Where is The Inn at Little Washington located?
Located just 70 miles west of the nation’s capital, The Inn at Little Washington is tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of busy city life. The small town — and we mean small — of Washington, Virginia just may be the tiniest county seat you’ve ever heard of. Touted “the first Washington of them all,” this rural Virginia town is home to less than 200 people and the gorgeously historic Inn at Little Washington.
In fact, young George Washington himself surveyed the site of this town in July of 1749 and the town limits are the same as they were 250 years ago. As you drive into the quaint town of Washington, off Route 211, you can’t miss The Inn at Little Washington considering it lies at the intersection of Main and Middle streets.
Nicknamed “Little Washington” to avoid confusion with the larger metropolis just east of the town, this county seat will not only charm you with its adorable plantation style homes, but also with its scenery. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you won’t be short of photo ops during your stay at this Five-Star hotel.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Sure, The Inn at Little Washington only has one eatery; but it is a darn good one, and the eponymous Five-Star restaurant is the cornerstone of the hotel. Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor of the property, embarked on a foodie’s journey of a lifetime when he opened The Inn at Little Washington in 1978. The hotel would follow just two years after the debut of the restaurant.
As a native of Washington, D.C., O’Connell ventured 70 miles west to bring his love of food to the teensy weensy town of Washington, Virginia. The self-taught chef can basically be described as the pioneer of refined American cuisine. Before being gourmet was cool, O’Connell was producing some of the richest food to hit our tongues. Thirty years later, the “Pope of American Cuisine,” as Robert Mondavi referred to him, is still in the kitchen and living the dream. Granted, being the genius behind what we think is the most beautiful kitchen we’ve ever seen, could be a lot worse.
You’ll certainly find that O’Connell achieves his goal of his food restoring and healing people, as he has refined many of the classic dishes from his childhood. With six- and 10-course tasting menus, you’ll definitely get your fill of rich food at The Inn at Little Washington. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be craving it until you return — trust us, we crave the entire menu all the time.
Whether you are partial to black truffles or prefer to indulge in American osetra caviar, you will be pleased with the selection on the menu. A longtime favorite of ours is the lobster and grapefruit; the pan-roasted Maine lobster is accompanied by sections of juicy grapefruit and topped with a citrus butter sauce, making it absolutely heavenly. But, let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
The best part about staying at The Inn at Little Washington and having the restaurant at your fingertips is that you are guaranteed reservations. While outside guests have to make reservations nearly six months in advance, you automatically snag a much-coveted table the moment you book your room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If we could sum up the entire design style of The Inn at Little Washington in just one word, it would be: theatrical. But this country inn is way more than that. Housed in an old garage — obviously elegantly restored — The Inn at Little Washington embodies everything that you would expect from a Five-Star hotel. Tucked away in a town that hasn’t changed very much from its heyday in the 1700s, this 18-room property is as fancy as it gets, but still maintains the comfort and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to spend even the most lax night lounging beneath its roof.
The plantation-style home is dressed to the nines with luscious fabrics and irreplaceable artwork. The designer — Joyce Evans — has worked with Patrick O’Connell, the proprietor and chef of the property, since 1981. Based out of London, Evans does all of the interior design sight unseen, with nothing but the floor plan in hand. She’s visited the property just five times, usually coming after a couple of major projects are done. Joyce Evans is an embroiderist by training, but worked for a famous architect in London where she learned to combine her two strengths and master the trade of interior design. As a past set designer and an expert theater designer, it’s no wonder that Evans decided to apply her strengths to this Five-Star hotel.
The Inn at Little Washington has Old English flair, but not in a tightly wound and stuffy way. Just get a glimpse of the cheese cart in the Five-Star Inn at Little Washington restaurant. (Hint: It’s a cow.) With the elegance of the Old English style mixed with Victorian overtones, each and every room at the historic inn is unique.
The moment you walk into your room, you’ll notice the heavy drapery. No one does that kind of drapery anymore; but at The Inn at Little Washington, it totally works. In one of the bi-level suites, the couch actually boasts a canopy of floral drapes above it, yet it feels anything but stuffy. The overall design style of this Five-Star hotel emits a fancy, but inviting aura. We aren’t saying you’ll want to decorate your own home like this, but you’ll certainly appreciate the theatrical design style of this Five-Star hotel.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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There’s no doubt in our mind that you will get one of the best sleeps of your life at The Inn at Little Washington. The relaxingly quiet town combined with the cloud-like mattress creates a canvas for you to sleep like a baby. Though it depends on the room, many of the exquisitely unique rooms at this Five-Star hotel feature pillow-top mattresses with a cherry on top — not really, but the down featherbed acts as the finishing touch.
What we love about The Inn at Little Washington is that everything is unique, right down to the bed linens. Of course, the hotel would have nothing less than luxuriously soft linens to top each and every bed. With Anichini linens and pillowcases, the bed will be calling your name. Though all of the beds are topped with these luxurious linens, it’s the bedspread that is unique as far as the color scheme goes.
After a night on one of these Serta mattresses, you’ll wake up feeling like a whole new person. The variety of pillows that adorn the bed are as comfortable as they get, allowing your head to sink in as you drift off to the land of nod. Bottom line: It’ll be tough to get out of bed in the morning because it’s so comfortable. That is until you smell the decadent, yet healthy oatmeal soufflé being served in the living room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Considering it would take us forever to write everything we love about The Inn at Little Washington, we’ve decided to narrow it down. Here are the five things we love the most about The Inn at Little Washington:
1. A romantic fantasy world. As you make your way toward Washington, Virginia on Lee Highway — don’t let the word highway fool you, you’ll likely be the only one on the road — you can’t help but fall in love with the rural region. The moment you lay your eyes on the picturesque plantation-style building that houses The Inn at Little Washington at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be transported to a romantic fantasy world to share with that special someone.
2. Historical yet up-to-date. Sure the town of Washington was founded in 1769 and The Inn is housed in an old garage; but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any of the fabulous amenities and gadgets that we expect from a Five-Star hotel. In fact, The Inn at Little Washington even supplies you with an iPad if you feel so inclined to return to the modern world. Not to mention, The Inn offers complimentary Wi-Fi.
3. Location, location, location. You may be thinking the best location would be in the heart of a large city with easy access to everything you’d ever need. In this case, it’s the exact opposite that makes The Inn at Little Washington so great. Though you do have access to just about everything you may want thanks to the fabulous staff, The Inn is 70 miles from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. The remote location will hit you about 30 miles away from The Inn when you lose your cell signal. It’s hard not to relax the moment you pull up to The Inn, especially without your cell phone buzzing.
4. The restaurant. Attached to The Inn at Little Washington is the Five-Star restaurant of the same name. Proprietor and chef Patrick O’Connell has been called the “Pope of American Cuisine” by Robert Mondavi — and trust us, he isn’t exaggerating. As a guest of the hotel, you are guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay; and when you have to snag a spot six months in advance at this venue, that’s quite a perk.
5. Intimate size. With just 18 rooms on the entire property, The Inn at Little Washington can’t help but be personable. As you’re greeted by name every time you turn a corner, you’ll quickly feel right at home — well that is, if you lived in an elegantly restored hotel in a town founded in the 1700s. Whether you are grabbing some of chef O’Connell’s legendary granola or enjoying the flamenco music during afternoon tea, the staff will make you feel more than welcome, almost as if it’s your very own home.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If you’re a fan of the great mini-bar invention, then you better book one of the several suites that has one. As a nice little perk of upgrading to a suite, you can enjoy refreshments at any hour, without having to call room service. Being mini-bar lovers ourselves, we’ve figured out which suites flaunt this genius invention. You’ll have to book one of the two bi-level suites, which are the biggest rooms in the main house, Room 16 or the Claiborne House (also known as the Presidential Cottage). You’ll find those adorable glass bottles of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Sprite, as well as bottled water — both flat and sparkling. If you decide that you want something else to go with your soft drink, just call down to the concierge or in-room dining and they’ll take care of you.
The Claiborne House doesn’t just offer a mini-bar; you’ll have an entire kitchen. That being said, you can take advantage of this perk and arrange for one of the chefs from The Inn at Little Washington restaurant to come prepare a Five-Star meal for you. The standard rooms, unfortunately, do not have mini-bars, but you can always call room service, which is available 24-hours a day. So if it’s a necessity, make sure to let the staff know when you are booking your room. We think the upgrade is totally worth it.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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As a guest of The Inn at Little Washington, you can feast on a complimentary continental breakfast each morning; however one of the most signature items is available on the à la carte menu. While the server will bring you a flight of fresh juices, an assortment of breads and jam, and even a newspaper, you’ll definitely want to try at least one of these signature breakfast dishes.
Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor of the Five-Star hotel and restaurant, prides himself on his homemade granola. His mom used to say that if The Inn at Little Washington ever failed — which it won’t — Patrick could go door-to-door selling his granola. It’s that good. With full cashews, coconut and sesame seeds adorning the fresh oats, it’s hard to pass the legendary granola up. Of course, it’s part of the complimentary continental breakfast, so there is no need to pass it up. Served with homemade Greek yogurt, berries and honey, Patrick’s granola is filling yet healthy.
Though you will have to order it from the à la carte, the oatmeal soufflé is absolutely worth the few extra bucks. We never thought it possible for a dish to be both decadent and healthy at the same time. The rich texture of the soufflé tricks your taste buds into thinking that you are indulging in a dish beyond gluttonous, but the oatmeal lets your stomach know that you’re eating something plenty healthy. It’s the best of both worlds.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Sure, The Inn at Little Washington only has one eatery; but it is a darn good one, and the eponymous Five-Star restaurant is the cornerstone of the hotel. Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor of the property, embarked on a foodie’s journey of a lifetime when he opened The Inn at Little Washington in 1978. The hotel would follow just two years after the debut of the restaurant.
As a native of Washington, D.C., O’Connell ventured 70 miles west to bring his love of food to the teensy weensy town of Washington, Virginia. The self-taught chef can basically be described as the pioneer of refined American cuisine. Before being gourmet was cool, O’Connell was producing some of the richest food to hit our tongues. Thirty years later, the “Pope of American Cuisine,” as Robert Mondavi referred to him, is still in the kitchen and living the dream. Granted, being the genius behind what we think is the most beautiful kitchen we’ve ever seen, could be a lot worse.
You’ll certainly find that O’Connell achieves his goal of his food restoring and healing people, as he has refined many of the classic dishes from his childhood. With six- and 10-course tasting menus, you’ll definitely get your fill of rich food at The Inn at Little Washington. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be craving it until you return — trust us, we crave the entire menu all the time.
