City: Richmond, VA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (800) 228-9290

Address: 500 E. Broad St.

Description: New local owners recently poured $14 million into renovating this nonsmoking hotel, the largest in the region, taking every one of the 410 rooms down to the sheetrock. Now that it’s complete, the results are impressive, from the waterfall fountain in the lobby, to the fitness center, to the well-appointed rooms. Located across the street from and connected by skyway to the Greater Richmond Convention Center, this Marriott thinks of itself as Richmond’s headquarters hotel. It’s so close also to the Federal Courthouse and CenterStage, they may have a point. It has the largest ballroom outside of the Convention Center, at 15,000 square feet, and its lobby is hopping at check-in time. As far as the rooms themselves, they offer plush and comfy bedding on either one king or two doubles, and suites are available. The lobby Starbucks is convenient for a quick jolt, and the large, well-outfitted fitness center is open 24 hours. Their downtown area shuttle is complimentary, and the hotel’s public areas offer free Wi-Fi, but it will set you back $12.95 a day for Internet in your room. T. Miller’s, the full-service restaurant and popular sports bar, is unique to Richmond and sports a name that pays homage to the old Richmond department stores that once ruled Broad Street, Thalhimers and Miller & Rhoads. Gather ’round the outdoor fire pit while enjoying outdoor dining some evening if you’d rather not watch the game. The Liberty Bar lounge is limited to evening service for a quieter spot.