If Richmond, VA, is your next travel destination, you’ll hit gold with award-winning restaurants, breathtaking landscapes, a rich historical heritage, and a vibrant cultural scene. But with so many irresistible attractions awaiting in Virginia’s capital city, deciding where to stay in Richmond, VA, can be a challenge.
For most visitors, Downtown tops the list of the city’s best areas & neighborhoods, with accommodation options ranging from ultra-modern brand-name hotels to intimate, stylish boutique hotels. Want to get away from the downtown hurly-burly? Dive into outdoor urban delights in Shocktoe Slip, explore the Black American legacy in the Jackson Ward, or experience the thoroughly modern energy of the historic Monroe Ward neighborhood.
Ready to map out your River City vacation? Check out this complete guide to the best places to stay in Richmond, VA, including the city’s top hotels, areas, and neighborhoods.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Virginia Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Best places to stay in Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA, is one of the top 10 most walkable mid-sized cities in the US – so no matter where you stay, you’re pretty sure to have easy access to all the city’s main sites. Your challenge: figuring out which area will suit your tastes as a tourist.
For first-timers and dedicated tourists, Downtown Richmond is a no-brainer. Richmond’s economic and political hub, this neighborhood is the ideal spot to start your accommodation search. The downtown area is home to many of the top tourist attractions in Richmond, VA, and many of the city’s best hotels.
If you’re watching your budget – or you want a break from the downtown buzz – staying outside the city center is a smart option. Neighborhoods like Shockoe Slip and the Monroe Ward offer a more low-key vibe, unique cultural and historical attractions, and more budget-friendly accommodation options than you’ll find in Downtown Richmond.
The best areas to stay in Richmond, VA, are:
Downtown Richmond
✓ Best area to stay in Richmond for first-time visitors
Visiting Richmond, VA, for the first time? Narrow your search to Downtown Richmond, the heart of the city and home to many of Richmond’s cultural and historical attractions, a buzzing nightlife, and terrific hotels.
Downtown Richmond offers great access to a fantastic range of must-sees. History buffs will want to stroll through Richmond’s Capitol District, home to the beautiful neoclassical Virginia State Capitol. Civil War enthusiasts will be keen to explore the White House of the Confederacy. Built in 1818, this former home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis is a treasure trove of Civil War-era artifacts.
Craving some green? Head just a few minutes outside downtown into Richmond North, and you’ll discover the spectacular Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, one of Richmond’s most popular attractions. Or take in the natural beauty of Belle Isle on the James River, where you can explore scenic hiking trails and view wildlife in the heart of downtown.
Take a quick jaunt just north of the city center to explore Richmond’s vibrant Arts District. Browse the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and a great selection of neighborhood galleries. Feast your eyes on dozens of vivid street murals.
Speaking of feasting … check out the Arts District Food Tour to sample some of the city’s tastiest edibles while learning more about Richmond’s colorful history. Then chill out with a cocktail and live music at one of the area’s after-dark hotspots.
Downtown Richmond offers loads of lodging options ranging from boutique to brand-name. Just don’t expect a lot of bargain offerings!
Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown
Want to be close to the major attractions? Book in at Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown. This hotel’s convenient location is just a 10-minute jaunt from the scenic Canal Walk and the American Civil War Center, with great views of the James River and Brown’s Island.
Hit the fitness center or the indoor pool for a workout, relax in the hot tub, then enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Moxy Richmond Downtown
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Plug into the pumped-up energy of the Moxy Richmond Downtown. Get interactive with a round of retro gaming in the lobby. Sup on a “Got Moxy” cocktail at Bar Moxy.
Settle into a cozy room, fuel up at the Grab n Go with some healthy snacks, and get ready for the hotel’s in-house nightlife experience, featuring amped-up tunes and cocktails aplenty.
The Commonwealth
If you want to soak up some colorful history while enjoying upscale amenities, book in at The Commonwealth. Sitting opposite the Virginia State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, this former bootleggers’ haven dates back to 1848 – but it’s revamped for 21st-century tastes.
Work up a sweat in the fitness center. Take care of business in the business center. Then unwind at the end of the day in the Commonwealth bar.
Hilton Richmond Downtown
If you’re looking for an upscale hotel experience, settle in at the Hilton Richmond Downtown. Dating back to 1885, the building once housed Richmond’s historic Miller & Rhoads department store.
