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On October 12Gary Burke answered the question:
What Christmas shopping can I do at The Jefferson Hotel?
The Jefferson Hotel offers several options for Christmas shopping, all right off the Rotunda Lobby. Gator’s Gifts is filled with gifts for everyone on your list. There are the latest bath items from Molton Brown; our signature Jefferson Hotel bathrobes and towels; a delightful selection of children’s books, toys and stuffed animals; Southern-themed cookbooks; Virginia history books; handcrafted jewelry and our annual Jefferson Hotel keepsake Christmas tree ornament.
Blooms at The Jefferson features an eclectic collection of gifts for the home and garden. Each holiday season they also showcase inspiring displays of holiday decorations, ornaments and accessories. Do be sure to pick out a spot before you leave home for one of Blooms’ signature miniature chandeliers!
Salon del Sol at The Jefferson Hotel is an Aveda salon and carries a terrific offering of Aveda products and, of course, it is the perfect spot for a holiday up-do, manicure, pedicure or facial while you’re enjoying some shopping.
The most popular gift selection at The Jefferson, however, is our Jefferson Hotel gift card. They are available for purchase in Gator’s or on our website and are the perfect gift for anyone on your list. The gift cards never expire and can be used anywhere within the hotel, including for TJ’s, Lemaire, Sunday brunch, afternoon tea, merchandise from Gator’s or Blooms, and even overnight stays and packages. -
On October 12Gary Burke answered the question:
What is the chef at Lemaire’s food philosophy?
Whenever possible, Chef Bundy sources his products from small, local producers to ensure the highest quality. He has taken that a step further with the creation of Bundy Farms, now in its second season. This urban garden, located across the street from the restaurant, is planted, maintained and harvested by the chefs of Lemaire, and many of the summer menu items, including the handcrafted cocktails, feature ingredients picked fresh that day from Bundy Farms.
The farm-to-table concept is nothing new for Chef Bundy. He grew up gardening with his family, hunting with his father, and summering on the Piankatank River in the Chesapeake Bay pulling crabs by hand. Bundy has remained committed to providing upscale Southern cuisine that showcases the bounty of the region. The menu honors the local influences of Richmond and features local purveyors like Dave and Dee’s Mushrooms, Manakintowne Farms and Rappahannock River Oyster Company. -
On October 12Gary Burke answered the question:
Who is the chef at Lemaire and what is his background?
Chef Walter Bundy is a Richmond native who grew up gardening with his family, hunting with his father, and summering on the Piankatank River in the Chesapeake Bay pulling crabs by hand. He took his experiences with him to college at Hampden Sydney, where he entertained friends and family with his culinary skills preparing locally inspired cuisine.
After graduation, he was exposed to a whole new palette of flavors when a move to Santa Fe, New Mexico, brought him to work at Mark Miller’s Coyote Café. Inspired by the variety of unfamiliar ingredients and flavor profiles, Bundy enrolled in the New England Culinary Institute. A desire to learn about wine subsequently brought him to Napa Valley, where he worked with renowned chef Thomas Keller at the legendary French Laundry.
Chef Bundy has cooked at the James Beard House in New York, presented dinners for renowned chefs, and appeared on Food Network’s “Food Nation“ with Bobby Flay. Named executive chef at Lemaire in May 2001, Bundy has remained committed to providing upscale Southern cuisine that showcases the bounty of Virginia. -
On September 27Gary Burke answered the question:
What are five things to know about The Jefferson Hotel?
The Jefferson Hotel is the place to stay, dine or hold an event in Richmond. As the region’s only Five-Star hotel and a National Historic landmark, The Jefferson is an attraction that also provides luxurious accommodations, award-winning dining, outstanding guest service and a uniquely Richmond experience.
The staff at The Jefferson is unlike any other. Genuine, friendly service is provided at every level in a professional, yet warm manner. You’ll see for yourself what we mean from the moment you arrive.
Dining at The Jefferson is also uniquely Richmond. Lemaire is the perfect spot for cocktails and small plates or a dinner as formal or as casual as you desire. The Southern inspired farm-to-table menu will keep you coming back for the seasonal Virginia favorites. TJ’s is perfect for a local craft beer or single-malt scotch while watching the game and for a delightful lunch featuring local ingredients from a Southern bistro style menu. Champagne Sunday brunch, served in the beautiful Rotunda lobby, is a must-do for any weekend visitor.
All of Richmond’s most popular attractions, shopping, museums, entertainment venues and businesses are easily accessible from The Jefferson. Use the hotel’s complimentary transportation to reach any of the downtown destinations. The Jefferson is located just off Interstate 95, just 9 miles from Richmond International Airport.
The Jefferson is a great travel value with all the services and amenities expected at the Five-Star hotel at rates well below those in the larger cities and resort areas. A variety of packages can be found on the hotel’s website for added value. -
On July 26Gary Burke answered the question:
What five words describe the style of The Jefferson Hotel?
