Historic Luxury at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia

Southern charm, presidential prestige and unparalleled service are the hallmarks of the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Want a hotel with a story? The Jefferson has over 120 years of history and has played home to presidents, Sir Edmund Hillary, Elvis Presley and even an alligator or two. Timeless elegance with modern touches, I couldn’t pass up a chance to stay at  Richmond’s grandest address.

I was graciously hosted by the Jefferson Hotel but as always, all opinions remain my own.This post contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you.

Steve and I chose to explore Richmond for a quick anniversary getaway and I’ve been dying to check out one of Virginia’s most iconic hotels. The Jefferson Hotel opened it’s doors to guests in 1895 under the helm of Major Lewis Ginter who spared no expense. Grand columns, antiques from across the globe and palm trees imported from South America graced the hotel’s corridors. The Palm Court was even home to alligators, once pets to socialites wintering in Florida, who then brought them to the Jefferson once they got too big. There hasn’t been a living alligator in the hotel since 1948 but today you will find a few statues as well as small touches(alligator drawer pulls anyone?) throughout the hotel.

The Jefferson has recently completed an extensive multi-million dollar renovation. Like back in 1895, today a Cararra marble statue of Thomas Jefferson stands watch over the Palm Court. This stately visage of the third president in the light filled Beaux Arts lobby would not look out of place in the museums of Washington DC. Above Jefferson is a beautiful Tiffany-style stained-glass dome that fills the lobby with natural light. A grand staircase, rumored to be the inspiration for the staircase in Gone with the Wind, leads to a second, but equally impressive, two story lobby lined with giant marble columns topped with a palm frescoed ceiling.

We stayed in a Premiere King Room, the Jefferson’s most popular room category. Our spacious room was tastefully decorated in hues of gold and blue, and the custom king bed was the perfect place to rest after a day exploring Virginia’s capital. The stately design extended to the bathroom which featured a soaking tub, marble shower and even a flat screen tv in the mirror. Did I mention there is also an in-room Nespresso?

I also had the opportunity to tour the Jefferson Suite which is presidential by any standard. At over 1,400 square feet the Jefferson Suite is grand with care to preserve historic details such as ornate woodworking and the original fireplaces and mantles. The parlor features a comfortable living room with a grand piano as well as french doors that lead out to a spacious balcony. The suites bedroom has the same king bed with sumptuous linens that you’ll find in all of the Jefferson’s Premiere King Rooms. The Jefferson Suite has hosted 13 presidents as well as notable celebrities like Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.I spent much of my weekend sampling the culinary scene that is making Richmond the South’s next great food city so unfortunately I did not have a chance to try the Jefferson’s food offerings this trip. The Jefferson’s signature fine dining restaurant Lemaire features elevated coastal Virginia cuisine. Cornmeal crusted oysters and jumbo lump crabcakes showcase the best of the Chesapeake Bay while braised pork belly and white sweet potato bisque highlight Virginia’s Piedmont. The Jefferson also offers a decadent Sunday champagne brunch set among the grand columns of the palm court which I’ll definitely need to experience on my next stay.

Take a look at my latest video to experience more of the Jefferson Hotel.

Do you want to visit the Jefferson Hotel or have an experience here you’d like to share? Let me know in the comments!