Visit the Historic Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia

by Jeff Voth

The capitol city of Virginia, Richmond inhabits both sides of the James River as it meanders towards Chesapeake Bay on the east-ern seaboard of the United States. A waterway with historical significance, the river is undergoing a renaissance of sorts as more people realize the importance of restoring this once picturesque waterway to its original luster for future generations to enjoy.

In recent years, the James River spilled over the banks protecting the lower portion of the city, causing substantial damage to the areas around Canal Walk and the Farmers' Market. But savvy investment by restaurateurs and the business elite has brought new life to this area, and the evening streets are abuzz with both tourists and the locals enjoying the busy nightlife.

At the heart of Richmond resides the grand dame of the city, the Jefferson Hotel. First opened in 1895, the Jefferson is one of only a handful of hotels to be honored with both the Mobil Five Star and the AAA Five Diamond ratings. It is also a member of the Historic Hotels of America and the Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

A marble statue of Mr. Thomas Jefferson stands in the upper lobby of the hotel. At one time, the pool over which his inspiring figure resides contained several live alligators. Since then, much of this area has undergone renovation and only the hotels' namesake remains for all to see.

In it's glorious past, The Jefferson Hotel played host to Presidents, writers, actors and singers of renown. Elvis was known to have walked the halls with a blaring transistor radio under his arm, while it was in the dining room that Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was first discovered tapping his way into the hearts of patrons and the history of this great hotel.

Opulence and history are two words that instantly come to mind when describing the Jefferson Hotel. Few hotels in North America display the sense of treasured memories that are knit into the very fabric of this impressive building.

Restored between 1991 and 1993 at a cost of approximately 20 million, The Jefferson Hotel is one of three hotels owned by a pair of wealthy Richmond businessmen. The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville is an equally impressive, early 1900's hotel, while the brand new Sanctuary Inn at Kiawah Island in South Carolina is a state of the art resort designed in the grand style of a southern plantation.

Cascading downward from the upper lobby, a 36 step grand staircase reminiscent of the one featured in the classic movie, "Gone with the Wind", spills out onto the main floor below. Tall faux-marble columns sore upwards to the 70-foot ceiling, framing the overlook of the second floor above.

A thick, rich, patterned carpet stands in relief at the center of the marble floor. It offers the perfect setting for hotel guests to gather in comfortable couches and discuss important issues of the day, such as where to go shopping, or what's on the evening's menu.

There are a total of 264 beautifully appointed rooms, including 36 suites all of which are equipped with the latest amenities for the luxury traveler, as well as marble floored bathrooms, an in-room safe and Internet connectivity.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Richmond's only Five Diamond Award winning restaurant, Lemaire. Seating up to 118 guests, the setting is casually elegant, with eight Victorian styled unique dining areas overlooking historic Franklin Street in Richmond.

During lunch at Lemaire with Jennifer Crisp, Director of Sales and Marketing for the hotel, I was informed that the Jefferson Hotel has something that most travelers never expect to see, but hope to experience in person at least once in their life; a resident ghost.

Making regular appearances, it has not as of yet revealed its complete identity, so much of the conversation dealt with developing a storyline with which to help promote the hotel's phantom tenant. For some reason, Jennifer didn't take any of my suggested storylines seriously. I wonder why?

For lighter fare, T.J.'s restaurant offers lunch, dinner and late-night food in a rich wood and leather setting that offers great views of Jefferson Hotel's rotunda area.

A fitness center provides the latest in exercise equipment, while an indoor swimming pool overlooks the terrace, offering the perfect place to work out the kinks, or just sit and relax with a good book.

A hotel is nothing if the staff isn't at its best 24 hours a day and here the Jefferson Hotel excels at the highest level. All requests are handled promptly and with a genuine smile. Here the emphasis is on southern hospitality, and the staff at the Jefferson Hotel goes out of their way to make each guest feel important.

Though Richmond, Virginia may not be on your list of must see places when visiting the east coast of the U.S., the history of the city is well worth the trip. A stay at the Jefferson Hotel makes the visit that much more special. And who knows, you may even be lucky enough to see a ghost. If you do, try and find out some of the details from their previous life here on earth. I'm sure the real storyline will be fascinating!