Richmond is a gracious Virgina city with 400 years of recorded history to explore. Travelers can walk the same paths as Pocahontas, Patrick Henry and the soldiers of the Civil War Confederacy. Historic hotels have their own unique ambiance and history to share with guests. Two historic hotels in Richmond are The Jefferson Hotel and the Linden Row Inn.
The Jefferson Hotel
The Jefferson Hotel was the dream of Lewis Ginter, one of the most colorful and wealthy citizens of Richmond. An estimated that $5 to $10 million went into planning, building and furnishing the elaborate hotel. Cost of the three year construction was nearly $2 million
The facade is a blend of Beaux Arts and Renaissance Revival architecture. In the lobby is a life sized statues of Thomas Jefferson, made of Carrara marble. A Tiffany stained glass skylight and grand staircase are rumored to have been the inspiration for the sweeping staircase in the classic movie, Gone With the Wind.
The most revered hotel in Richmond, The Jefferson opened in 1895 with a engagement party for Charles Dana Gibson and Irene Langhorne, known as the Gibson Girl. Held on Halloween, this engagement party was the first of many years of festive parties, social gatherings and special events.
A fire in 1901 demolished three fifths of th building. The hotel was partially reopened the following year. In 1907, the enlarged hotel was completely reopened.
During World War II the hotel housed transient recruits and the building was damaged by rowdy crowds and a fire. In 1980 the hotel was closed. In 1983 , a three year, $34 million, reconstruction was started. The renovated Jefferson reopened in 1986. The reconstruction uncovered original mahogany paneling and marble exterior columns. Original wood floors, marble floors, fireplace mantels, ceiling fixtures and wall sconces were resurrected.
The Jefferson Hotel is a grand historic hotel with updated, modern amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, wireless high speed Internet access, two restaurants, 24 hour room service and an on site health facility.
The Jefferson Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
The Jefferson Hotel, 101 West Franklin Street, Richmond, Virgina. 10800-424-8014.
Linden Row Inn
Linden Row Inn is a19th century inn that was built in the 1840’s. The 70 room boutique hotel is located in the heart of historic Richmond.
In the early 1800’s, the land that the inn is situated on was owned by Charles Ellis, who used the land as a garden known for beautiful roses, jasmine and lindens. In 1811 an actress named Elizabeth Poe, who was in Richmond with a traveling company, fell ill and died. Poe left her two young children, one was Edgar Allan Poe, orphaned. Poe was raised by Mr. and Mrs. John Allan, the business partner of Charles Ellis. For a while they lived at the Ellis house and played in the garden, which is believed to be the ‘enchanted garden’ that Poe mentions in this poem, ‘To Helen.”
Between 1847 and 1853 a row of 10 houses was built and named Linden Square, after the lindens that were in the Ellis garden. For several years, some of the buildings were used as prestigious girls schools.
The historic inn is appointed with period architecture, fireplaces and chandeliers. Guest rooms are furnished and accented with 18th century period pieces. Amenities include high speed Internet access, cable TV and complimentary breakfast.
Linden Row Inn, 100 E. Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia. 1-804-783-7000.
Information is subject to change.
The Historic Hotels of Washington D.C
Historic Hotels in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Historic Hotels in the Hampton Roads Area of Virginia: Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach
