Richmond hotels

Ask anyone in Richmond where the most legendary stay in town is and they’ll tell you it’s at The Jefferson Hotel. Historic, elegant and luxurious, this is one of the best hotels in Richmond for a traditionally glamorous hotel experience.

Originally opened in 1895, this Beaux-Arts stunner epitomises opulence, particularly in the lobby, which boasts exquisite plasterwork above stately marble columns. But the real showstopper here is the stained-glass rotunda, which soars high above a life-size statue of Thomas Jefferson in the Palm Court.

The service and amenities are just as impressive as the architecture and design, but what I love most about The Jefferson is its wealth of stories. Ask the staff to share tales about the alligators that once lived in the fountain outside (true story), or the lobby staircase so elegant it looks like it could be straight off the set of Gone with the Wind.

If art steals your heart and you have a taste for the cheekier side of life, Quirk Hotel Richmond is the place for you. This Italian Renaissance-style hotel was originally built as a chic department store, and that history remains evident in the handsome exterior and the architectural details of the interior – but that’s where the past ends.

The aesthetic of this eye-popper is pink, pink, pink, and as modern as you can get in this early 20th century landmark. Contemporary art is the name of the game, from unique pieces in guestrooms to large-scale works in public spaces – but my favourite feature is the hotel’s own art gallery.

One of the best hotels in Richmond for creatives, check out the temporary exhibits here, featuring local and regional artists, and be sure to browse the gift shop for some souvenir art to remember this unique stay.