Whether you are partial to black truffles or prefer to indulge in American osetra caviar, you will be pleased with the selection on the menu. A longtime favorite of ours is the lobster and grapefruit; the pan-roasted Maine lobster is accompanied by sections of juicy grapefruit and topped with a citrus butter sauce, making it absolutely heavenly. But, let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
The best part about staying at The Inn at Little Washington and having the restaurant at your fingertips is that you are guaranteed reservations. While outside guests have to make reservations nearly six months in advance, you automatically snag a much-coveted table the moment you book your room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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With all of the rich and decadent food served at The Inn at Little Washington, we completely understand if you want to work it off with a jog. Though there isn’t a gym at this Five-Star hotel — it only has 18 guestrooms after all — you can take advantage of the gorgeous Virginia countryside that surrounds the property. If you want to see the tiny town of Washington, Virginia on foot, we suggest that you go ahead and run along the street. There are less than 200 residents of the town, so the roads are far from busy and you’ll have to try to get lost.
While many people take this jogging route as an opportunity to explore the historic town — which apparently hasn’t changed much since the 1700s—you also have an even more unique option. Just 12 miles down the road is the breathtaking Shenandoah National Park. Of course we don’t expect you to run there, as The Inn at Little Washington will gladly arrange a car to take you there. With more than 500 miles of trails, you are certain to find a nice jogging path.
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Keeping with the theme of the rest of The Inn at Little Washington, the bathrooms in the suites are fit for a king — seriously, these bathrooms look as if they could belong in Versailles. Complete with a double vanity, you’ll have plenty of room to get ready for an elegant and scrumptious dinner at the Five-Star restaurant attached to the hotel. The best part is, there’s a good amount of counter space to spread out all of the fabulous bath amenities supplied by the hotel. Whether you need body lotion, a makeup remover towelette or even a loofah, The Inn at Little Washington has you covered.
The water closet is separated by a frosted glass door that gives you the privacy you need, and there’s a window to gaze out onto the secluded, picturesque property.
Of course, you won’t find just a regular shower. Why would you at this stellar hotel? You’ll discover that there are two showerheads, both with superb water pressure. The brightly tiled, spacious shower will certainly bring your relaxation to a whole new level. We wanted to spend hours in there, but we had dinner reservations. If you love hot, hot, hot showers, you will be in hog heaven. But beware, the water gets extremely hot, so don’t turn the dial all the way without testing the temperature first.
To finish off these palatial bathrooms is the best part of the entire space: the deep soaking tub. The standalone tub is the epitome of the design style that The Inn at Little Washington embodies — a mixture of the Old and New Worlds. While the bathrooms are constantly updated, they retain the elegance of the antiquity present throughout the property. This is exactly what the deep soaking bath depicts. With the golden fixtures and view of the outside world, there is nothing more relaxing than a nice soak in one of these tubs.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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If we could sum up the entire design style of The Inn at Little Washington in just one word, it would be: theatrical. But this country inn is way more than that. Housed in an old garage — obviously elegantly restored — The Inn at Little Washington embodies everything that you would expect from a Five-Star hotel. Tucked away in a town that hasn’t changed very much from its heyday in the 1700s, this 18-room property is as fancy as it gets, but still maintains the comfort and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to spend even the most lax night lounging beneath its roof.
The plantation-style home is dressed to the nines with luscious fabrics and irreplaceable artwork. The designer — Joyce Evans — has worked with Patrick O’Connell, the proprietor and chef of the property, since 1981. Based out of London, Evans does all of the interior design sight unseen, with nothing but the floor plan in hand. She’s visited the property just five times, usually coming after a couple of major projects are done. Joyce Evans is an embroiderist by training, but worked for a famous architect in London where she learned to combine her two strengths and master the trade of interior design. As a past set designer and an expert theater designer, it’s no wonder that Evans decided to apply her strengths to this Five-Star hotel.
The Inn at Little Washington has Old English flair, but not in a tightly wound and stuffy way. Just get a glimpse of the cheese cart in the Five-Star Inn at Little Washington restaurant. (Hint: It’s a cow.) With the elegance of the Old English style mixed with Victorian overtones, each and every room at the historic inn is unique.
The moment you walk into your room, you’ll notice the heavy drapery. No one does that kind of drapery anymore; but at The Inn at Little Washington, it totally works. In one of the bi-level suites, the couch actually boasts a canopy of floral drapes above it, yet it feels anything but stuffy. The overall design style of this Five-Star hotel emits a fancy, but inviting aura. We aren’t saying you’ll want to decorate your own home like this, but you’ll certainly appreciate the theatrical design style of this Five-Star hotel.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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One thing you won't be hard pressed to find at The Inn at Little Washington is good food. With the eponymous Five-Star restaurant located downstairs, you'll have fabulous fare at your fingertips. Though we wanted to add just about everything on the menu, we've come up with a list of the five best things to eat and drink at The Inn at Little Washington:
1. Homemade granola. Chef Patrick O'Connell's mother always said that if the restaurant failed, Patrick could sell his granola door-to-door. It's that good. With full cashews scattered throughout the treat, you'll be begging for more. The best part is you can take it home with you — just ask for some to go and the wait staff will be happy to send you on your way with the healthy treat.
2.Truffled popcorn. Starting off the Gastronaut's Menu is the divine truffled popcorn. Dusted with black truffles, the popcorn is utterly addicting — in a good way. The simple snack even comes in an old school, red striped mini popcorn container. It's the perfect amount to get your taste buds flowing before you launch into the stellar 10-course tasting menu.
3. Tuna pretending to be filet mignon. It may sound odd, but it's absolutely amazing. With a pepper crust, the gorgeous cut of tuna is seared and sits upon ribbons of vegetables such as charred onions. The delectable fish is capped with a nice slab of seared duck foie gras, and although it sounds dangerously rich — and it is — it is so worth it.
4. Tin of Sin. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like: sinfully amazing. Plated in a caviar tin (hence, the name), this dish features three layers of decadence. On the bottom, the peekytoe crab salad is as fresh as it comes. Topped with a cucumber rillette, the dish offers a sort of sweet flavor to complement the top layer of American osetra caviar. The Tin of Sin is served with mini slices of brioche.
5. Oatmeal soufflè. We didn't know it was possible for something to be both decadent and healthy at the same time, until now. The rich texture of the soufflè will make you feel as if you are indulging in the most divine breakfast dish around. The good news is, you are and you aren't. The oatmeal is still a healthy option for breakfast, giving you the best of both worlds.
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You won’t have to worry about being disconnected from the Internet during your stay at The Inn at Little Washington. Sure, the Five-Star hotel provides Wi-Fi throughout the property, but the best part is that it’s completely free. Chances are you aren’t coming to this rural inn to work the whole time, but the staff understands that in this day in age, we can’t be left without the Internet for more than a couple of hours. (Pathetic, we know.)
Of course with the complimentary Wi-Fi, there is a catch: You have to sacrifice your cell service, unless you have Sprint. Considering the hotel is situated at the foot of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, big time cell towers would kind of wreck the atmosphere. So without your phone, the complimentary Internet becomes that much more enticing, even though most people come to this adorable town to get away from all of that.
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Considering each and every room is unique at The Inn at Little Washington, it comes as no surprise that the suites are spectacularly distinct. Room one, which is one of the junior suites, is one of the most popular rooms, situated at the end of the hallway with an unrivaled view of the garden. We honestly think this may be one of the best rooms because it’s a little bigger than the superior room and it boasts a fabulous balcony that allows you to enjoy your morning cup o’ joe while you overlook the garden.
If you’re looking for a bit more space, we suggest you upgrade to one of the bi-level suites. With a lofted bedroom, a bathroom like you’ve never seen before and a fabulous sitting area, the bi-level suites are definitely worth a pretty penny. One of the bi-level suites that we love has heavy drapes (the kind that make you think: these still exist?), with a fantastic canopy over the couch. It sounds gaudy and over-the-top, but it totally works.
While these are the only types of suites in the main house, there are even better ones on other parts of the property. The Mayor’s House — which was actually home to the mayor at one point — is one of the oldest structures in town; some parts of it date back to 1740. But don’t let its age fool you into thinking it’s rundown. With a formal sitting area complete with a gas fireplace, the Mayor’s House is one of the most distinguishable suites. The bedroom flaunts a king bed and a fieldstone wood burning fireplace — talk about cozy. There is even a small, walled garden that makes for the perfect afternoon tea setting or even a small, intimate wedding.
Next door to the Mayor’s House is the crimson red Gamekeeper’s Cottage, which used to be a plain old addition to its neighbor. With an outdoor patio that overlooks the “field of dreams” — The Inn at Little Washington restaurant’s garden, you can watch deer snag apples from the nearby trees or simply relax and take in the fresh mountain air. The Gamekeeper’s Cottage boasts a loft bedroom, two bathrooms and a stone fireplace; this suite is as luxurious as rustic gets.
Last, but arguably the best, is the Presidential Cottage, also known as the Claiborne House. In the past years, the owner of The Inn — Patrick O’Connell — would have to pack up his belongings and move homes if a VIP came to town, but he finally turned the Claiborne House into an official part of The Inn. Now, the Presidential Cottage flaunts an incomparable two-storey veranda, two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a library in case you need to do some work. At 3,200 square feet, the Claiborne House has hosted some of The Inn’s most important VIPs.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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There’s no doubt in our mind that you will get one of the best sleeps of your life at The Inn at Little Washington. The relaxingly quiet town combined with the cloud-like mattress creates a canvas for you to sleep like a baby. Though it depends on the room, many of the exquisitely unique rooms at this Five-Star hotel feature pillow-top mattresses with a cherry on top — not really, but the down featherbed acts as the finishing touch.
What we love about The Inn at Little Washington is that everything is unique, right down to the bed linens. Of course, the hotel would have nothing less than luxuriously soft linens to top each and every bed. With Anichini linens and pillowcases, the bed will be calling your name. Though all of the beds are topped with these luxurious linens, it’s the bedspread that is unique as far as the color scheme goes.
After a night on one of these Serta mattresses, you’ll wake up feeling like a whole new person. The variety of pillows that adorn the bed are as comfortable as they get, allowing your head to sink in as you drift off to the land of nod. Bottom line: It’ll be tough to get out of bed in the morning because it’s so comfortable. That is until you smell the decadent, yet healthy oatmeal soufflé being served in the living room.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Whether you want to confirm your dinner reservations at the connected Five-Star restaurant or plan a hike through Shenandoah National Park, the concierge at The Inn at Little Washington can certainly grant your wish. Of course, your dinner reservations are automatically guaranteed as an overnight guest, but you may want to talk to the concierge about what time you would like to eat.