Showcasing the building’s original marble floors and lofty ceilings, the hotel also features a gym, indoor pool, meeting facilities, and three on-site restaurants. It’s minutes away from the Greater Richmond Convention Center and a ten-minute walk from Virginia State Capitol.
Richmond Marriott
Looking for some pampering in a prime location? Hunker down at the Richmond Marriott, just steps from the city’s most popular historic attractions. Take a stroll in beautiful James River Park, then hop aboard the hotel’s shuttle service for easy access to view more of Downtown Richmond’s gems.
In town on business? Breeze over to the Richmond Convention Center via skywalk.
Refuel with some locally-sourced comfort food at Fall Line Kitchen and Bar, or grab a snack and a local craft brew at Corner Rapid.
Shockoe Slip
✓ Recommended neighborhood to stay in Richmond for history buffs & urban adventurers
On the hunt for an area that blends historic charm with easy access to outdoor delights? Then set your sights on Shockoe Slip. Nestled in southeastern Richmond, this riverside neighborhood was a bustling shipping and trade center in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, its cobblestone streets, charming shops, and restored waterfront make it a magnet for locals and visitors alike.
Step back in time as your stroll Schockoe Slip’s picturesque Canal Walk, stretching 1.25 miles along the James River and Kanawha and Haxall Canals. Imagine this historic site as it once was: teeming with hotels, saloons, and horse-drawn barges.
Soak up a 21st-century scene that features trendy boutiques, colorful works of art, and fascinating historical markers and exhibits. Hop over to savor some green space on Brown’s Island, one of Richmond’s most popular public parks.
Up for some urban adventure? Make your way to the James River Park Pipeline Walkway. This half-mile metal catwalk sits atop a giant stormwater pipe and cuts across the tumbling James River. Take a walk on the wild(er) side to the Pipeline Overlook for great views of the river and the kayakers paddling the rapids. Got your binoculars? Take in the entrancing sight of Great Blue Herons nesting and tending their chicks.
The Berkeley Hotel
If upscale and boutique are to your taste, The Berkeley Hotel is your place. Just a five minutes’ walk from the Virginia State Capitol, this hotel features spacious rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and a Europen flair that’s warmed by traditional cherry wood furnishings and soft colors.
When hunger hits, dig into some Southern comforts like fried green tomatoes and lump crab cakes in The Dining Room.
Omni Richmond Hotel
If you want to be within easy reach of Richmond’s most popular attractions, book in at the Omni Richmond Hotel. Surrounded by historical buildings and cobblestone streets, the hotel overlooks the scenic James River and is just blocks away from the Virginia State Capitol building.
Hit the gym or the heated indoor pool for a workout, grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, then relax on the year-round outdoor sundeck.
Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Downtown
If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, you’ll want to scope out the Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Downtown. This is a comfortable, convenient base that will let you easily access the city’s major attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Gather in the meeting center, get a workout in the gym, relax in the restaurant or bar – or just chill out on your private patio.
Residence Inn by Marriott Richmond Downtown
Set in Shocktoe Slip’s historic heart, Residence Inn Richmond Downtown makes the perfect home away from home, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. These stylish, apartment-style suites come with fully-equipped kitchens complete with coffee makers.
You can get a jump-start on your day with a complimentary breakfast, then head out to explore local attractions like the Virginia Capital Trail. In town on business? The Greater Richmond Convention Center is an easy walk away.
Monroe Ward
✓ Top place to stay in Richmond for historical attractions and a relaxed neighborhood vibe
Want to “live like a local” while taking in Richmond’s highlights? Then you’ll want to find a spot to roost in Monroe Ward. Set in the city’s northwest, this historic neighborhood manages to blend a relaxed, welcoming vibe with all the perks of urban living.
Explore Monroe Ward, and you’ll discover landmarks from its rich past alongside popular contemporary attractions. Take a two-minute stroll to the Virginia Commonwealth University campus, where you’ll find a mashup of the old and the new. Founded in 1838, VCU is a distinctly urban campus that exudes an irresistible modern energy.
Head for the vibrant Fan District, where you can stroll streets dotted with elegant Queen Anne-style buildings and old-fashioned barbershops. Catch a show at the historic Altria Theatre, originally built in 1928. Snag a window seat and relax in one of the neighborhood’s cozy cafes or Cuban restaurants.
Monroe Ward is a perfect gateway to other discoveries. Culture vultures will want to head west to the Museum District, where they can explore six blocks of museums and a great selection of bars and restaurants.
