10 Best Hotels in Virginia, USA

Historic details and curated art add flair to this luxury downtown hotel, with views over the Elizabeth River. It’s within easy walking distance of more than 50 restaurants—though its three dining options will entice you to not step out the door.

A 70-foot-high ceiling with a stained-glass skylight and 10 of the original Louis Comfort Tiffany stained-glass windows make this the most elegant hotel in Richmond. The Palm Court Lobby is home to Edward Valentine's full-size statue of the president, and to a sweeping Gone With the Wind-style staircase. One of the most notable rooms is the 1,550 square foot Jefferson Suite, which comes with its own private balcony. The renovation in 2016 expanded the guest rooms, adding marble baths with soaking tubs, double vanities, dressing rooms, and new period furnishings

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.

Surrounded by manicured grounds overlooking Carter Creek, the Tides Inn, here since 1947, is sandwiched between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. The resort offers all of the modern amenities travelers have come to expect, and features a wide variety of on-site recreational activities. Many of the rooms and suites, which are luxuriously decorated in a British Colonial style, have spectacular water views. The Golden Eagle Golf course is challenging; the par-3 course less so. Wildlife here is of note: ponds are well stocked with fish, and bird-watchers should take their binoculars. There's also a sailing school for all ages and experience levels; you can also jet ski on the Rappahannock River, or take in the Irvington scenery and wildlife on the Carter's Creek cruise.

Set on 55 acres in west Charlottesville, this local landmark resembles an English country inn, with flower gardens, ponds, and a gristmill from 1834. Rooms have king-size four-poster beds and Italian linens, and many are decked out with balconies or fireplaces. There are lots of activities hosted here, from cooking classes and wine tastings, to hot-air ballooning. The Old Mill Room restaurant, the Inn's fine dining outlet, is open for a lunch buffet and dinner, while Bistro 1834 and the Birdwood Grill offer more casual fare.

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.

Conveniently located in Downtown Norfolk, this boutique hotel run by Marriott occupies a reimagined historic building dating from 1912 and showcases exceptional works of glass art (Norfolk once was famous for its glass production).

Located in the redeveloped downtown area, this hotel is near the Waterside Festival Marketplace shopping area, and it's close to Town Point Park, the site of many festivals. The handsome lobby, with wood paneling, a central staircase, silk tapestries, and Federal-style furniture, sets a high standard that continues throughout the hotel. Rooms are somewhat small, but outfitted with everything the business traveler could ask for—including two telephones, voice mail, and Internet access.

For centuries, American glitterati have retreated to this genteel Southern resort to soak in the healing springs and pursue their recreational passions. While the grand lobby still reflects the elegance and formality of the early 19th century, The Homestead has a casual atmosphere that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. Daytime activities include far more than shuffleboard: there are three championship-grade 18-hole golf courses, 4 miles of streams stocked with rainbow trout, 100 miles of riding trails, skeet and trap shooting, and nine ski slopes (The Homestead was the site of the South's first downhill skiing in 1959). The venue has evolved from a country spa to a 15,000-acre resort-and-conference facility. Rooms in the sprawling redbrick building, built in 1891, have Georgian-style furnishings; some have fireplaces. European-style meal plans are a better value than paying just the room rate.