If you’re looking for ideas where to stay in Charlottesville, this post has plenty of suggestions from the downtown mall to vineyard B&Bs.
Charlottesville, VA is a fantastic place to visit! Famous for the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and an abundance of wineries and breweries, there is so much to see and do here and it’s a super popular weekend trip for getaways, bachelorettes, and family trips. The diversity of activities within a small-ish city surrounded by beautiful countryside were all reasons I decided to move here in 2010.
Alongside what to do while you are visiting, one of the most asked questions I have received during my 14 years living in Charlottesville is where to stay. While it seems like such an easy question to answer, I found I was having to think about it; after all, I don’t usually stay somewhere else in my own town!
Where you stay can have a huge impact on the overall experience. As Charlottesville continues to grow and change, the list of places to stay does the same. Here is a round-up of places I recommend staying when visiting Charlottesville.
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Where to Stay in Charlottesville, VA
Unique Places to Stay in Charlottesville, VA
There are plenty of the usual suspects for hotels in Charlottesville, like the Hampton Inn or Hyatt Place. However, if you want something with a more unique and quintessential Charlottesville feel, you will want to check out some of the places below.
Boar’s Head Resort
The more athletic traveler will feel at home staying at the Boar’s Head Resort. With tennis courts, squash facilities, and the award winning Birdwood Golf Course (where Thomas plays!), there is plenty on the resort grounds alone to keep guests entertained. The resort itself is located on vast grounds with mountain views, but it is close enough to town to get the full Charlottesville experience.
Boar’s Head offers different packages for guests, like Bed & Breakfast Charlottesville or Birdwood Golf School, so it is easy to find something for everyone. It is a bit of a pricer option, but with a number of amenities available – including a brand new pool complex.
The Clifton Inn
The Clifton will always be on my list of recommendations, as this is where Thomas and I had our wedding! It’s also where I had my bachelorette, so I’m clearly a fan, and for good reason.
A boutique hotel located on 100 acres just outside of Charlottesville proper, The Clifton Inn provides a luxury stay to visitors, and the restaurant is a great choice for fans of farm-to-table. I loved the smoked old fashioned I had last fall! When the weather is nice, try and snag outdoor seating on the porch where we had our wedding reception and take in the beautiful views. They also have a pool and hot tub that are open in the warmer months.
Keswick Hall
A recently remodeled luxury resort, Keswick offers an experience similar to that of Boar’s Head (spa amenities, golf course, views of the Blue Ridge), but it also boasts a restaurant created by a world renowned chef. The infinity pool is heated and incredible for lounging!
Marigold by Jean-Georges uses locally sourced meat, fish, dairy, and vegetable products as much as possible to create a true farm-to-table dining experience. Foodies will appreciate this offering from two Michelin star winning Jean-Georges, and even non-foodies will enjoy the view.
Keswick Hall is a bit on the pricey side, so that is one thing to note. But you MUST go to the spa if you have time! It’s the nicest spa I’ve ever been to! My Keswick Hall Spa review.
The Forum Hotel
Located on University grounds, The Forum is a stunning new facility by Kimpton. It’s also my recommendation on where to stay if you’re going to a concert at JPJ arena because you can walk!
While the hotel itself is beautiful, it is the six-acre arboretum and botanical gardens that really set this one apart. It is a lovely oasis in the middle of campus grounds where guests can feel like they are spending time in nature while enjoying modern amenities.
There are two restaurants at The Forum, and with its close proximity to town, food will not be a worry. Check out Birch and Bloom and the beautiful lobby bar.
For travelers who can’t fathom traveling without their dog in tow, The Forum is also dog friendly…and cat friendly, bird friendly, and even reptile friendly. Unlike other pet friendly hotels, The Forum does not have size restrictions and they do not require a pet deposit, so it makes for a great option. You can even bring your pet to their nightly hosted wine reception!
Unique Places To Stay in Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville is a perfect spot if you want a unique stay somewhere that is not your typical hotel. Not only is there plenty in the area to keep you busy (wineries, restaurants, museums, and more!), but it is also conveniently located just hours from DC and Northern Virginia (NOVA), and a little over an hour from Richmond. This allows for fun day trips during your stay, and the options for an extended stay in town are lovely.
Be Still Getaways
My favorite group to recommend for unique or extended stays is Be Still Getaways. My friend Jamie is the owner, and she has a ton of properties all around Cville and the surrounding countryside that make perfect options for winery girls’ trips or family trips in the area. Her properties are beautifully decorated and well stocked. Many have hot tubs and fire pits. I stayed at one of her properties with the kids – you can read about my experience!
Guesthouses
Founded in 1976, Guesthouses offers over 60 unique properties in the area. Whether you are looking for a place to stay while here on business or a spot near a winery, there are options for every type of visit.
For extended stays, their Belmont Suites are furnished apartments walking distance of both the Downtown Mall and the grounds at UVA. It is an ideal option for traveling nurses or visiting faculty.
Oakhurst Inn
Once serving as a campus boarding house, the Oakhurst Inn is a charming place to stay. With a neighborhood feel to it, one can almost forget they are just steps away from the rest of UVA. Offering extended stay options, this is a great location for anyone needing to be close to town. Don’t forget to check out their brunch during your stay, as it is a local favorite!