As far as activities go, your concierge at The Inn at Little Washington is more than happy to help you set up anything you may want to do. Just 10 minutes away is Shenandoah National Park, which offers plenty of hiking trails and breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The concierge can set up a guided hike if you feel so inclined — cheesy play on words, we know.
If you happen to have forgotten your laptop, the concierge can hook you up. Though The Inn at Little Washington has since done away with the laptops and upgraded to iPads. In case you aren’t an Apple user or need something more than an iPad, there is also a 24-hour business center available in the Norman House.
Though there isn’t a separate concierge desk, the staff members at the front desk will be your go-to people. That being said, each and every staff member at The Inn is there to make your stay absolutely unforgettable. If you have any problems or questions throughout your stay, all you have to do is speak with the concierge and consider it solved.
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Though you may not find all of these languages within the concierge, The Inn at Little Washington’s staff members speak a total of 13 languages. Whether you need someone to translate the menu into Thai or you want to brush up on your Kenyan, all you have to do is say so. You’ll also find staff members that speak French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. Of course these are just the mainstream languages that you are more likely to know.
In addition to the five major languages, there’s a staff member at The Inn at Little Washington who can welcome you in your native tongue of Romanian, Hungarian and Bulgarian. If you are making the longer trek from Kenya, you have no need to worry about the language barrier during your stay, as there is someone on the staff who is fluent in Kasigau. If you get the urge to brush up on your Thai or Scottish while you are in Washington, Virginia, feel free to ask the concierge who speaks those languages in the house so you can practice all you want.
When you sit down for breakfast, your menu of homemade seasonal jams and jellies is complete with “good morning” in the 13 languages spoken at The Inn at Little Washington.
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Although The Inn at Little Washington does not have a house car, the concierge can certainly set you up with a limo or town car through a service. You’ll find that you won’t want to leave the property and actually won’t need to, considering you have a Five-Star hotel and Five-Star restaurant in one. However if you happen to be coming to The Inn at Little Washington by train, you may find it very handy to have the concierge set up a car service to scoop you up from the station and transport you the 30 beautiful miles to Washington, Virginia.
The property does offer activities such as hiking in the nearby Shenandoah National Park, and is happy to provide you with transportation to and from the park. So while it’s a nice perk to have a house car leisurely waiting to take you wherever you may wish, it just isn’t necessary.
The small town of “Little Washington,” as it is called to avoid confusion with its big sister down the Potomac, has just about everything it has to offer at the intersection where The Inn lies. The residents say that the town hasn’t changed much since George Washington surveyed it back in 1749, so everything is in walking distance. But if you find yourself in a situation where you may need a car or limo to transport you, The Inn at Little Washington is more than willing to grant your wish.
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Every time you turn a corner at The Inn at Little Washington, you’ll discover a new amenity to fall in love with. At least, that’s what happened to us at this charming country inn. While it was hard for us to do, we managed to whittle the huge list of our favorite amenities down to just five of the best.
1. Dinner reservations. Considering the hotel is attached to a Five-Star restaurant boasting the same exact name, it’s only practical that you would want to eat there. You’re in luck, because as a guest of the hotel, you’re guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay. This is quite the perk, seeing as how diners that aren’t staying at The Inn have to make their reservations nearly six months in advance — and you get them automatically when you stay at the hotel.
2. Kitchen tour. As the chef, proprietor and the brains behind this fabulous property, Patrick O’Connell invites you into his kitchen to see the master at work. Even if you aren’t a foodie, this kitchen is one for the books. Outfitted with endless amounts of shining copper, this “most beautiful kitchen in the world” is definitely worth a tour. If you are really into the kitchen experience, we suggest booking the chef’s table for dinner, which is located in an alcove at the back of the kitchen with an amazing view of the culinary process.
3. Complimentary Wi-Fi. If you feel that you must connect to the outside world — since your cell phone probably doesn’t have service here — you are more than welcome to do so without spending a dime. The complimentary Wi-Fi allows you to connect anywhere on the property, so you aren’t stuck in your room surfing the Web. Even though the rooms are gorgeously decked out, the garden is a nice place to get some fresh air while you send out a few e-mails.
4. Continental breakfast. Complete with chef O’Connell’s legendary granola, this complimentary continental breakfast is not to be missed. Though you can also order à la carte items for an additional charge, we think the free offerings are perfect for a hearty morning meal. You will also get a refreshing juice flight, all freshly squeezed.
5.Bedtime story. On the first night of your stay, your bed will be topped with a charming bedtime story (custom written for the inn) with a side of cookies. If you happen to be staying multiple nights, your bed will bed turned down each night and ready for you to curl up, complete with unique bedtime treats. We suggest you keep the story and bring it home with you, and additional copies are also available at The Inn Shops.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Considering it would take us forever to write everything we love about The Inn at Little Washington, we’ve decided to narrow it down. Here are the five things we love the most about The Inn at Little Washington:
1. A romantic fantasy world. As you make your way toward Washington, Virginia on Lee Highway — don’t let the word highway fool you, you’ll likely be the only one on the road — you can’t help but fall in love with the rural region. The moment you lay your eyes on the picturesque plantation-style building that houses The Inn at Little Washington at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be transported to a romantic fantasy world to share with that special someone.
2. Historical yet up-to-date. Sure the town of Washington was founded in 1769 and The Inn is housed in an old garage; but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any of the fabulous amenities and gadgets that we expect from a Five-Star hotel. In fact, The Inn at Little Washington even supplies you with an iPad if you feel so inclined to return to the modern world. Not to mention, The Inn offers complimentary Wi-Fi.
3. Location, location, location. You may be thinking the best location would be in the heart of a large city with easy access to everything you’d ever need. In this case, it’s the exact opposite that makes The Inn at Little Washington so great. Though you do have access to just about everything you may want thanks to the fabulous staff, The Inn is 70 miles from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. The remote location will hit you about 30 miles away from The Inn when you lose your cell signal. It’s hard not to relax the moment you pull up to The Inn, especially without your cell phone buzzing.
4. The restaurant. Attached to The Inn at Little Washington is the Five-Star restaurant of the same name. Proprietor and chef Patrick O’Connell has been called the “Pope of American Cuisine” by Robert Mondavi — and trust us, he isn’t exaggerating. As a guest of the hotel, you are guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay; and when you have to snag a spot six months in advance at this venue, that’s quite a perk.
5. Intimate size. With just 18 rooms on the entire property, The Inn at Little Washington can’t help but be personable. As you’re greeted by name every time you turn a corner, you’ll quickly feel right at home — well that is, if you lived in an elegantly restored hotel in a town founded in the 1700s. Whether you are grabbing some of chef O’Connell’s legendary granola or enjoying the flamenco music during afternoon tea, the staff will make you feel more than welcome, almost as if it’s your very own home.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Sure, you may not find any airports in the immediate vicinity, but with two major airports in Washington, D.C., The Inn at Little Washington is still easily accessible. Whether you fly into Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport, this remote hotel is less than 70 miles to the west. Of course, it’s a bit too far for a cab, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t arrive in style and rent a limo. Reagan National Airport is located just outside of downtown D.C. and Dulles International is just 26 miles outside the nation’s capital toward The Inn.
It’s a quick hop from both airports to get onto Interstate 66 West to embark on your journey to the first Washington of them all, Washington, Virginia. As you make your way across Virginia, take exit 43A to US-29 South toward Warrenton for 12 miles. Take a slight right onto US-15 Business South and continue on to US-211 West. This is where the real beauty begins; as you drive on Route 211, you’ll notice the breathtakingly scenic Blue Ridge Mountains topped with colorful trees. It’s also on this highway that you will most likely lose cell service, unless you have Sprint (as that is the only tower out here).
After 20 or so miles on Route 211, make a right onto Warren Avenue, also known as US-211 Business East. In less than half a mile, you’ll arrive at The Inn at Little Washington, located at the intersection of Middle and Main streets.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Getting to The Inn at Little Washington is relatively easy since the Culpeper Amtrak station is less than 30 minutes from the hotel. During those 30 minutes to The Inn, it’s harder to get any more picturesque than this part of Virginia. You can take most of the trains that run down the east coast to the Culpeper station.
If you’re thinking about taking a train from one of the Washington, D.C. airports, think again. While it may seem like a grand idea at the time, you have to leave the airport to go to Union Station in the middle of downtown D.C. if you want to catch a train that goes directly to Culpeper. We suggest you stick with renting a car or a limo if you’re flying into the nation’s capital; it’s faster. In fact, a train ride from Union Station to Culpeper takes about an hour and a half; then you have another 30-minute car ride to The Inn at Little Washington.
Bottom line is that there simply aren’t a lot of trains that stop at the Culpeper Amtrak station. So while a train ride is beautifully old school, the best way to go is by car if you’re arriving at one of the two airports. But if you decide to take the tracks, be assured that there is a train station close enough to The Inn at Little Washington that the hotel will arrange a car to pick you up. In reality, if you’re coming from, say, Boston or New York, you will most likely get off at Union Station in downtown D.C. It’s a larger station with many more trains in and out during the day to make things a lot easier for your trip to the hotel.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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We can’t imagine a reason in the world that you would want to cancel a trip to the Five-Star Inn at Little Washington, but we understand that sometimes things come up. With a seven-day cancellation policy, The Inn at Little Washington understands plans change; just not within a week of your arrival. If you must cancel last minute, you should know that the hotel will charge you for one night’s stay. This same policy applies to the change of dates for your trip. If you happen to want to switch your three-night getaway to a two-nighter, you better decide at least a week in advance or you’ll be paying for that third night whether you’re there or not.
While we highly suggest you put everything else on the backburner and make the trek to The Inn at Little Washington your priority, we know that sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to. It’s important to remember that this adorable plantation-style hotel flaunts just 18 rooms. So if you fail to cancel more than a week in advance, someone else misses out on the opportunity to stay in this magical inn.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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As soon as you pull up to the plantation-style Inn at Little Washington, you’ll know that this property is different from every other Five-Star hotel in a number of ways. Situated in a town surveyed by none other than George Washington himself in 1749, The Inn at Little Washington is an experience that is both historic and romantic as you simultaneously create memories in this quaint town.
The rural town of Washington, Virginia is actually the first Washington of them all. With just 200 residents, you’ll be quick to notice that Washington is very remote — especially when your cell signal drops within 30 miles of the town — so be ready to step back in time. That being said, once you check in and make your way to your elegant room, all of the up-to-date amenities expected at a Five-Star hotel are at your service.