The Jefferson Hotel can best be described using these five words:
Grand. From the moment guests arrive at The Jefferson, they are immediately taken by the grandeur of the hotel. The Beaux Arts architecture, all the beautiful furnishings and fixtures and the magnificent public spaces, in size alone, create this incredible sense of grandness.
Gracious. Not only is the staff at The Jefferson the epitome of graciousness, but the hotel itself invokes the feeling of the more genteel time, when it was created.
Comfortable. Though grand in appearance, The Jefferson Hotel is also known for its casual elegance, where guests are made to feel at home with genuine, friendly service, comfortable accommodations and a relaxing atmosphere.
Historic. A bit of Richmond’s history can be found at nearly every turn at The Jefferson Hotel. From the alligators that once roamed the Palm Court lobby, to the legends of the Grand Staircase, the politicians, dignitaries and celebrities that have been guests and the many business and social events that have been held at the hotel, history is made every day at The Jefferson Hotel.
Current. While The Jefferson holds firm to its history, that does not mean that guest’s will not enjoy the most current technologies for their convenience, dining and beverage services that reflect the latest culinary trends and the most luxurious products and services available for their comfort. -
On July 18Gary Burke answered the question:
What restaurants are located near The Jefferson Hotel?
The Jefferson’s own Lemaire Restaurant is one of Richmond’s most popular restaurants. Located off the Palm Court lobby, Lemaire is a New American restaurant with a menu featuring extraordinary Virginia grown ingredients and the Southern influences of Richmond native, Chef Walter Bundy. The uniquely structured menu allows guests to sample and share from an extensive offering of small plates ($5 and up) or enjoy a more traditional dinner service with any number of courses (no entrée over $30). An extensive wine list with a robust selection of wines by the glass, quartino and bottle, hand-crafted cocktails and an interesting selection of craft beers provide the perfect complement to any meal.
The Jefferson is also home to TJ’s Restaurant, a Southern bistro providing a relaxed atmosphere serving breakfast and lunch daily and dinner seasonally.
A vibrant restaurant scene in the Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom areas of downtown, in the Carytown shopping district and the Fan neighborhood provide excellent options for visitors across a wide range of cuisines. The Jefferson’s concierge always has a terrific pulse on the hottest new spots and the old favorites as well. -
On July 18Gary Burke answered the question:
Is brunch offered at The Jefferson Hotel on the weekends?
Sunday Champagne Brunch at The Jefferson is a Richmond tradition. Each week our chef creates a menu to feature Virginia’s best seasonal ingredients, giving guests reason to visit often.
Served in the beautiful Rotunda lobby with seating amidst the marble columns and around the Mezzanine, Sunday Champagne Brunch at The Jefferson is a culinary dream, reminiscent of a bygone era of grand buffets and lavish feasts. Music by the Skip Gailes Trio, beautiful ice carvings and genuine, friendly service make this an event to remember.
The menu includes a variety of Southern breakfast items, including made-to-order omelets and waffles, eggs Jefferson and The Jefferson’s famous spoonbread. Lunch items include seasonal salads, soup, carving stations, fresh seafood display and a selection of entrees and sides. The dessert selection is endless and decadent, including the sundae station with the chef’s choice of a flambéed station, made-to-order crepes or waffle cones. Champagne, juice, coffee and tea are poured freely.
Brunch seating times are at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and reservations do fill quickly so be sure to plan early by calling 804-649-4677 for reservations. -
On July 5Gary Burke answered the question:
Does The Jefferson Hotel have a pool?
The Jefferson’s indoor swimming pool allows guests to bathe beneath the sun or star-lit skylights. Lined by palm plants and wicker furniture, it is a relaxing refuge for the weary traveler. The outdoor sundeck allows sun seekers a place to bask in privacy. Locker rooms and towel service are also available. Guests may also order beverages and light snacks through room service for delivery to the pool area.
The pool is discreetly located on the first level of guest rooms so that guests are not required to appear in the main lobbies of the hotel or other public spaces on their journey to and from the pool.
The indoor pool was a welcome addition to The Jefferson Hotel in 2001 and has been designed with the historical significance of the building in mind. -
On May 24Gary Burke answered the question:
What are five things to know about The Jefferson Hotel?
The Jefferson Hotel is the place to stay, dine or hold an event in Richmond. As the region’s only Five-Star hotel and a National Historic landmark, The Jefferson is an attraction that also provides luxurious accommodations, award-winning dining, outstanding guest service and a uniquely Richmond experience.
The staff at The Jefferson is unlike any other. Genuine, friendly service is provided at every level in a professional, yet warm manner. You’ll see for yourself what we mean from the moment you arrive.
