What are the five best things about The Jefferson Hotel?

Travel Guide Inspector

The Jefferson Hotel is the place to stay if you’re looking for a Five-Star experience in Richmond, Va. There’s much to love about the historic hotel, but here are our five favorites:

1. Historic touches. The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel’s rich history and opulent décor, including the stained-glass dome in the lobby and the historic details like the fireplaces and rich plaster work in many of the guest rooms, are a highlight.

2. The food. The excellent restaurants, TJ’s and Lemaire, draw locals as well as guests, and the afternoon high tea and Sunday brunch in the Rotunda are equally popular.

3. Enjoy history without leaving the hotel. A favorite part of The Jefferson Hotel is the onsite museum, which showcases photos, press mentions and historical artifacts from the hotel collected over time.

4. Alligators. The hotel has a crocodile motif throughout its décor, a nod to the alligators that once lived in the Palm Court’s fountain.

5. Exceptional service. The exceptional service is also a plus — many of the staff have been with The Jefferson since its re-opening in 1986, and they’re quite knowledgeable about the hotel.