While there is rich history to be had during a trip to The Inn at Little Washington, you’ll find yourself intrigued by more than just that. The backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains makes for quite the memorable cup of coffee in the morning. Since 1978, the hotel has been bringing visitors to this charming little town just off the scenic highway. With a Five-Star restaurant attached, this country getaway is perfect for the ultimate romantic experience.
No matter what direction you’re coming from, the drive to The Inn at Little Washington is otherworldly. Whether you are making the trek during the spring or fall, the leaves on the mountains of trees are absolutely stunning. The moment you hop onto Route 211, you’ll know that your trip to The Inn at Little Washington is going to be unlike any experience you’ve had at other Five-Star hotels.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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Sure, the average price of a room at The Inn at Little Washington is higher than other Five-Star hotels, but trust us, it’s totally worth it. You won’t find the price tag of one of the standard rooms to be any less than $425 per night. However, the good news is these rooms are anything but standard. While a bit on the small side, the elegant décor creates a guestroom that will certainly rank as one of the top accommodations on your list. The larger of the standard rooms tend to come with a heftier price tag of $625 per night.
If you’re looking to enhance your experience in this rural town, we suggest you book one of the suites. Whether you are interested in a junior suite, bi-level suite, or the all-out two-bedroom Claiborne House, you’ll have to be ready to pay the price. The junior suites start at $705 per night, while the Claiborne House is set at $2,450 a night.
There are a couple of catches for these price tags: From April 15 through May and the entire month of October, an extra $100 is tacked on to every room. If you’re staying on a Friday, you will be charged an additional $145. Saturdays are a bit more expensive with an extra $245. Sundays will only cost you an additional $75.
Don’t worry about the catch, because it also comes with very special guarantees. Of course you can count on having a fabulous and memorable stay, but you will also be guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your visit. Every morning, there is a complimentary continental breakfast complete with chef Patrick O’Connell’s famous homemade granola. And each afternoon you can enjoy the complimentary Afternoon Tea service.
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Forbes Inspector answered a question:
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When you check out of The Inn at Little Washington, you won’t find any hidden fees on your bill. The nice thing about this is that you can pretty much calculate the amount you’re going to be paying before you make the trek. That being said, you should probably know about the change in room rate for the weekends and certain times of year.
If you are planning on staying at The Inn at Little Washington on a cozy Friday night, be aware that it’ll cost you $145 more than the price advertised on the website. The same goes for Saturday and Sunday, but you will be paying an additional $245 and $75 respectively. As for April 15 through May and the full month of October, there is an additional $100 charge for each and every room. Regardless of the time of year and type of room you choose for your getaway at The Inn at Little Washington, it’s completely worth it — this is Five-Star quality at its best.
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Sure, the average price of a room at The Inn at Little Washington is higher than other Five-Star hotels, but trust us, it’s totally worth it. You won’t find the price tag of one of the standard rooms to be any less than $425 per night. However, the good news is these rooms are anything but standard. While a bit on the small side, the elegant décor creates a guestroom that will certainly rank as one of the top accommodations on your list. The larger of the standard rooms tend to come with a heftier price tag of $625 per night.
If you’re looking to enhance your experience in this rural town, we suggest you book one of the suites. Whether you are interested in a junior suite, bi-level suite, or the all-out two-bedroom Claiborne House, you’ll have to be ready to pay the price. The junior suites start at $705 per night, while the Claiborne House is set at $2,450 a night.
There are a couple of catches for these price tags: From April 15 through May and the entire month of October, an extra $100 is tacked on to every room. If you’re staying on a Friday, you will be charged an additional $145. Saturdays are a bit more expensive with an extra $245. Sundays will only cost you an additional $75.
Don’t worry about the catch, because it also comes with very special guarantees. Of course you can count on having a fabulous and memorable stay, but you will also be guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your visit. Every morning, there is a complimentary continental breakfast complete with chef Patrick O’Connell’s famous homemade granola. And each afternoon you can enjoy the complimentary Afternoon Tea service. -
When you check out of The Inn at Little Washington, you won’t find any hidden fees on your bill. The nice thing about this is that you can pretty much calculate the amount you’re going to be paying before you make the trek. That being said, you should probably know about the change in room rate for the weekends and certain times of year.
If you are planning on staying at The Inn at Little Washington on a cozy Friday night, be aware that it’ll cost you $145 more than the price advertised on the website. The same goes for Saturday and Sunday, but you will be paying an additional $245 and $75 respectively. As for April 15 through May and the full month of October, there is an additional $100 charge for each and every room. Regardless of the time of year and type of room you choose for your getaway at The Inn at Little Washington, it’s completely worth it — this is Five-Star quality at its best. -
We can’t imagine a reason in the world that you would want to cancel a trip to the Five-Star Inn at Little Washington, but we understand that sometimes things come up. With a seven-day cancellation policy, The Inn at Little Washington understands plans change; just not within a week of your arrival. If you must cancel last minute, you should know that the hotel will charge you for one night’s stay. This same policy applies to the change of dates for your trip. If you happen to want to switch your three-night getaway to a two-nighter, you better decide at least a week in advance or you’ll be paying for that third night whether you’re there or not.
While we highly suggest you put everything else on the backburner and make the trek to The Inn at Little Washington your priority, we know that sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to. It’s important to remember that this adorable plantation-style hotel flaunts just 18 rooms. So if you fail to cancel more than a week in advance, someone else misses out on the opportunity to stay in this magical inn. -
Sure, you may not find any airports in the immediate vicinity, but with two major airports in Washington, D.C., The Inn at Little Washington is still easily accessible. Whether you fly into Dulles International Airport or Reagan National Airport, this remote hotel is less than 70 miles to the west. Of course, it’s a bit too far for a cab, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t arrive in style and rent a limo. Reagan National Airport is located just outside of downtown D.C. and Dulles International is just 26 miles outside the nation’s capital toward The Inn.
It’s a quick hop from both airports to get onto Interstate 66 West to embark on your journey to the first Washington of them all, Washington, Virginia. As you make your way across Virginia, take exit 43A to US-29 South toward Warrenton for 12 miles. Take a slight right onto US-15 Business South and continue on to US-211 West. This is where the real beauty begins; as you drive on Route 211, you’ll notice the breathtakingly scenic Blue Ridge Mountains topped with colorful trees. It’s also on this highway that you will most likely lose cell service, unless you have Sprint (as that is the only tower out here).
After 20 or so miles on Route 211, make a right onto Warren Avenue, also known as US-211 Business East. In less than half a mile, you’ll arrive at The Inn at Little Washington, located at the intersection of Middle and Main streets. -
Getting to The Inn at Little Washington is relatively easy since the Culpeper Amtrak station is less than 30 minutes from the hotel. During those 30 minutes to The Inn, it’s harder to get any more picturesque than this part of Virginia. You can take most of the trains that run down the east coast to the Culpeper station.
If you’re thinking about taking a train from one of the Washington, D.C. airports, think again. While it may seem like a grand idea at the time, you have to leave the airport to go to Union Station in the middle of downtown D.C. if you want to catch a train that goes directly to Culpeper. We suggest you stick with renting a car or a limo if you’re flying into the nation’s capital; it’s faster. In fact, a train ride from Union Station to Culpeper takes about an hour and a half; then you have another 30-minute car ride to The Inn at Little Washington.
Bottom line is that there simply aren’t a lot of trains that stop at the Culpeper Amtrak station. So while a train ride is beautifully old school, the best way to go is by car if you’re arriving at one of the two airports. But if you decide to take the tracks, be assured that there is a train station close enough to The Inn at Little Washington that the hotel will arrange a car to pick you up. In reality, if you’re coming from, say, Boston or New York, you will most likely get off at Union Station in downtown D.C. It’s a larger station with many more trains in and out during the day to make things a lot easier for your trip to the hotel. -
Considering it would take us forever to write everything we love about The Inn at Little Washington, we’ve decided to narrow it down. Here are the five things we love the most about The Inn at Little Washington:
1. A romantic fantasy world. As you make your way toward Washington, Virginia on Lee Highway — don’t let the word highway fool you, you’ll likely be the only one on the road — you can’t help but fall in love with the rural region. The moment you lay your eyes on the picturesque plantation-style building that houses The Inn at Little Washington at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be transported to a romantic fantasy world to share with that special someone.
2. Historical yet up-to-date. Sure the town of Washington was founded in 1769 and The Inn is housed in an old garage; but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any of the fabulous amenities and gadgets that we expect from a Five-Star hotel. In fact, The Inn at Little Washington even supplies you with an iPad if you feel so inclined to return to the modern world. Not to mention, The Inn offers complimentary Wi-Fi.
3. Location, location, location. You may be thinking the best location would be in the heart of a large city with easy access to everything you’d ever need. In this case, it’s the exact opposite that makes The Inn at Little Washington so great. Though you do have access to just about everything you may want thanks to the fabulous staff, The Inn is 70 miles from the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. The remote location will hit you about 30 miles away from The Inn when you lose your cell signal. It’s hard not to relax the moment you pull up to The Inn, especially without your cell phone buzzing.
4. The restaurant. Attached to The Inn at Little Washington is the Five-Star restaurant of the same name. Proprietor and chef Patrick O’Connell has been called the “Pope of American Cuisine” by Robert Mondavi — and trust us, he isn’t exaggerating. As a guest of the hotel, you are guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay; and when you have to snag a spot six months in advance at this venue, that’s quite a perk.
5. Intimate size. With just 18 rooms on the entire property, The Inn at Little Washington can’t help but be personable. As you’re greeted by name every time you turn a corner, you’ll quickly feel right at home — well that is, if you lived in an elegantly restored hotel in a town founded in the 1700s. Whether you are grabbing some of chef O’Connell’s legendary granola or enjoying the flamenco music during afternoon tea, the staff will make you feel more than welcome, almost as if it’s your very own home. -
Sure, you may like surprises when you travel, but we like to know a few things about our destination before we go. Whether it helps you pack your suitcase a little better or just gets you plain old pumped up for the trip, we’ve come up with a list of five things we think you should know before your visit to The Inn at Little Washington:
1. There’s limited cell signal. One of the aspects that makes The Inn at Little Washington so unique is its remote location — and we mean remote. As you make your way to this little town on Lee Highway, you’ll notice that you start to lose cell service while you’re still 30 miles out. So unless you have Sprint, you will not be getting much service in Washington, Virginia. Though if you happen to be in a bi-level suite, you may find that your phone works in certain spots in the room such as the top floor by the window.
