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The Jefferson Hotel
Rating Details »
Categories: Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces
101 W Franklin StRichmond, VA 23220
(804) 788-8000
Holidays on a Shoestring Package
Includes Southern breakfast, $25 gift card, holiday ornament, valet park & more. From $205/night. http://www.jeffersonho...
Announced 1 week ago- Price Range:
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$$$
23 reviews for The Jefferson Hotel
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
3/7/2008
10/14/2009
9/7/2009
9/16/2009
11/15/2009
7/20/2009
11/27/2008
2/2/2009
Updated - 2/19/2009
4/24/2009
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9/28/2007
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2/28/2007
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
I am a huge sucker for grand, historic, beautifully furnished hotels, or structures of any sort. The interior transports the traveler to another place, another time, when beauty was far more appreciated and people took their time. I will stay here if I ever have a reason to return to Richmond.
Unfortunately the elegance of the Jefferson was undermined by the fact that the only reason I was there was to crash the University of Richmond's Ring Dance. That translates to lots of drunk people spilling on their pretty white gowns and Sir Mixalot blasting through the corridors. Boo.
One of the coolest and nicest hotels I've enjoyed.
Great size rooms, free wireless, the interior architecture was amazing and surreal.
Hard to pull off a classy old hotel the way the Jefferson does.
Highly recommended.
Went here ten years ago when the hotel was an ITT Sheraton, and vowed I'd be back!!!
Richmond is a sad little town that closes down over the weekend, and has done so for over ten years since I was there last. David and I drove into the city to find the hotel and found an almost abandoned city, but unfortunately one wher four African Americans were fighting about a banana bike that got run over with a Muslim (covered hair) at one of the intersections and at a traffic light.
We ended up flagging a police-woman to help with the altercation, and I was worried that I had chosen a really dangerous choice...not unlike the "Dupont Hotel" in Wilmington, DE. (An amazingly class place with gift shops, flower shops and high-end jewelry and clothing shops centered in a really ratty neighborhood.
After we checked into the hotel, we were overwhelmed with the historical nature of the hotel, along with the really lovely service. From the second we got there, till the day we got our car, every person bent over backward to help us!!!
There were several weddings for the weekend we were there, which impacted our eating ability, and sight-seeing ability, but it really didn't matter. The food at the restaurant was definitely "five diamond" -- a very comprehensive "Tapas" menu at Lemairee was diverse enough to include a char-broiled fois-gras appetizer along with a really beautiful tempura soft shell crab!! Then, onto a shredded cabbage and lump crab salad dish, and a really fresh fried oyster dish...we were in heavan!!!
The wine list includes old favorites, and those that are starred...to show you that they are up and coming options for diners.
We got back to the room wth our orders for dessert...couldn't keep up with the dinner portions --- and we loved our orders along with a complimentary bottle of champagne...Just loved it!!
My "group" rate was $189.00 (plus about $25 in city and state taxes), and arriving before Noon generated a free upgrade to a "superior" room. Superior means a view of the city rather than the interior courtyard / air shaft. The perks are wonderful, including pool, gym, elaborate small bottles in the bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. As in many hotels, the TV was flat screen but the images were not Hi-Def. I passed over the Sunday brunch, as it comes to over $50 a person including tax. Coffee is served in the lobby, and the brew quality was more important to me than an in-room coffee maker.
The building is as grand and impressive as other reviewers have described. The level of service, staff friendliness and all-round maintenance are exceptional. Two particularities of my visit were an unwarranted $12 per night charge for self-parking in the guarded lot; and a sagging mattress. On a week night I found plenty of free street parking next to the hotel, valid until Noon the next day. The front desk credited the parking charge without hesitation; and the mattress may have been an anomaly.
This is a lovely hotel, a one-of-a-kind visual delight, and I consider it a good value for the money.
Breathtaking hotel with a lot of history. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful, but more specifically the room service was top notch! The food was superb and the room service staff was so polite and attractive! I would highly recommend this hotel when visiting Richmond, or if you live close and want to get away!
