The Inn At Court Square

In the center of Charlottesville are the streets where Thomas Jefferson used to walk to the courthouse. The Inn at Court square is across from the historic Court Square Park. This boutique hotel is comprised of two beautifully restored houses. The Federal style house, c.1785, is the oldest existing house in downtown Charlottesville. The second with its rare Mansard roof dates from 1918. Both are charmingly decorated with period antiques, which often are available for purchase.

The Inn has 10 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with private bathrooms. Many of the rooms offer fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Guests enjoy elegant Southern style breakfasts; the dining room is also available to host private functions.

The Inn at Court Square presents a wonderful opportunity to experience a bit of historic Charlottesville, yet it is only a block away from the downtown pedestrian mall and Charlottesville’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Willow Grove

Even from a distance, the Inn at Willow Grove provides a tempting hillside view of southern grandeur. The manor house at Willow Grove Plantation dates from 1778 and additional structures on the property originally included a schoolhouse, a smokehouse, a weaving house, and a spring house. The huge Jeffersonian columns were added to the manor home as part of a balcony addition in the mid 1800’s. All of the property was tastefully renovated by 2010 to provide luxurious boutique hotel resort accommodations that include a Forbes 4-star rated restaurant …. sure to please even the most discerning guests. There are several dining locations in addition to the main dining room, and among those is my favorite, the cozy Pub where locals and visitors relax in its congenial comfortable atmosphere.

Accommodations inside the main hotel include elegantly appointed rooms with fireplaces, soaking tubs and private balconies. The Tenant House Cottage offers a more casual option with its two bedrooms and Creekside Cottage provides 5 unique bedrooms and luxury suites. The adorable Butlers Cottage is a cozy 1-bedroom retreat located in a quiet corner of the gardens. If you have the time, don’t miss The Mill House Spa, a fitness facility with a saltwater pool. It’s easy to see why The Inn at Willow Grove is a popular wedding venue as well.

The Quirk Hotel

A quirk, as defined in the dictionary, is a unique, odd, and sometimes charming trait that makes a person stand out from the crowd. It is the perfect name for Charlottesville’s Quirk Hotel, Quirk Cafe, and Art Gallery.

The Quirk Hotel which is located in downtown Charlottesville was inspired by the Quirk Art Gallery in Richmond. The hotel features 80 guest rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the town and the distant mountains. In juxtaposition to its modern structure and contemporary art, the hotel also encompasses two adjacent 19th century homes that are rich in local history. There are several bars and dining options, a full fitness center, and its signature quirk: an interesting bi-level art gallery with rotating exhibits and classes.

Quirk also hosts meetings, events, and receptions in its special settings that range from traditional ballrooms to a rooftop restaurant and outdoor lawn area. There is something to please everyone in this uniquely artistic venue.

Oakhurst Inn

Located across the street from the health facilities of the University of Virginia Medical complex, the Oakhurst Inn was formerly three Craftsman-era residences that have been tastefully renovated to provide 36 guest rooms and meeting spaces. It’s a quiet location that’s a convenient walking distance to much of the university property. “upgrades and designs were completed after an 18-month renovation, and the Oakhurst began welcoming guests in 2014.

There are amenities to make your visit easy and comfortable. The Oakhurst Cafe and Breakfast Bar serves breakfast and lunch daily, and there’s also the cozy Chateau Lobby Bar that serves everything from cocktails to smoothies in a warm inviting atmosphere. You might want to take your refreshments with you while you relax beside their sparkling saltwater swimming pool.