City: Richmond, VA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (804) 788-8000

Address: 101 W. Franklin St.

Description: This really is The Jefferson, built in 1895 in the Beaux Arts tradition and one of only a small number of hotels in North America that have received both the Forbes (formerly Mobil) five-star and AAA five-diamond awards. Known as the premier hotel in Richmond for years, it is now one of the finest hotels on the continent. The public rooms are unlike anything else in Richmond, soaring and sumptuous with a life-size TJ himself to greet you, sculpted in Carrara marble by Richmonder Edward Valentine, using some of Jefferson’s own clothes to guide him. Jefferson looks very happy to be here, and you will be, too. He can’t gaze upward, but you should be sure to and be wowed at the stained-glass windows and domed ceiling. It’s a lobby worth lounging in. Try not to trip down the grand staircase that sweeps you into the Rotunda while you take in the enormous marble columns and another gorgeous ceiling. No matter where you wander, there are cozy and comfortable hideaways to sit in and wait for your fellow travelers. Relax—this is a beautiful hotel, not a stuffy one, and the exemplary service will put you at ease. It’s a Richmond tradition for many to come by the Jefferson to view its always-stunning Christmas decorations. Lemaire and TJ’s, the hotel’s signature restaurants, continue to dazzle as they aim to be more inclusive and updated. Guests have a choice of 262 rooms, with either one king, one queen, or two double beds, each room with marble bath, minibar, Egyptian cotton robes and linens, Molton Brown toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Thirty-seven suites offer the expected roominess, and the unexpected 1,400-square-foot Presidential Suite (truly worthy of the name, since 12 U.S. presidents have stayed at the hotel), includes a baby grand piano and access to the marble balcony overlooking Franklin Street, among other amenities. Smoking is allowed in a few of the guest rooms, and dogs are allowed for $50 per day. The hotel has built numerous additions over the centuries, including a beautiful indoor pool with skylights, surrounded by cushioned chaise lounges and an outdoor sundeck. There’s a good-size fitness center with men’s and women’s lockers and showers and massage rooms. If you want more, the Jefferson continues to offer guests passes to the Downtown YMCA across the street. A concierge is on duty 24 hours, and a full-service business center is available during the week, with computer workstations available to overnight guests 24 hours a day. Just off the Rotunda is a full-service salon, gift shop, and a florist. The meeting and banquet facilities are, not surprisingly, grand, and there is both valet and self-parking available on site.