I came to Richmond from California for a wedding of an ol' UVA buddy of mine and I stayed at the Jefferson Hotel. The Jefferson Hotel was a pretty nice establishment. I appreciated the rotunda lobby with Jefferson's statute as well as the atrium lobby. The attention to detail in the building's structure was a reminder of the craftsmanship some will take to produce a lasting piece of art. The people working in the hotel were very friendly and helpful.
This is the closest I've ever been to the movie set of 'Gone With The Wind'. You can't ignore the grand staircase, huge marble columns, and red carpeting as you enter the hotel.
This Beaux Arts building is a museum on its own rich in history and functions as a cultural center for southern elegance. This massive structure is adorned with Renaissance balconies, arched porticos, and ornate rotundas reminiscent of a bygone era of antebellum opulence. There were moments I imagined myself a southern belle during my stay.
I didn't get a chance to dine at the award winning Lemaire, but I got to treat myself to afternoon tea under the Tiffany stained glass ceiling of Palm Court lobby. It was delightful to nibble on finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones while a harpsichordist played in the corner. There were a variety of teas to choose from. My favorites were the Richmond Blend (black & spicy with cinnamon oil, orange peel, and cloves ) & the Earl Grey (Asian blend scented with citrus oil).
I would love to come back and try their well-reviewed Sunday champagne brunch in the beautiful Rotunda lobby. The chef creates a different menu each week using Virginia's best seasonal ingredients. This is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of the local flavors.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I came here, but I was pleasantly surprised.
For the room I gotta say it was just so-so. Rather standard and nothing to write home about. I got in late from the west coast the first day, was unable to fall asleep until 2am or so and right around 3 I heard this beep about every 5 minutes, then every 2 minutes or so and then to the point where I couldn't sleep. Smoke alarm battery died. So I called 15 minutes later they come up and change it...15 minutes later I am in bed and the beeping starts again. I call they come up in 15 minutes and remove the smoke alarm all together. Not their fault, but certainly an inconvenience. What did I get? An apology? A free drink? anything? NOPE nothing, notta, zip, zero. Didn't think that was too cool from a service standpoint if you consider yourself the hotel that The Jefferson does.
But outside of that the stay was nice.
The dining downstairs was pretty solid. The buttermilk fried pickles from the bar were amazing! so good I had to order twice during my stay.
In the evening they also have free transportation to take you out and about town - which is nice.
Just returned to the infamous Jefferson Hotel for a smoke with my brother. And there were little signs pointing out to us, "SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED!" You've got to be kidding me! How could Richmond, headquarters to Philip Morris sellout like that?! We used to not have to deal with smoking and non-smoking sections. The only options were ultra and menthol!
I went over to the bar and the bartender told us that this was a recent development and sadly looks like it will be permanent.
There's only one solution! REVOLUTION!
I'm going to Havana '59 from now on. Kaine, you can suck it!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/7/2009
Let's talk about a little something they don't let the tourists in on who come to the Jefferson.… Read more »
I recently took my fiance for the Hotel's signature Sunday Brunch. The food was plentiful and the service was satisfactory. While the selection was quite extensive, nothing screamed 5-star cuisine. The waitstaff was proficient but not cordial, so no big flags or tags for being a "friendly" service staff. The ballroom lived up to the expectation of grandieur and Southern charm, but if you are seated on the mezzanine/terrace level for brunch, it can be a trek to get to the food. It didn't seem conducive to those who might need extra assistance (such as wheel-chaired or elderly). It's a great place for larger groups with varying tastes -- there's something for everybody -- but on that same note, the noise level can get extremely high and even more so with the echos from the room size.
Been there, done that. Moving on.