2. It’s more for grown-ups. While kids are not unwelcome at this romantic destination, the amenities right down to the dinner menu are geared toward adults. Of course, if you think your youngster has a refined palate and just happens to be very mature, he’s more than welcome to tag along. The hotel provides cribs and babysitters, but we suggest you leave the little ones at home and take advantage of this secluded getaway.
3. It’s non-smoking. If you are an avid smoker, this just may be the place where you finally kick the habit. All of the guestrooms are non-smoking; although if you are in urgent need of a cigarette, you can take a walk around town and get your fix. That being said, we highly recommend that you don’t smoke in the rooms because the guests after you may likely be non-smokers. Not to mention, it’d be a shame to soil the beautiful draperies and furniture with smoke.
4. Try the restaurant. Attached to this Five-Star inn is an equally amazing Five-Star restaurant; and yes, they share the same name. As a guest of the hotel, you are guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay. You may not realize how convenient this is, but most people have to book nearly six months in advance to snag a spot at this gourmet restaurant. Chef Patrick O’Connell integrates his Southern upbringing into classic American dishes using the freshest ingredients, most of which come from his “field of dreams” garden across the street.
Whether you want to confirm your dinner reservations at the connected Five-Star restaurant or plan a hike through Shenandoah National Park, the concierge at The Inn at Little Washington can certainly grant your wish. Of course, your dinner reservations are automatically guaranteed as an overnight guest, but you may want to talk to the concierge about what time you would like to eat.
As far as activities go, your concierge at The Inn at Little Washington is more than happy to help you set up anything you may want to do. Just 10 minutes away is Shenandoah National Park, which offers plenty of hiking trails and breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The concierge can set up a guided hike if you feel so inclined — cheesy play on words, we know.
If you happen to have forgotten your laptop, the concierge can hook you up. Though The Inn at Little Washington has since done away with the laptops and upgraded to iPads. In case you aren’t an Apple user or need something more than an iPad, there is also a 24-hour business center available in the Norman House.
Though there isn’t a separate concierge desk, the staff members at the front desk will be your go-to people. That being said, each and every staff member at The Inn is there to make your stay absolutely unforgettable. If you have any problems or questions throughout your stay, all you have to do is speak with the concierge and consider it solved.
Though you may not find all of these languages within the concierge, The Inn at Little Washington’s staff members speak a total of 13 languages. Whether you need someone to translate the menu into Thai or you want to brush up on your Kenyan, all you have to do is say so. You’ll also find staff members that speak French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. Of course these are just the mainstream languages that you are more likely to know.
In addition to the five major languages, there’s a staff member at The Inn at Little Washington who can welcome you in your native tongue of Romanian, Hungarian and Bulgarian. If you are making the longer trek from Kenya, you have no need to worry about the language barrier during your stay, as there is someone on the staff who is fluent in Kasigau. If you get the urge to brush up on your Thai or Scottish while you are in Washington, Virginia, feel free to ask the concierge who speaks those languages in the house so you can practice all you want.
When you sit down for breakfast, your menu of homemade seasonal jams and jellies is complete with “good morning” in the 13 languages spoken at The Inn at Little Washington.
There’s just no other place like Inn at Little Washington — people return here year after year to experience its unique charm, and that has a lot to do with its singular style. Here are five words that best describe the essence of the inn’s look:
1. Elegant. Once inside the intimate lobby of the main building, the elegance of the hotel surrounds you with ornate wallpaper, antiques, loads of fresh flowers and furniture that was shipped in from the United Kingdom. It all makes for a genteel, Victorian-English feel.
2. Welcoming. The exterior of the main plantation-style home is white and flanked with colorful flags — you’ll be greeted by name and the whole arrival ambience feels like you’re visiting a friend’s grand country estate.
3. Theatrical. Joyce Evans, the inn’s interior designer, learned her trade as a set designer in London, and the Five-Star hotel’s signature stylistic flair shows off her background in theater — think multiple layers of fabrics, amethyst-studded ceilings, patterns over patterns and unique tapestries.
4. Charming. The town of Washington, Va., hasn’t changed all that much since the 1700s, and the Five-Star inn’s use of the historic buildings scattered around the campus is about as quaint as it gets.
5. Romantic. With its countryside setting, cozy interiors and fanciful décor with romantic Victorian undertones, Inn at Little Washington is simply enchanting.
A trip to Inn at Little Washington could range from a quick weekend getaway to an extended stay (the Presidential Cottage is sometimes booked for weeks at a time). You needn’t bring a lot of luggage to this low-key location, but there are a few essentials we recommend:
1. A good book. The tranquil setting will inspire some serious time curled up with a great page-turner — read in the comfort of your bed’s Anichini linens or outside in the tranquil garden.
2. A tablet. If you’re interested in staying in touch with the rest of the world, bring your tablet because there’s no cell service here at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bonus: If you finish the book you brought, you can just download another.
3. A great dinner outfit. While the inn has a relaxed feel to it, dining at the Five-Star restaurant is an event and you will want to dress accordingly. There is no strict dress code for dinner, but we recommend a dress or pantsuit for ladies and a jacket for men.
4. A pair of hiking boots or walking shoes. Inn at Little Washington is less than 10 minutes from Shenandoah National Park, which has more than 500 trails to explore. The hotel can arrange a private guide, so you can be sure to take the most scenic (or less steep) routes.
5. A camera. There are some fabulous vistas to enjoy here — from the kaleidoscopic foliage in the fall to the blooming flowers in the spring. And if you’re any kind of foodie, you may want to take some shots of the fanciful plated dishes at dinner.
Sure, Inn at Little Washington is the centerpiece of a town that hasn’t changed much since a young George Washington surveyed it in the mid-1700s — but that doesn’t mean the rooms reflect that era. Guestrooms feel updated, fresh and pristine, as if they are cared for on a very regular basis. In January 2011, Inn at Little Washington closed for five days, tore out various bathrooms and took elegance to a whole new level by installing new marble ones. While this was the most recent renovation, the inn is constantly upgrading the rooms one small tweak at a time.
Inn at Little Washington is a sophisticated rural getaway and it serves as a sweet respite all year long. If you want to enjoy the Five-Star inn and the surrounding country while the weather is warm and there are loads of things to do and see, schedule a visit during the summer months (but be prepared for the steamy, humid days this region is known for). During spring, summer and fall, the inn practically overflows with fresh produce, herbs and spices — all used by the Five-Star restaurant, which depends heavily on local bounty. Autumn here is simply breathtaking, with gorgeous trees in bright colors and cool, crisp air (aim for late October for peak season). Spring is also lovely, with fresh greens and newly blooming flowers. And while winter is sleepier, the inn indulges in over-the-top holiday decorations and festivities, while the historical small town hosts an annual holiday parade.
At the foot of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Inn at Little Washington is surrounded by plenty of things to do. Whether you’re an antiques collector or an avid hiker, you’re likely to find a pursuit that fits your interests. We’ve rounded up our picks for the five best things to do near the Five-Star inn:
1. Go for a hike. Just 12 miles away, Shenandoah National Park offers more than 500 miles of hiking trails and just as many spectacular views of the surrounding Virginia countryside. Bonus: The inn can pack you a picnic lunch to enjoy while you explore.
2. Go for a drive. Venture along Skyline Drive, named for its stunning views of the area and known as the most scenic stretch in Virginia. The drive, which was originally built during the Great Depression, winds through Shenandoah National Park.
3. Go visit Washington, D.C. Set off for D.C., about 70 miles away, for a quick day trip. You can spend a few hours touring the nation’s capitol or shopping in Georgetown and still get back in time for dinner.
4. Go spelunking. Luray Caverns has been luring travelers for more than 130 years. Tours are available daily throughout the various caverns of this geological phenomenon.
5. Go wine tasting. Although not known for it, Virginia has an excellent wine region. Guide yourself through the various vineyards in the area with the help of a map provided by the inn.
While Inn at Little Washington is the type of place that takes you away from it all, sometimes golfers just don’t want to go a week without swinging a club. Though the inn is deep in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, it isn’t far from a stellar golf course — Stonewall Golf Club at Lake Manassas is less than an hour away. The 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Tom Jackson, is one of the finest public golf clubs in the nation. Here you can get a lesson, hit the driving range or head out to the fairways for a full 18. And if you didn’t bring your clubs, you can still rent a set from Stonewall.-
As soon as you pull up to the plantation-style Inn at Little Washington, you’ll know that this property is different from every other Five-Star hotel in a number of ways. Situated in a town surveyed by none other than George Washington himself in 1749, The Inn at Little Washington is an experience that is both historic and romantic as you simultaneously create memories in this quaint town.
The rural town of Washington, Virginia is actually the first Washington of them all. With just 200 residents, you’ll be quick to notice that Washington is very remote — especially when your cell signal drops within 30 miles of the town — so be ready to step back in time. That being said, once you check in and make your way to your elegant room, all of the up-to-date amenities expected at a Five-Star hotel are at your service.
While there is rich history to be had during a trip to The Inn at Little Washington, you’ll find yourself intrigued by more than just that. The backdrop of the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains makes for quite the memorable cup of coffee in the morning. Since 1978, the hotel has been bringing visitors to this charming little town just off the scenic highway. With a Five-Star restaurant attached, this country getaway is perfect for the ultimate romantic experience.
No matter what direction you’re coming from, the drive to The Inn at Little Washington is otherworldly. Whether you are making the trek during the spring or fall, the leaves on the mountains of trees are absolutely stunning. The moment you hop onto Route 211, you’ll know that your trip to The Inn at Little Washington is going to be unlike any experience you’ve had at other Five-Star hotels. -
Every time you turn a corner at The Inn at Little Washington, you’ll discover a new amenity to fall in love with. At least, that’s what happened to us at this charming country inn. While it was hard for us to do, we managed to whittle the huge list of our favorite amenities down to just five of the best.
1. Dinner reservations. Considering the hotel is attached to a Five-Star restaurant boasting the same exact name, it’s only practical that you would want to eat there. You’re in luck, because as a guest of the hotel, you’re guaranteed dinner reservations each night of your stay. This is quite the perk, seeing as how diners that aren’t staying at The Inn have to make their reservations nearly six months in advance — and you get them automatically when you stay at the hotel.
2. Kitchen tour. As the chef, proprietor and the brains behind this fabulous property, Patrick O’Connell invites you into his kitchen to see the master at work. Even if you aren’t a foodie, this kitchen is one for the books. Outfitted with endless amounts of shining copper, this “most beautiful kitchen in the world” is definitely worth a tour. If you are really into the kitchen experience, we suggest booking the chef’s table for dinner, which is located in an alcove at the back of the kitchen with an amazing view of the culinary process.
