Darija Stojanovic 
Howdy reader, welcome to my article on where to stay in Richmond, VA! I’ll be your trip planner girl for insider scoop on the best areas and top-rated hotels in the city!
Yes, I compared ALL of the areas and hotels, and yes, I neatly organized everything for you according to interest and budget! All you have to do is choose your favorite option and book! How easy is that?
Now, Downtown is the place to be for first-timers! It’s where all the action is, including the top hotels, restaurants, museums, and, of course, the Capitol! But stay tuned to see what other areas have to offer!
And as you find a hotel you like, make sure you book it fast! This way, you’ll secure the best deals!
If you are in a hurry
Check out the best places to stay in Richmond, Virginia:
Here’s a handy map to help you visualize the 5 areas I’ll discuss in this blog post:
- DOWNTOWN: for first-timers
- NORTH OF THE CITY: for families
- WEST: for shopping + recreation
- SOUTH OF THE JAMES RIVER: for nature
- EAST: for the airport
1. Downtown Richmond – where to stay for the first time
The Richmond Downtown area is divided into a number of smaller neighborhoods, all of which make a great place to stay for first timers! Here, you’ll find most of the attractions, the best nightlife, restaurants, and the city’s modern and historical sides.
Start your day discovering the city’s popular landmarks like the American Civil War Museum and Virginia State Capitol (map). Then, explore the city’s vibrant art scene by visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in the Museum District.
Richmond is an important historical city! It used to be the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War!
First Fridays in the Arts District are another great attraction. The event goes on every month, and at this time, the galleries, shops, and other businesses welcome art lovers to what is now the area’s signature event. Fun fact: there are over 150 murals across Richmond, so you’re visiting quite a creative city!
In the West End area of Downtown, you can explore The Fan District, a primarily residential area with historic homes and unique architecture. Head towards Carytown for all the cool restaurants (Richmond is considered a culinary powerhouse, after all), and don’t forget to explore the area’s bohemian quarter, which is home to indie boutiques and vintage shops.
Richmond (also known as RVA) has over 35 craft breweries! Start your Richmond Beer Trail from Scott’s Addition Historic District, where almost a third of breweries are located! Check out this map of all the stops.
Other points of interest in Downtown include the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) (map), the Jackson Ward neighborhood celebrating the African American heritage of the city, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, and the Children’s Museum.
FUN FACT: Know the famous “Give me liberty or give me death” quote? Patrick Henry said it in St. John’s Church in Richmond on March 23, 1775, pointing out that a war with Britain was inevitable!
One of the city’s most luxurious historic hotels with a spa and a central location Downtown. Here, you’ll find spacious rooms for up to 4 guests, fantastic staff, and the most delicious breakfast! As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel like you’re in Paris!
Other accommodation options in Richmond City Center, Downtown
This award-winning hotel is one of my favorite places to stay in Richmond, with lovely décor and rotating exhibits of local artists
This historic boutique hotel features a gym, an on-site restaurant, spacious guest rooms, and a good breakfast
Located in Downtown Richmond, this Airbnb has an amazing sun terrace, rooms with luxury amenities, a fully furnished kitchen, and on-site parking
P.S. The Berkeley Hotel is another great luxury hotel Downtown that I just had to mention!
Things to do in Downtown Richmond
- Embark on a Tuk-Tuk sightseeing tour
- Learn something new at the Science Museum of Virginia
- Visit the Civil War Museum and Museum of Fine Arts
- Explore the historic Virginia State Capitol
- Stroll through the beautiful Maymont Victorian estate (map)
- Take a pint at Triple Crossing Beer Brewhouse (map)
- Have a meal at the Secret Sandwich Society (map)
2. North of the City – where to stay in Richmond with family
Staying North of Downtown Richmond is a good idea if you’re visiting with family and are interested in attraction parks, nature, and more affordable accommodation options.
One of the top attractions in Richmond, the Kings Dominion Theme Park, is located here! Your kids can enjoy adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like the Intimidator 305, a huge water park, and you’ll even find an Eiffel Tower replica here!