Stayed here one night last week while on the road heading to Charlottesville. Grand old hotel with lots of intriguing history. Got a GREAT deal ("The Shoestring Special") on our stay that we booked while pulling up to the parking lot. Chalk that up to the recession, I suppose. Very friendly reception and service throughout. Excellent meal down @TJ's Restaurant. The bar is highly recommended. The fried oyster appetizer was HUGE and delicious. The fried green tomato salad, was tremendous as well. Sadly, we were there the night the King of Pop passed away, so that occupied our attention @the bar. Nevertheless, those memories aside, if I ever need to crash in Richmond for business or pleasure, I'll definitely be checking into The Jefferson,
This was nice. Me my mother and grandmother stayed here for mother's day wknd... The salon downstairs does a pretty good mani/pedi job and the JB or whatever the name of the bar/ restaurant has gr8 food... Carry street was vintage and fun and the free shuttle made the trip even better!!! ohhh and the mother's day champagne brunch was good 2!!!
The epitome of southern elegance.
I've been to The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond twice for family weddings. This is definitely the most beautiful and regal hotel that I have ever been to. From the exterior to the lobby, the event spaces to the rooms, every inch of this hotel is covered in class, grace, and style.
Everywhere you turn, marble walls and columns surround you. Even a life-size marble statue of Thomas Jefferson greets you in the lobby. There are several function rooms which are perfect (and obviously gorgeous) for weddings. The staff and service are high-class all the way.
Probably the most popular spot in The Jefferson would be the famous staircase, rumored to be the model for the film 'Gone With the Wind' where Scarlett O'Hara was carried by Rhett Butler.
Today, Richmond isn't the prettiest or safest city and it has seen a major decline...but, if you look hard enough, you should be able to see a glimpse of an old Richmond where southern elegance was the way of life. Start at The Jefferson to find it.
5 diamond star grand hotel
The historic hotel caters to a certain population but not necessarily to my tastes. It's suitable for the stodgy golfers and the posturing business men.
Regardless, the impeccable service is worth mentioning. So I return from a long day of meetings. Run into the bathroom, brush my teeth, comb my hair, slap on pair of jeans...leaving behind a mess. I return and my toiletries are neatly lined, bathrobe folded and cleaned, and clothes folded and laid out. I thought housekeeping only comes once a day. Apparently they come twice to not only to provide clean and folded linens, make the bed...but also to just check in. Since I had no idea this service exists (b/c most hotels don't have this). I felt extremely guilty for not leaving tip for service I did not expect. Plus free wireless!
Ambiance and seriously huge beautifully lit up XMAS tree...5 stars
Buffet food without much umph...-1 star...almost 2
-1 star for the foil in my dads old fashioned highball
That leaves me with 3 stars for so so. The food is really not very good, but the ambiance is perfect in this amazing and historic hotel that lies within the heart of the city. The Jefferson is a rad place.
This hotel is great. I walk in to my room and hear some charming, classical music. I am totally feeling like an old white dude now. Anyway, I got a regular room, and it was kind of smallish.
My flight was delayed and I ended up getting in just in time to get room service. They serve food until 4am I think but after midnight all you can get is lunch meat sandwiches. about 8 min to midnight I order a crab cake sandwich. I could hear the hesitation on the other end for a split second, but I'm sure he could sense the fact that I would not play nice after a 3 hour delay and no food; he complied without any dissent.
With my food 25 minutes away I decide to wash off the airplane scum with a shower. The shower is not anything special unfortunately. My favorite part of the whole place is the robe lying on the bed when enter the room. Wearing a robe around a hotel is soooo classy.
So the food arrives along with my guinness draft. It is really great. Stretched for time the next morning I order room service yet again. Breakfast was ok; I should have chosen better than french toast however.
To recap, this is a beautiful hotel. It would be nice if this place was in a big city and more affordable. So we've lost a star for that reason, in addition to the ho hum shower and smallish room. there you go.