3. Complimentary Wi-Fi. If you feel that you must connect to the outside world — since your cell phone probably doesn’t have service here — you are more than welcome to do so without spending a dime. The complimentary Wi-Fi allows you to connect anywhere on the property, so you aren’t stuck in your room surfing the Web. Even though the rooms are gorgeously decked out, the garden is a nice place to get some fresh air while you send out a few e-mails.
4. Continental breakfast. Complete with chef O’Connell’s legendary granola, this complimentary continental breakfast is not to be missed. Though you can also order à la carte items for an additional charge, we think the free offerings are perfect for a hearty morning meal. You will also get a refreshing juice flight, all freshly squeezed.
5.Bedtime story. On the first night of your stay, your bed will be topped with a charming bedtime story (custom written for the inn) with a side of cookies. If you happen to be staying multiple nights, your bed will bed turned down each night and ready for you to curl up, complete with unique bedtime treats. We suggest you keep the story and bring it home with you, and additional copies are also available at The Inn Shops. -
Although The Inn at Little Washington does not have a house car, the concierge can certainly set you up with a limo or town car through a service. You’ll find that you won’t want to leave the property and actually won’t need to, considering you have a Five-Star hotel and Five-Star restaurant in one. However if you happen to be coming to The Inn at Little Washington by train, you may find it very handy to have the concierge set up a car service to scoop you up from the station and transport you the 30 beautiful miles to Washington, Virginia.
The property does offer activities such as hiking in the nearby Shenandoah National Park, and is happy to provide you with transportation to and from the park. So while it’s a nice perk to have a house car leisurely waiting to take you wherever you may wish, it just isn’t necessary.
The small town of “Little Washington,” as it is called to avoid confusion with its big sister down the Potomac, has just about everything it has to offer at the intersection where The Inn lies. The residents say that the town hasn’t changed much since George Washington surveyed it back in 1749, so everything is in walking distance. But if you find yourself in a situation where you may need a car or limo to transport you, The Inn at Little Washington is more than willing to grant your wish. -
If we could sum up the entire design style of The Inn at Little Washington in just one word, it would be: theatrical. But this country inn is way more than that. Housed in an old garage — obviously elegantly restored — The Inn at Little Washington embodies everything that you would expect from a Five-Star hotel. Tucked away in a town that hasn’t changed very much from its heyday in the 1700s, this 18-room property is as fancy as it gets, but still maintains the comfort and welcoming atmosphere that invites you to spend even the most lax night lounging beneath its roof.
The plantation-style home is dressed to the nines with luscious fabrics and irreplaceable artwork. The designer — Joyce Evans — has worked with Patrick O’Connell, the proprietor and chef of the property, since 1981. Based out of London, Evans does all of the interior design sight unseen, with nothing but the floor plan in hand. She’s visited the property just five times, usually coming after a couple of major projects are done. Joyce Evans is an embroiderist by training, but worked for a famous architect in London where she learned to combine her two strengths and master the trade of interior design. As a past set designer and an expert theater designer, it’s no wonder that Evans decided to apply her strengths to this Five-Star hotel.
The Inn at Little Washington has Old English flair, but not in a tightly wound and stuffy way. Just get a glimpse of the cheese cart in the Five-Star Inn at Little Washington restaurant. (Hint: It’s a cow.) With the elegance of the Old English style mixed with Victorian overtones, each and every room at the historic inn is unique.
The moment you walk into your room, you’ll notice the heavy drapery. No one does that kind of drapery anymore; but at The Inn at Little Washington, it totally works. In one of the bi-level suites, the couch actually boasts a canopy of floral drapes above it, yet it feels anything but stuffy. The overall design style of this Five-Star hotel emits a fancy, but inviting aura. We aren’t saying you’ll want to decorate your own home like this, but you’ll certainly appreciate the theatrical design style of this Five-Star hotel. -
You won’t have to worry about being disconnected from the Internet during your stay at The Inn at Little Washington. Sure, the Five-Star hotel provides Wi-Fi throughout the property, but the best part is that it’s completely free. Chances are you aren’t coming to this rural inn to work the whole time, but the staff understands that in this day in age, we can’t be left without the Internet for more than a couple of hours. (Pathetic, we know.)
Of course with the complimentary Wi-Fi, there is a catch: You have to sacrifice your cell service, unless you have Sprint. Considering the hotel is situated at the foot of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, big time cell towers would kind of wreck the atmosphere. So without your phone, the complimentary Internet becomes that much more enticing, even though most people come to this adorable town to get away from all of that. -
A stay at the bucolic Inn at Little Washington is meant to be a relaxing experience. Sure, there are things to do here, but the Five-Star staff exerts no pressure to explore. Leisure recreation is encouraged — reading, strolling through the small town and visiting the orchard and sheep’s meadow. Every day around 5 p.m. a staff member leads a guided tour throughout the inn’s campus, regaling you with historic tales of the town and pointing out herbs from the garden that chef/owner Patrick O’Connell will use for dinner that night. Just outside of the little town of Washington, you can explore Shenandoah National Park (with a private guide arranged by the inn), saddle up for a horseback ride at Marriott Ranch or follow the inn’s self-guided tour of the nearby wineries.
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While the formal affairs once put on by the historic town of Washington, Va., may be a thing of the past, the holiday traditions are not — especially at Inn at Little Washington. When you pull into the small yet charming town, you’ll notice the inn immediately with its façade decked out in Christmas décor (think loads of fresh pine and red ribbon bows) and glowing lights. Usually there is a cooking demonstration around the holidays — in 2010 the Five-Star inn hosted Roland Mesnier, a former White House pastry chef. And though every year is different when it comes to special holiday events, you can expect a well-planned, charming activity such as the recent Easter bonnet contest.
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While Inn at Little Washington isn’t exactly the place business travelers flock to on a regular basis, you will find amenities geared toward the working guest. The Five-Star hotel recently did away with its loaner laptops and made the leap to iPads. But if you do need to use a computer while you’re here, you’ll find one in the business center inside the Norman House. Open 24 hours a day, the business center has a printer and fax machine for complimentary use. But perhaps the best amenity for business travelers is the complimentary Wi-Fi offered throughout the hotel (even on terraces and in the garden). The inn also boasts a newly refurbished ballroom, which can serve as a private conference room with audiovisual equipment, a 64-inch flat-screen TV and a DVD system, making the hotel a great option for a small business retreat.
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Often guests choose not to bring their kids to Inn at Little Washington (many use it as a romantic getaway), but the Five-Star hotel will be able to accommodate your request for childcare. Although the inn doesn’t use a national babysitting company, the concierge does have a Rolodex of reputable caretakers to watch your kids. If you want to enjoy the connected Five-Star restaurant, the inn can offer up both members of its staff and someone from the tight-knit local community to babysit. With just 18 rooms, it’s likely there will not be many families at Inn at Little Washington while you are there, so securing a babysitter for an evening or an afternoon should be a cinch.
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Inn at Little Washington’s rich history, picture-perfect scenery and extraordinary culinary capabilities make it a premiere spot for a wedding. There are several special locations where couples can tie the knot.
The ballroom is a lovely room for a small dinner (it seats 36) or larger cocktail reception of up to 80 guests. (Rumor has it George Washington graced the dance floor in this historic 1700s structure.) The space has recently been expanded and touts hand-painted wallpaper, a trellised ceiling and French doors that open out to the hotel’s meadow. The Southern plantation-style exterior and the rolling hills out back will make for a picturesque ceremony setting. (You can also opt to have a tented reception in the meadow, which can accommodate more guests.)
The Claiborne House is another place for an intimate wedding. The two-bedroom cottage has a gorgeous two-story veranda overlooking a private garden in the backyard. The house is ideal for a seated dinner for up to 10 guests or cocktail reception for up to 35.
And for the ultimate private ceremony and reception, book one of the garden suites. Small, cozy and idyllic, the gardens offer privacy and enough room for a handful of guests. -
Culinary creativity reigns supreme at weddings hosted by Inn at Little Washington. While every wedding has different menus, the starting price point per person is $375 and includes a tailor-made menu from the inn’s Five-Star restaurant. Couples will discuss likes, dislikes and preferences with the event staff and create a custom menu that fits the style of the celebration. Although not all of the menu items from the restaurant are available for larger group dinners, you can still expect to dine in a similar fashion with multiple courses executed impeccably and served with panache. The inn also has an in-house minister (who has married more than 110 couples), and an exceptional go-to florist who can create pretty much anything you have in mind. And if you have foodies as wedding guests, you can surprise them with a private tour of the kitchen to meet the chef.
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Inn at Little Washington does not permit guests to check in with pets, but that doesn’t mean the Five-Star hotel doesn’t love animals. Beyond the garden and through the meadow you’ll find the unofficial mascots of the inn: a dozen or so sheep and Francesca, the llama who watches over them. There’s also a hen house on the property, where you can take a peek at the birds producing eggs for your breakfast. And because the inn offers speedy Wi-Fi throughout and loans out iPads, you can schedule some FaceTime (similar to Skype, but made for Macs) with your pet back home.
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Considering each and every room is unique at The Inn at Little Washington, it comes as no surprise that the suites are spectacularly distinct. Room one, which is one of the junior suites, is one of the most popular rooms, situated at the end of the hallway with an unrivaled view of the garden. We honestly think this may be one of the best rooms because it’s a little bigger than the superior room and it boasts a fabulous balcony that allows you to enjoy your morning cup o’ joe while you overlook the garden.
If you’re looking for a bit more space, we suggest you upgrade to one of the bi-level suites. With a lofted bedroom, a bathroom like you’ve never seen before and a fabulous sitting area, the bi-level suites are definitely worth a pretty penny. One of the bi-level suites that we love has heavy drapes (the kind that make you think: these still exist?), with a fantastic canopy over the couch. It sounds gaudy and over-the-top, but it totally works.
While these are the only types of suites in the main house, there are even better ones on other parts of the property. The Mayor’s House — which was actually home to the mayor at one point — is one of the oldest structures in town; some parts of it date back to 1740. But don’t let its age fool you into thinking it’s rundown. With a formal sitting area complete with a gas fireplace, the Mayor’s House is one of the most distinguishable suites. The bedroom flaunts a king bed and a fieldstone wood burning fireplace — talk about cozy. There is even a small, walled garden that makes for the perfect afternoon tea setting or even a small, intimate wedding.
Next door to the Mayor’s House is the crimson red Gamekeeper’s Cottage, which used to be a plain old addition to its neighbor. With an outdoor patio that overlooks the “field of dreams” — The Inn at Little Washington restaurant’s garden, you can watch deer snag apples from the nearby trees or simply relax and take in the fresh mountain air. The Gamekeeper’s Cottage boasts a loft bedroom, two bathrooms and a stone fireplace; this suite is as luxurious as rustic gets.