Dining at The Jefferson is also uniquely Richmond. Lemaire is the perfect spot for cocktails and small plates or a dinner as formal or as casual as you desire. The Southern inspired farm-to-table menu will keep you coming back for the seasonal Virginia favorites. TJ’s is perfect for a local craft beer or single-malt scotch while watching the game and for a delightful lunch featuring local ingredients from a Southern bistro style menu. Champagne Sunday brunch, served in the beautiful Rotunda lobby, is a must-do for any weekend visitor.
All of Richmond’s most popular attractions, shopping, museums, entertainment venues and businesses are easily accessible from The Jefferson. Use the hotel’s complimentary transportation to reach any of the downtown destinations. The Jefferson is located just off Interstate 95, just 9 miles from Richmond International Airport.
The Jefferson is a great travel value with all the services and amenities expected at the Five-Star hotel at rates well below those in the larger cities and resort areas. A variety of packages can be found on the hotel’s website for added value. -
On May 24Gary Burke answered the question:
What is the best time of the year to visit The Jefferson Hotel?
The Jefferson Hotel is truly a year round destination. Spring and fall bring out the best in Richmond with pleasant temperatures and the city in full bloom (spring) or in full color (fall) and the options for entertainment and sightseeing at their best. However, the summer and the winter seasons offer moderate temperatures and the value packages are enticing. The summer provides great opportunities for festivals, shopping, sightseeing and activities on the James River. The winter provides exciting holiday displays, romance and a chance to warm things up with museum exhibits, exceptional dining and warmer temperatures than points north of Richmond. -
On May 24Gary Burke answered the question:
Does The Jefferson Hotel charge any fees?
The Jefferson Hotel does not charge any daily fees and many of the hotels convenient services and luxury amenities are offered on a complimentary basis.
Guests enjoy a full range of complimentary services in their guest room or suite, including high-speed wireless Internet access, local telephone calls, evening turndown service with a second cleaning of the guestroom, morning newspaper delivery and bottled water.
Access to the hotel’s full-service 3,400 square-foot fitness facility and indoor swimming pool with outdoor sundeck are also complimentary, as well as, complimentary privileges at the adjacent downtown YMCA for those who prefer to take a class or play basketball or racquet ball.
The most popular complimentary service is The Jefferson’s downtown transportation, which is offered daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and is provided by knowledgeable drivers in luxury vehicles.
Complimentary morning coffee service and afternoon sparkling cider and cookies are served daily in the Palm Court lobby. Computer work stations are available near the business center with 24-hour access and at no charge. -
On May 24Gary Burke answered the question:
What is the average price of a room at The Jefferson Hotel?
The average price of a room at The Jefferson Hotel is $250. The hotel regularly offers exciting seasonal packages, including value added amenities such as complimentary breakfast, valet parking, attraction or theater tickets, gift cards and other inclusions.
Guests may also enjoy one of the hotel’s year-round packages, including the popular romance, Champagne Sunday brunch, Lemaire dinner and Civil War packages. These packages range in price from $265-$350.
The Jefferson also offers 37 suites, from the practical and comfortable Studio Suite to the wildly extravagant 1,400 square-foot Presidential Suite, which range in price from $435 to $2,100 per night (an incredible value as a Five-Star hotel). -
On May 24Gary Burke answered the question:
What is the nearest golf course to The Jefferson Hotel?
The nearest golf course to The Jefferson Hotel is The Traditional Golf Club at The Crossings. This course is conveniently located just off Interstate 95 and is approximately 15 minutes from The Jefferson. The 18-hole course was designed by Joe Lee and is rated as one of the top 10 courses in Virginia.
The Richmond Region has over 20 golf courses, so the additional opportunities to test your game are endless. The following are the area’s 18-hole courses that are open to the public:
Belmont Golf Club: Home of the 1949 PGA Championship won by Sam Snead.
Providence Golf Course: Designed by George Lester.
River’s Bend Golf Club: Located along the banks of the James River.
Independence Golf Club: A Tom Fazio designed course owned and operated by the Virginia State Golf Association Foundation.
Sycamore Creek: Named a "Best Places to Play 2008-2009" by Golf Digest.
Hunting Hawk: On the Chicahominy River.
The region also boosts several nationally recognized private courses, including Kinloch Country Club, Country Club of Virginia and The Dominion Club.
Within an hour’s drive of Richmond, golfers may also take advantage of the great courses located in Williamsburg, Charlottesville and the northern neck of Virginia.
The concierge at The Jefferson is able to assist with tee times, driving directions or transportation to any of these fabulous courses.
Hotel Manager
The Jefferson Hotel
Richmond, VA, USA
Gary Burke is the hotel manager at The Jefferson Hotel. He arrived at the Richmond, Va., hotel in 1999 and has been empowering and inspiring staff to exceed guest expectations ever since. Before his time at The Jefferson Hotel, he worked at the Four Seasons Hotels in Boston and Toronto as well as Caneel Bay resort in the Virgin Islands.