Great hotel when they do the following
- Hotel staff (front desk and concierge) that remember you by name all week
- Welcoming hotel grand lobby
- Friendly staff
- Room is clean, robe is laid on bed, chocolate on pillow
- Housekeeping folds my clothes
- Free wireless internet in room
- Free car services from/to local area
I went to a reaharsal dinner here a few years ago. ti was awesome. one of my best frinds was getting married to an awesome chick. it was a tru southern wedding. meaning--people got hella drunk--but--with class. the hotel is beautiful, it is very historic. I did not see any ofhte holtel rooms thouhg, so I have no idea what they are like, but the public spaces are very grand. also Im not exaclty sure how the nighborhood sourrounding the hotel is in terms of safety. but the dinner was greeat and it felt really liek we were in a buidling that is significant in southern culture and history (or at least Virginia). this review is based on the first 2 hours of this evernt--the rest is kinda a blur.
It's a beautiful old hotel and the history is pretty unbelievable (there used to be alligators kept in the fountain in the lobby and every dignitary you can think of has stayed there) but the hotel is showing it's age and could use a little TLC in the guest rooms.
T.J.'s, the more casual restaurant, offers a nice menu albeit a little overpriced. I had beet-dusted scallops with a side of rosemary asparagus. Didn't taste any rosemary but it was still pretty good. There's lots of smoking in the bar which was a little offputting.
Also, there was about 2 inches of water in the bottom of my bathtub when I unknowingly reached in to grab the wrapped soap bar (didn't have my glasses on since I was prepping for a shower) and dunked my hand in dirty bath water. Then noticed a soiled washcloth left in the shower as well. This sort of disillusions someone to a hotel experience, you know? When I mentioned it at the front desk, they offered me a complimentary upgrade the next time I stay. A nice offer since my company was paying for the room anyway.
Ordinarily, after such an experience, I'd be more harsh with my stars. but aside from this mistake, I found the staff to be exceedingly friendly.
I guess the net-net is that I like the hotel and will stay again. But it's not the kind of place I will get excited to pull up to when business takes me to Richmond.
I can't give it more than 3 stars because with all the hype of this hotel, it's just average to me. I can't tell you how many hotels I've stayed in at this point of my life. Hundreds? I've had experiences with Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Relais & Chateaux properties etc. My experience at the Jefferson was underwhelming.
The afternoon tea was great. Sunday Brunch (which they are kind of famous for) was just ok. The room was nice but stuffy. It was comfortable but I've stayed in much cheaper hotels with nicer rooms. My biggest gripe was the level of service was not what you'd expect from a 5 star/5 diamond hotel. Staff was not overly friendly, and they certainly didn't address us by name. Some of them didn't even acknowledge the guests at all.
Yes, the hotel is "grand & historic." Is it worth the money? No Way!
I have to add that they are actually pretty kid friendly. They have a great afternoon tea specifically for children once or twice a month.
This is a place to stop by just to see or for drinks in the rotunda....beautiful and grand. But everything else is a let down; I know because I worked here many years ago. The food in both restaurants is just so so and the rooms are not worth the price. You DO NOT want to know what they make the employees walk thru (when pipes burst) before serving food! Five star/ Five diamond.....don't know how they got it. Although they do have the best choc chip cookies; I had some left on my pillow from a coworker during a snowstorm (they encourage the employees stay there during storms in-case we can't drive to work the next morning). and P.S. The brunch is just a bunch of hype!
One of the best hotel experiences I have had to date. From start to finish I was embraced by luxury. Where to start. The snappy bellman who escorted me to my room. The concierge who arranged car service to and from my choice sightseeing and my business meetings. Room service which was prompt -- the hot servings hot and the cold servings cold. The robe, the bathroom. And I haven't even mentioned the lobby to beat all lobbies. When...do you leave your room to sit in a lobby to read your book? My only regrets? I missed tea and did not have a chance to check out the pool. The main restaurant was closed for renovation I will be back.
The accomodations were beautiful, and I didn't find the rates to be completely out of reach. If anything, try the brunch that they offer, it's one of the best I've had.