Also, just outside Downtown towards the North, you’ll find the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (map), a beautiful outdoor space with 50 acres of themed gardens and a beautiful domed conservatory. This is a great spot for a family picnic! The Three Lakes Park & Nature Center, a wood, wetland, and wildlife center is also located here!
Sports fans will be thrilled to learn that this is also where the Richmond Raceway is, the main raceway where the NASCAR races take place every summer! You can buy tickets or check for events on the official website!
Finally, staying here is convenient if you drive on Road 95 and are headed to Washington or North Carolina next. If so, check out where to stay in Washington and the best hotels in Raleigh, NC!
A lovely property spreading over 20 acres, situated where the Battle of Yellow Tavern took place during the Civil War. The hotel features a pool, a gym, an excellent breakfast, an on-site bar, and free parking! The rooms are spacious and can sleep up to 4 people.
Other accommodation options in
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
Excellent value for money for families in Ashland, with a swimming pool and complimentary breakfast
A top-rated budget hotel on Washington Highway with free parking and a swimming pool
A cozy place with shared common spaces with the host, with a private bathroom; a home-away-from-home type of stay
Things to do North of Richmond
- Have family fun at Kings Dominion
- Catch a NASCAR race (in the summer)
- Stroll in the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden or Three Lakes Park & Nature Center
- Indulge in American comfort food at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (map)
- See where General JEB Stuart saved Richmond in the Civil War (map)
3. West (Short Pump) – where to stay in Richmond for shopping + recreation
Richmond West is a great up-and-coming area to stay, with the most popular districts being Short Pump and Innsbrook, both around 15-17 miles (around 26 km) away from Downtown.
There are plenty of affordable hotels and great restaurants around, but shopping is where this area shines most. West Broad Village (map) and Short Pump Town Center (map) are the most popular shopping destinations, with the latter being an absolute hit!
The neighborhoods here host sports tournament venues and recreational centers where the local children can stay active. Short Pump Park (map) is a great example where the little ones can easily spend hours.
As an important business hub, Innsbrook attracts plenty of business travelers, and it’s where you’ll find hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. I’ve chosen the top-rated ones for you:
The best luxury hotel in the area has a dreamy spa with a pool, spacious and super clean rooms, comfortable bedding, and great staff! They have also got you covered with private parking for US$10 per day.
Other accommodation options West of the City
A 3-star hotel on West Broad Street with free private parking, a pool, and free breakfast
This clean 2-star Glen Allen hotel offers free Wi-Fi and parking, a gym, and a 24-hour front desk
Enjoy seclusion in this charming home where it feels like a vacation on the beach
Things to do West of the City
- Go shopping in Short Pump Town Center
- Explore local parks and recreation centers
- Eat Italian food at Maggiano’s Little Italy (map)
- Spot fish and turtles in the Tuckahoe Creek Park (map)
4. South of the James River – where to stay for nature
The most popular areas South of the James River include Midlothian, Chester, and Manchester. They are up to 14 miles (22 km) away from Downtown Richmond, with Manchester being the closest, only 1.3 miles (2 km) away.
If you’re around in May, visit the Dominion Energy Riverrock Festival, one of the nation’s most popular lifestyle festivals that brings famed athletes and musicians to Brown’s Island!
Here, you’ll find plenty of rafting, kayaking, and hiking opportunities. The Pocahontas State Park is the favorite mountain biking and kayaking spot in town. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent one for US$50 per day from the many rental companies around, such as RVA Paddle Sports. The Henricus Historical Park also has lovely trails and surroundings.
I also recommend the Metro Richmond Zoo, which is a bit further away (20 miles from Manchester), but it’s great fun for kids! They even have a giraffe petting area! Btw, Maymont Farm near William Byrd Park (Downtown) is another petting zoo if you’re interested!
Other points of interest South of the James River include The Richmond Railroad Museum, the Art Works modern art gallery, and Forest Hill Park with a historic home and wildlife. If you’re into zip line fun in nature, the Canopy Adventure Park is the place to be!
As for the restaurants, the biggest concentration is along the Hull Street Corridor, with La Milpa (map) being a must-visit! It’s a 24/7 restaurant serving delicious Mexican cuisine!
There aren’t any luxury hotels in South Richmond, but I’ve got you covered with top-rated options for mid-range and budget stays! If you want a combination of natural sights + luxury, check the North of the City section.