Last, but arguably the best, is the Presidential Cottage, also known as the Claiborne House. In the past years, the owner of The Inn — Patrick O’Connell — would have to pack up his belongings and move homes if a VIP came to town, but he finally turned the Claiborne House into an official part of The Inn. Now, the Presidential Cottage flaunts an incomparable two-storey veranda, two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a library in case you need to do some work. At 3,200 square feet, the Claiborne House has hosted some of The Inn’s most important VIPs. -
There’s no doubt in our mind that you will get one of the best sleeps of your life at The Inn at Little Washington. The relaxingly quiet town combined with the cloud-like mattress creates a canvas for you to sleep like a baby. Though it depends on the room, many of the exquisitely unique rooms at this Five-Star hotel feature pillow-top mattresses with a cherry on top — not really, but the down featherbed acts as the finishing touch.
What we love about The Inn at Little Washington is that everything is unique, right down to the bed linens. Of course, the hotel would have nothing less than luxuriously soft linens to top each and every bed. With Anichini linens and pillowcases, the bed will be calling your name. Though all of the beds are topped with these luxurious linens, it’s the bedspread that is unique as far as the color scheme goes.
After a night on one of these Serta mattresses, you’ll wake up feeling like a whole new person. The variety of pillows that adorn the bed are as comfortable as they get, allowing your head to sink in as you drift off to the land of nod. Bottom line: It’ll be tough to get out of bed in the morning because it’s so comfortable. That is until you smell the decadent, yet healthy oatmeal soufflé being served in the living room. -
If you’re a fan of the great mini-bar invention, then you better book one of the several suites that has one. As a nice little perk of upgrading to a suite, you can enjoy refreshments at any hour, without having to call room service. Being mini-bar lovers ourselves, we’ve figured out which suites flaunt this genius invention. You’ll have to book one of the two bi-level suites, which are the biggest rooms in the main house, Room 16 or the Claiborne House (also known as the Presidential Cottage). You’ll find those adorable glass bottles of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Sprite, as well as bottled water — both flat and sparkling. If you decide that you want something else to go with your soft drink, just call down to the concierge or in-room dining and they’ll take care of you.
The Claiborne House doesn’t just offer a mini-bar; you’ll have an entire kitchen. That being said, you can take advantage of this perk and arrange for one of the chefs from The Inn at Little Washington restaurant to come prepare a Five-Star meal for you. The standard rooms, unfortunately, do not have mini-bars, but you can always call room service, which is available 24-hours a day. So if it’s a necessity, make sure to let the staff know when you are booking your room. We think the upgrade is totally worth it. -
Keeping with the theme of the rest of The Inn at Little Washington, the bathrooms in the suites are fit for a king — seriously, these bathrooms look as if they could belong in Versailles. Complete with a double vanity, you’ll have plenty of room to get ready for an elegant and scrumptious dinner at the Five-Star restaurant attached to the hotel. The best part is, there’s a good amount of counter space to spread out all of the fabulous bath amenities supplied by the hotel. Whether you need body lotion, a makeup remover towelette or even a loofah, The Inn at Little Washington has you covered.
The water closet is separated by a frosted glass door that gives you the privacy you need, and there’s a window to gaze out onto the secluded, picturesque property.
Of course, you won’t find just a regular shower. Why would you at this stellar hotel? You’ll discover that there are two showerheads, both with superb water pressure. The brightly tiled, spacious shower will certainly bring your relaxation to a whole new level. We wanted to spend hours in there, but we had dinner reservations. If you love hot, hot, hot showers, you will be in hog heaven. But beware, the water gets extremely hot, so don’t turn the dial all the way without testing the temperature first.
To finish off these palatial bathrooms is the best part of the entire space: the deep soaking tub. The standalone tub is the epitome of the design style that The Inn at Little Washington embodies — a mixture of the Old and New Worlds. While the bathrooms are constantly updated, they retain the elegance of the antiquity present throughout the property. This is exactly what the deep soaking bath depicts. With the golden fixtures and view of the outside world, there is nothing more relaxing than a nice soak in one of these tubs. -
Turndown service at the Five-Star hotel is as unique as Inn at Little Washington itself. You can expect standard treatment such as a replenished ice supply, restocked bathroom amenities and dimmed lights. The thick, ornate drapes will be drawn and a fire will be started in rooms with a fireplace. But the most charming turndown amenity is a mini paper bedtime storybook left on the pillow. We won’t ruin the surprise of the story, but we will say this: It’s titled The Secret Ingredient. On subsequent nights at the inn, you’ll be greeted with new, different treats (playing cards, cookies) on your turned-down bed.
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Just because Inn at Little Washington is the centerpiece of a town that hasn’t changed much since it was founded in 1769 doesn’t mean the guestrooms lack modern technology. You can count on an individual thermostat, a sound system and even an iHome docking system to charge up your iPod. If you’re feeling like a night in of TV and room service, you can flip on the flat-screen and pop in a DVD. You can also borrow a laptop to connect to the Five-Star inn’s impressively speedy Wi-Fi access, both in your room and throughout the entire hotel.
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Inn at Little Washington has 18 rooms and each one of them is different from the other. Rooms range from standard queen to a separate two-story cottage and are spread out over several buildings (eight of the guestrooms are located within the main house). The intermediate rooms have either a queen or king bed and a full bath stocked with Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities. One of our favorites is Room 3, thanks to its beautiful window seat and ornate ivy-covered wallpaper. The superior rooms have a great add-on: a private balcony. Our favorite, Room 7, has a balcony that looks out onto a koi garden. There are junior suites with fireplaces, bi-level suites, a couple of private cottages and a two-bedroom, two-story house with a veranda overlooking a private garden.
All rooms are designed in unique ways, but a quirky Victorian-meets-early-American vibe runs throughout the Five-Star inn. Expect lush layers of fabrics, traditional furniture (tufted sofas, wingback chairs), thick drapes and lively patterns. -
Because each of the 18 rooms at Inn at Little Washington is different from the other, the bathrooms differ as well. The lone standard room, which is the smallest of the bunch, offers a standalone shower, while the intermediate and superior rooms have a bath and shower combination. The suites, on the other hand, feature large, luxurious bathrooms with separate soaking tubs, separate water closets, showers and double vanities — it’s the type of space you could lounge around in for hours. Of course, each and every one of the bathrooms is stocked with the inn’s signature Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities, which are replenished daily.
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The Five-Star Inn at Little Washington partners with Gilchrist & Soames to provide luxurious bath amenities in each of its guestrooms. The British company focuses on ingredients that benefit your skin and hair without damaging the earth. Both the shampoo and conditioner leave hair feeling clean yet completely moisturized — quite a feat considering the humid summers in the Mid-Atlantic region. Along with the hair products you’ll find body lotion, bath foam and a bar of soap. Bathrooms are also stocked with loofahs, shower caps, mouthwash and other amenities, encouraging you to take your time primping for dinner in the inn’s Five-Star restaurant.
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With just 18 guest rooms, Inn at Little Washington has been able to concentrate on making each one special. We love the rooms for their extravagant personalities, and as tricky as it is to pick a favorite, a few in particular won our heart. Room 7, a superior room, has gorgeous green and gold draperies that rise 14 feet to the ceiling. It also has a balcony that sits above the center of the garden — an ideal spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Room 1, a junior suite, looks out onto the edge of the garden and offers a peaceful setting. The junior suites are a bit larger than the superior rooms, allowing for a sitting area comfortable and spacious enough for you to curl up with a good book.
But our favorite guestrooms are the two bi-level suites, which are stunning in both the layout and décor. At the top of the stairs in the main house, these suites are as luxe as it gets in Washington, Va. Sitting areas have beautiful canopies draped above the couches and elegant draperies flank the windows. The marble bathrooms have a deep soaking tub large enough for two and the bed, which is on the second level, looks out onto the sitting area below. If you really want to do it up, consider booking the Presidential Cottage, which is really a two-bedroom home with ample lounging space (library, living room, dining room) and a private back garden. -
The Five-Star Inn at Little Washington knows how to make you feel like you’re someplace special. Guestrooms feature fresh flowers and each and every room has a beautiful orchid plant. You’ll find bottled water, gourmet teas from Harney & Sons, a visitor’s guide to the scenic region and postcards and stationery for you to use. There are several magazines and books in each room, ranging from culinary to design (if you forget to pack a book, there are many to choose from). A bowl of fruit from local orchards (the apples are large and delicious) and unique chocolates make for a sweet welcoming treat.
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When a hotel backs up against the Blue Ridge Mountains as Inn at Little Washington does, almost every room is guaranteed a spectacular view. If your room doesn’t peek out at the mountain range, you’ll enjoy views of the gardens and the colonial-era town instead.
The Gamekeeper’s Cottage has a terrace that overlooks the Five-Star inn’s garden, which chef/owner Patrick O’Connell calls the “field of dreams.” You can enjoy your coffee or even a meal on the porch while taking in the Virginia countryside. Suite 12, however, has perhaps the best view with what is known as the widow’s walk (a rooftop balcony). From here you can look out onto the charming mid-1700s town or turn to see the breathtaking mountains and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. -
While not all the rooms at Inn at Little Washington feature balconies, you certainly have a few choices. Four rooms located in the main house have terraces, and the two bi-level suites offer fabulous balconies with picturesque views — whether you look out onto the colonial town of Washington, Va., or beyond to the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Room 7 in the main house overlooks the peaceful garden behind the inn, while Room 1 has a stellar balcony looking out over the far end of the garden.
The Gamekeeper’s Cottage has an outdoor dining pavilion that overlooks the inn’s garden and meadow, or as chef/owner Patrick O’Connell calls it, the “field of dreams.” Sitting out on the back patio of the crimson-hued cottage, you can watch deer snag apples from trees, Francesca the llama keep watch over the sheep or simply the mountain scenery.
Attached to the Gamekeeper’s Cottage is the Mayor’s House, and though you won’t have quite the same view as your neighbor, you will have something just as good — your own private garden.
For the most impressive terrace, you’ll have to book the presidential cottage — also known as the Claiborne House. Once O’Connell’s private home, this two-bedroom cottage boasts a gorgeous two-story veranda. -
Though you won’t find any connected rooms or suites at Inn at Little Washington, the roomy Presidential Cottage, also known as the Claiborne House, offers a spacious retreat for guests looking for a little more square footage. This charming, two-story home has two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. It also has ample space to spread out with a library, living room, family room, full kitchen and dining room (not to mention a large private outdoor garden). Another spacious option is the elegant-yet-rustic gamekeeper’s cottage, which features a loft bedroom, a sitting room with a stone fireplace and a second bath.
