The Jefferson Hotel

The Jefferson Hotel has been part of Richmond since 1895, when entrepreneur Lewis Ginter opened a Beaux-Arts showpiece intended to rival the great urban hotels of the era. Its Franklin Street location places it between the state capitol, downtown and the city’s arts district.

The restored Rotunda remains the visual centerpiece, with soaring proportions, Tiffany stained glass and an imposing marble statue of Thomas Jefferson. The famous white-marble staircase and stories of live alligators once kept in the hotel’s pools add a layer of eccentric history that newer luxury hotels cannot manufacture.

Guest rooms were substantially refreshed and enlarged in the hotel’s modern restoration, favoring a residential scale, calm colors and large marble bathrooms. The experience feels historic without asking guests to tolerate the inconveniences often associated with old grand hotels.

Lemaire is the culinary anchor, serving polished Southern cooking that draws heavily on Virginia ingredients. An indoor pool, fitness facilities and traditional afternoon tea broaden the stay beyond architecture and history.

The Jefferson is the natural choice for travelers who want Richmond itself to be part of the hotel experience. It combines genuine landmark status with modern comfort, and the public rooms remain impressive enough that even local residents treat the hotel as a destination.