Other accommodation options in the South
A 3-star hotel with excellent value for money in Midlothian, featuring spacious rooms and a swimming pool
Another Midlothian hotel with free parking, excellent breakfast, and nice, homey rooms
A chic and urban place by the river in a residential neighborhood with adorable decor
Things to do South of the James River
- Go kayaking in Pocahontas State Park or Huguenot Flatwater
- Pet the giraffes in the Metro Richmond Zoo
- Visit the Richmond Railroad Museum
- Explore local art in the Art Works gallery
- Eat delicious Mexican food at La Milpa
- Try out some watersports on the James River
5. East Richmond – where to stay in Richmond near the airport
East Richmond is the place to stay if you’re staying for a layover or have an early flight. The airport is 10 miles (16 km) from Downtown or a 20-minute ride away.
The best part of staying in East Richmond is the easy access to the 52-mile paved Capital Trail (map) connecting the Virginia capital with Williamsburg, another historic town East of Richmond!
The trail has a pedestrian and bike-friendly road, and it offers beautiful views of the James River, historical landmarks, picnic spots, restaurants, and rolling countryside along the Scenic Route 5.
Here, you’ll also find RV rental companies (like this one) if you want to fly in, rent a van, and discover Virginia’s hotspots on 4 wheels!
As for shopping, there’s the White Oak Village (map) near the airport, with great dining options!
No luxury hotels were available in East Richmond when I checked, so if you want to splurge on your stay, I recommend you stay in Downtown or Williamsburg!
Other accommodation options in East Richmond
A lovely 3-star hotel with a gym, a pool, and a free airport shuttle
Great value for 5 guests, with an indoor pool, a free shuttle to the airport, and complimentary breakfast
A charming, colorful cottage for 4 guests just a short ride from the airport
Things to do in East Richmond
- Hop on the Capital Trail
- Rent a van and explore Virginia’s natural wonders
- Go shopping at the White Oak Village
- Visit the Richmond National Battlefield Park (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$230 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | US$150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$100 |
| 📍Best area: | Richmond Downtown |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | The Jefferson Hotel |
| 🧳 Mid-range hotel: | Quirk Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Linden Row Inn |
FAQs about where to stay in Richmond, VA
🗺️ What is the best area to stay in Richmond, VA?
If you are visiting Richmond, VA, for the first time, the City Center is the best place to stay, thanks to its proximity to city attractions and trendy restaurants.
🤔 Is Downtown Richmond, VA, safe at night?
Downtown Richmond, VA, is a safe place to be in at night. You can safely enjoy the nightlife as long as you stay in urban, well-lit areas with people.
❌ What parts of Richmond, VA are bad?
Broad Rock and Hillside Court are the 2 areas with the highest crime rate in Richmond. Creighton, Jeff Davis, and Oakwood are also best to be avoided.
🛎️ What are the most luxurious hotels in Richmond, VA?
Located in the City Center, The Jefferson is one of the best luxury hotels in Richmond, VA.
👨👩👦👦 What are the best places to stay in Richmond for families?
Located in Shockoe Slip, The Commonwealth and Omni Richmond Hotel are some of the best places to stay in Richmond for families.
📷 What should I not miss in Richmond, VA?
Here are the best city attractions in Richmond, VA, that you should check out:
● Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
● American Civil War Museum
● Virginia State Capitol
● Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
● James River Park Pipeline Walkway
Conclusion
You’ve made it to the end of our search for where to stay in Richmond, and I hope you’ve already found your ideal hotel!
I gave you so many places to stay in Richmond, so if you’re indecisive, here are my 2 favorite places to stay:
- The Jefferson Hotel – the best luxury hotel in downtown Richmond with modern rooms and a fancy restaurant
- Omni Richmond Hotel – a great place to stay in Richmond near Downtown that has comfortable rooms and an indoor pool
That’s it! I hope you enjoy learning about history in the American Civil War Museum, kayaking on the James River, and dining out in the lovely restaurants of Richmond!
If you have any other suggestions or questions about places to stay in Richmond, Virginia, please leave a comment below! I’ll be glad to help out!
Enjoy Richmond,
Darija
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