Places to Stay in Downtown Charlottesville, VA
The great thing about staying in the Charlottesville downtown area is you will be within walking distance to breweries, shops, and restaurants – and the food scene is one of the best things about Cville (my post on the best spots for dinner lists some great options!). Here are the places I would recommend for when you want to be on the pedestrian Downtown Mall.
The Jeff Hotel
If self-service is more your scene, The Jeff is a luxury boutique located right above the world-famous Jefferson Theater. Don’t let that scare you – the walls are soundproof!
The accommodations are similar to that of an Airbnb and guests get one parking pass for the nearby Water Street garage. It is not, however, handicap accessible due to the stairs in this historic building.
The Townsman
Similar to The Jeff, The Townsman “Unhotel” is completely self-service and also located directly on the historic Downtown Mall. In addition to its great location, The Townsman is also partnered with the Common House, a nearby social club offering food, working space, and occasional events. This is included during your stay.
Quirk Hotel
A boutique hotel located downtown, Quirk is a light and airy hotel featuring a rotating art gallery, curated gift shop, a cozy whiskey bar, and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Charlottesville. They often offer things like Jazz music in the lobby bar or Bachata on the rooftop, so be sure and check out their offerings on the website before visiting.
One thing to note is ownership will be changing shortly, so there are sure to be some exciting changes headed their way! Here’s a Staycation we did there!
The Graduate
Right across from the UVA grounds, as well as the Charlottesville university hospitals, The Graduate offers a nostalgic experience for those missing their glory days of college. Rooms are inspired by local history, specifically those related to the University of Virginia. You can also enjoy a view of the grounds from the rooftop bar, where you can also choose your own adventure for your cocktail, making for a fun experience where you will feel like a (college) kid again.
The Draftsman
Part of the Autograph Collection of hotels, The Draftsman is just steps away from the UVA medical center. This boutique hotel is nice and modern and features a fitness center on the top floor with stunning views.
Additionally, you can grab a nice meal at The Ridley while staying here, and learn a bit about a lesser known part of UVA history. One of Charlottesville’s Black-owned restaurants, Ridley refers to Walter N. Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from UVA. This is a nice nod to an important piece of history.
Dinsmore House
John Dinsmore was an architect and a builder who played an instrumental role in the construction of local presidential homes and the University of Virginia. Back in 1822, John Dinsmore purchased land from Thomas Jefferson, and presently that land houses the Dinsmore Inn. Remodeled in 2016, it is now a boutique, full-service inn.
In addition to the interesting historical aspect of the Inn, it is also home to Farm Bell Kitchen, which is a popular brunch spot. Be sure and make reservations, as it is often busy!
Places to Stay Near Wineries in Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville has over 40 (!) wineries, so it is a fantastic place for wine enthusiasts. In fact, it was named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year in 2023. If you are looking for a unique winery experience, why not consider staying at one of them? Several have overnight accommodations, and the following are particularly lovely.
Farmhouse at Veritas
What could be better than waking up to a farm fresh breakfast at a winery? That is just one of the perks of staying at the Farmhouse at Veritas. Add in a wine hour with an amuse-bouche plate, and you have yourself a lovely stay.
Built in 1836, this six bedroom inn is located adjacent to the highly rated Veritas Vineyards and Winery and is a perfect option for a romantic overnight getaway. For an added experience, be sure and schedule dinner reservations. These farmhouse dinners are offered Tuesday through Saturday nights at 6:30 pm. You can expect four courses paired with Veritas wine and the menus are prepared biweeky using homegrown and house-made items. Here’s an older post from my stay there.
Cottage at Eastwood
The Cottage at Eastwood, a three bedroom cottage, is great for a group looking to take advantage of all Charlottesville has to offer while staying in a winery setting. The cottage is located just literal steps away from Eastwood Farm and Winery, which is open seven days a week and often offers live music. Additionally, they serve food, beer, and wine, so it’s a nice option for those who aren’t fans of wine.
Eastwood Cottage works well for those wanting a combination of a winery stay while being close to town. In fact, it’s only a ten minute drive from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, where visitors can grab lunch at Michie Tavern or go apple picking at Carter Mountain Orchard. It provides the best of both worlds.
The Crossroads Inn at Pippin Hill
Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards prides itself on providing a truly unique winery experience, and the same can be said for their onsite Inn, The Crossroads Inn. This option is ideal for anyone looking to take advantage of the many offerings at Pippin Hill, like culinary classes or an Estate Tour and Tasting. It is also only a ten minute drive from downtown, making it a convenient location in a lovely spot.
Pippin Hill is a very popular spot for weddings, so definitely keep this in mind when looking to book, as the rooms can be hard to come by.
The Inn at Stinson
Only 20 minutes from Cville, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to another state out at Stinson. The views are incredible! There is also a pool in the warmer months, and if you can coordinate a private dinner – DO IT! Ours was so good. Here’s a recap from my birthday visit!
There you have it – a list of fifteen unique and fantastic options for where you can stay when visiting Charlottesville!