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One thing you won't be hard pressed to find at The Inn at Little Washington is good food. With the eponymous Five-Star restaurant located downstairs, you'll have fabulous fare at your fingertips. Though we wanted to add just about everything on the menu, we've come up with a list of the five best things to eat and drink at The Inn at Little Washington:
1. Homemade granola. Chef Patrick O'Connell's mother always said that if the restaurant failed, Patrick could sell his granola door-to-door. It's that good. With full cashews scattered throughout the treat, you'll be begging for more. The best part is you can take it home with you — just ask for some to go and the wait staff will be happy to send you on your way with the healthy treat.
2.Truffled popcorn. Starting off the Gastronaut's Menu is the divine truffled popcorn. Dusted with black truffles, the popcorn is utterly addicting — in a good way. The simple snack even comes in an old school, red striped mini popcorn container. It's the perfect amount to get your taste buds flowing before you launch into the stellar 10-course tasting menu.
3. Tuna pretending to be filet mignon. It may sound odd, but it's absolutely amazing. With a pepper crust, the gorgeous cut of tuna is seared and sits upon ribbons of vegetables such as charred onions. The delectable fish is capped with a nice slab of seared duck foie gras, and although it sounds dangerously rich — and it is — it is so worth it.
4. Tin of Sin. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like: sinfully amazing. Plated in a caviar tin (hence, the name), this dish features three layers of decadence. On the bottom, the peekytoe crab salad is as fresh as it comes. Topped with a cucumber rillette, the dish offers a sort of sweet flavor to complement the top layer of American osetra caviar. The Tin of Sin is served with mini slices of brioche.
5. Oatmeal soufflè. We didn't know it was possible for something to be both decadent and healthy at the same time, until now. The rich texture of the soufflè will make you feel as if you are indulging in the most divine breakfast dish around. The good news is, you are and you aren't. The oatmeal is still a healthy option for breakfast, giving you the best of both worlds. -
Sure, The Inn at Little Washington only has one eatery; but it is a darn good one, and the eponymous Five-Star restaurant is the cornerstone of the hotel. Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor of the property, embarked on a foodie’s journey of a lifetime when he opened The Inn at Little Washington in 1978. The hotel would follow just two years after the debut of the restaurant.
As a native of Washington, D.C., O’Connell ventured 70 miles west to bring his love of food to the teensy weensy town of Washington, Virginia. The self-taught chef can basically be described as the pioneer of refined American cuisine. Before being gourmet was cool, O’Connell was producing some of the richest food to hit our tongues. Thirty years later, the “Pope of American Cuisine,” as Robert Mondavi referred to him, is still in the kitchen and living the dream. Granted, being the genius behind what we think is the most beautiful kitchen we’ve ever seen, could be a lot worse.
You’ll certainly find that O’Connell achieves his goal of his food restoring and healing people, as he has refined many of the classic dishes from his childhood. With six- and 10-course tasting menus, you’ll definitely get your fill of rich food at The Inn at Little Washington. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be craving it until you return — trust us, we crave the entire menu all the time.
Whether you are partial to black truffles or prefer to indulge in American osetra caviar, you will be pleased with the selection on the menu. A longtime favorite of ours is the lobster and grapefruit; the pan-roasted Maine lobster is accompanied by sections of juicy grapefruit and topped with a citrus butter sauce, making it absolutely heavenly. But, let’s be honest, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
The best part about staying at The Inn at Little Washington and having the restaurant at your fingertips is that you are guaranteed reservations. While outside guests have to make reservations nearly six months in advance, you automatically snag a much-coveted table the moment you book your room. -
As a guest of The Inn at Little Washington, you can feast on a complimentary continental breakfast each morning; however one of the most signature items is available on the à la carte menu. While the server will bring you a flight of fresh juices, an assortment of breads and jam, and even a newspaper, you’ll definitely want to try at least one of these signature breakfast dishes.
Patrick O’Connell, the chef and proprietor of the Five-Star hotel and restaurant, prides himself on his homemade granola. His mom used to say that if The Inn at Little Washington ever failed — which it won’t — Patrick could go door-to-door selling his granola. It’s that good. With full cashews, coconut and sesame seeds adorning the fresh oats, it’s hard to pass the legendary granola up. Of course, it’s part of the complimentary continental breakfast, so there is no need to pass it up. Served with homemade Greek yogurt, berries and honey, Patrick’s granola is filling yet healthy.
Though you will have to order it from the à la carte, the oatmeal soufflé is absolutely worth the few extra bucks. We never thought it possible for a dish to be both decadent and healthy at the same time. The rich texture of the soufflé tricks your taste buds into thinking that you are indulging in a dish beyond gluttonous, but the oatmeal lets your stomach know that you’re eating something plenty healthy. It’s the best of both worlds. -
It’s not your run of the mill hotel bar, but the Monkey Lounge at Inn at Little Washington offers a cheeky twist on the standard hotel watering hole. The cozy space is painted with monkeys and has a quasi-jungle theme, though it’s not exactly the go-to hangout spot (you can snag one of the three tables should you so choose). Instead, you might want to head into the adjacent Living Room, a large area with ample cushy seating and theatrical décor — ideal for an afternoon cocktail or two. While you won’t get a standard “bar” vibe here, you will get bespoke cocktails and an excellent choice of wine from the well-stocked cellar.
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If there’s one thing Inn at Little Washington is careful to remember, it’s the town’s historic roots. In fact, the inn downright relishes them — which is apparent on the menu in the Monkey Lounge and Living Room. Signature cocktails here pay tribute to Washington’s long history, which was first surveyed in the mid-1700s by George Washington himself. The recipe for his namesake cocktail (brandy, freshly squeezed lemon juice, local honey, strawberries) has been handed down since the 1870s — a little after his time and way before ours. We like to think the Five-Star hotel makes it the way it was done when our founding fathers were around — with fresh and local ingredients.
The Bar La Florida Daiquiri No. 4 stays true to its original 1935 recipe created in Havana, Cuba. Out of the four recipes listed in the 1935 La Florida bar book, the inn serves up the fourth option: a mix of rum, lime, sugar and a dash of maraschino liqueur. You’ll also find a variety of cocktails that change with the seasons on the bar menu. -
We’re betting nighttime hunger pangs aren’t all that common at Inn at Little Washington due to its Five-Star restaurant’s multi-course dinner (each is at least six courses). But if you do get a hankering for a sandwich or a salad, know that the inn offers 24-hour room service. Though it is a somewhat limited menu, the options are true crowd pleasers: a homemade roasted turkey breast sandwich topped with avocado and Russian dressing; a Caesar salad finished off with delicate, lacy Parmesan wafers; Craig Claiborne’s tomato soup (named after the late food critic and editor) and freshly baked cookies and milk.
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Although Inn at Little Washington boasts a Five-Star restaurant helmed by chef/owner Patrick O’Connell, sometimes room service and a night in front of the fireplace is all you need. (But be sure to try the eatery’s multi-course tasting menu while you are here — it’s not to be missed.) The room service menu features a range of dishes that exemplifies the tastes and spirit of the inn. Options include everything from osetra caviar with toasted brioche to short rib Bolognese layered atop pappardelle pasta. We like Craig Claiborne’s tomato soup — named after the late, legendary food critic and editor. Another favorite is the chilled Maine lobster served with sherry vinaigrette, avocado and grapefruit. Top off your in-room meal with O’Connell’s famous Southern butter pecan ice cream sandwich served with hot caramel sauce.
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There’s only one restaurant at Inn at Little Washington, but foodies come from far and wide to dine at this stunner. The Five-Star restaurant by celebrated chef/owner Patrick O’Connell serves innovative and seasonal dishes with an ever-changing menu. The intimate tables, dim lighting and fanciful food may not be the first choice in kid-friendly dining, but you won’t feel uncomfortable if you bring your little ones along. (Keep in mind that dinner is a multi-course affair and it usually lasts at least two hours.) You can also tailor the menu to fit your child’s needs as well as your own. The kitchen will make adjustments to the night’s menu upon request. Families may also enjoy dining in the Living Room (offering lighter bites) or ordering from the 24-hour room service.
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While the room service menu isn’t expansive at Inn at Little Washington, the Five-Star kitchen can easily whip up a kid-friendly meal in no time. Many of the options on the menu, though, are bound to appeal to both you and your kids. We suggest the homemade roasted turkey breast sandwich with avocado and Russian dressing (which can be simplified into a plain turkey sandwich) and Craig Claiborne’s rich tomato soup. And if your little ones are really craving a taste of home, have the kitchen make a special grilled cheese sandwich for the both of you.
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As a guest of Inn at Little Washington, you don’t have to worry about going out to find a brunch spot on your own. Though the Five-Star inn doesn’t offer brunch for outsiders, you as a guest are able to have breakfast seven days a week (keep in mind it’s only served till 10:30 a.m.). But this is no ordinary meal — the complimentary continental breakfast includes chef/owner Patrick O’Connell’s legendary homemade granola as part of the make-your-own parfait ensemble, and is accompanied by a basket of freshly baked bread and pastries and a flight of fresh-squeezed juices. You can also opt for one of the few daily specials (like oatmeal soufflé) for a bigger, more brunch-like meal.
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With all of the rich and decadent food served at The Inn at Little Washington, we completely understand if you want to work it off with a jog. Though there isn’t a gym at this Five-Star hotel — it only has 18 guestrooms after all — you can take advantage of the gorgeous Virginia countryside that surrounds the property. If you want to see the tiny town of Washington, Virginia on foot, we suggest that you go ahead and run along the street. There are less than 200 residents of the town, so the roads are far from busy and you’ll have to try to get lost.
While many people take this jogging route as an opportunity to explore the historic town — which apparently hasn’t changed much since the 1700s—you also have an even more unique option. Just 12 miles down the road is the breathtaking Shenandoah National Park. Of course we don’t expect you to run there, as The Inn at Little Washington will gladly arrange a car to take you there. With more than 500 miles of trails, you are certain to find a nice jogging path. -
Though you may feel like you need a workout after experiencing the multi-course tasting menu at Inn at Little Washington’s Five-Star restaurant, you won’t find a gym at this country getaway. The inn serves as a romantic weekend escape and a restful respite from the everyday grind — it’s no surprise there isn’t an elaborate fitness center. But if you want some exercise during your stay, we suggest a stroll through the campus (check out the sheep’s meadow), a jog through the charming historic town or a guided hike (see the concierge to set it up) through nearby Shenandoah National Park.