic cabin charm. A continental breakfast is included in the rate. The Inn is at the border of The Homestead resort property so you can easily walk up and explore that area. It's also within walking distance of shops and a convenience store.

Midway between Winchester and Belle Grove Plantation, the Inn at Vaucluse Springs sits on 100 acres of rolling orchards. The 200-year-old Manor House serves as the gathering spot for an elegant three-course breakfast and end-of-day socializing. Six private guesthouses sit on the property, including the Old Mill House, which was once an artist's studio, and the Gallery Guest House with panoramic meadow views. Innkeepers Neil and Barry Myers are known for their genial Southern hospitality. Snacks, tea, and a hearty organic breakfast are included in the rate.

A row of trees guards the privacy of this circa-1888 B&B decorated in a Victorian style and set on a large yard at the edge of the "Old Town" district. The sunroom and back patio are built for relaxation. Ask for Room 4; it has a lace-draped canopy bed and a turret sitting area with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains looming over Main Street. Room 2 has a fireplace. The restaurant's menu changes daily, its components supplied by many small, local organic farmers.

For a taste of Southern history, spend a night at this country inn dating to 1850. Once a plantation house, it's on 56 acres 6 miles north of Lexington. Individually decorated rooms have period antiques and modern amenities; most have gas log fireplaces as well. On the property miles of scenic walking trails and a fishing pond. Several marquee names have slept here, from Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Gere to Bill Clinton and Lady Bird Johnson.

An architectural rarity in the South, this Italianate Victorian mansion was built in 1859 by a grandnephew of James Madison, and generals Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee were early guests. Now Mayhurst is a cozy and comfortable B&B surrounded by 37 acres of woods with hiking trails. Its rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, marble fireplaces, and antique furnishings; some have whirlpool baths. Included with the room rate is a sumptuous three-course breakfast, evening wine and cheese, and soft drinks and snacks.

Just two blocks from Winchester's pedestrian mall (which is a major selling point), this charming historic house is furnished with period pieces, and two of the rooms have working fireplaces. A full breakfast, well-stocked pantry for snacks and sodas, and free parking are included in the rate.

In the heart of downtown, this historic property is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions. Built in 1887 as the stable and carriage service of prominent Lexington businessman John Sheridan, the historic structure was carefully renovated and opened as an inn in 1997. Rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, and include the charm of 19th-century furnishings along with modern amenities like Wi-Fi. A Continental breakfast is included in the room rate.