Graduate Richmond
If you’re looking for fun and upbeat accommodations, you’ll want to hunker down at the Graduate Richmond. The hotel’s name reflects the youthful campus vibe. Hop on a complimentary loaner bike to explore the campus and check out other hotspots in the historic Monroe Ward.
Guest rooms are cozy, reasonably priced, and feature quirky, colorful design themes. Get in a workout at the 24-hour gym, then chill out in the rooftop pool or lounge.
Holiday Inn Express – Richmond Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Find comfort and convenience at the Holiday Inn Express – Richmond Downtown, an IHG Hotel. Explore Richmond’s rich past while enjoying thoroughly modern amenities.
If you’re in town on business, you’ll appreciate in-room work desks and easy access to The Greater Richmond Convention Center. Traveling with the kids? You’re just a short jaunt away from popular family-friendly attractions like the Children’s Museum, the Virginia Capitol Building, and the Museum & White House of the Confederacy.
Linden Row Inn
If you’re on the hunt for quaint and cozy lodgings, look no further than Linden Row Inn. This unique 70-room hotel features seven beautifully renovated row houses dating back to the mid-1800s.
Luxuriate in a guest room furnished with 19th-century antiques. Step outside to savor the inn’s crowning jewel: the charming garden courtyard that was a playground for Edgar Allan Poe as a child.
Hop aboard the complimentary shuttle to explore more of the neighborhood’s attractions.
Orange Wildflowers
Looking for a room with a view? You’ve got it at Orange Wildflowers. This family-friendly location features rooms with garden access and patios overlooking the city. Whip up a meal in a fully-equipped kitchen complete with a fridge, oven, and microwave.
Ready to take in the sights? No problem! This locale is just minutes away from the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the Museum of the Confederacy.
Jackson Ward
✓ Recommended neighborhood in Richmond to explore Black American heritage
For anyone interested in American history, Jackson Ward is a touchstone. Known as the “Harlem of the South” and “Black Wall Street,” this district is steeped in the city’s African-American heritage.
Jackson Ward is the birthplace of Black entrepreneurship – and you’ll see that legacy reflected in landmarks throughout the neighborhood. Take a stroll along Broad Street and stop at the impressive bronze monument honoring Maggie L. Walker. An early civil rights activist, in 1903, she became the city’s first African American female bank owner. Stop by for a visit to this trailblazer’s home, now a National Historic Site.
Another must-see landmark is the Black History and Cultural Center of Richmond. Housed in a renovated 19th-century armory building, this is a treasure trove of information and exhibits offering fascinating insights into the city’s rich African-American history and culture.
Scope out Jackson Ward’s vibrant arts scene with a stroll along Broad Street, where you’ll discover art galleries showcasing cutting-edge works by local artists.
And if you want to put your finger on Jackson Ward’s cultural pulse, a visit to the legendary Hippodrome Theater is a must. Built as a Vaudeville showplace in 1914, this live entertainment hotspot has hosted icons ranging from Billie Holiday to Duke Ellington to James Brown. Today it’s largely used for special events – but you can still step inside and feel the musical magic.
Quirk Hotel Richmond
The name says it all: the Quirk Hotel Richmond is one of a kind. Set in a former art gallery, this standout pink structure features chic rooms, lofty ceilings, airy interiors, and a store selling artisanal goodies.
The Quirk has stayed true to its artistic roots with an exhibition gallery and guest rooms showcasing the works of artists in residence. After absorbing the art, relax with a cocktail and take in amazing city views from one of the coolest rooftops in Richmond.
Shockoe Bottom
✓ Recommended area for history buffs
If you want to explore one of the country’s historical pulse points, stake out a spot in Shockoe Bottom. Set just east of Downtown Richmond along the James River, this district is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods – and a cool up-and-comer.
From this historic neighborhood, George Washington mapped out a canal system that would cross the country. Decades later, Abraham Lincoln traveled to Shockoe Bottom by canoe to witness the defeat of the Confederacy.
Once Richmond’s vibrant commercial center, Shockoe Bottom is still an enticing riverside destination. Check out historic warehouses that are now home to lofty living spaces and upscale boutiques. Settle in for a delicious meal at one of the neighborhood’s trendy restaurants.
When you’ve refueled, explore some of the area’s other highlights, including the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, where you’ll get intriguing glimpses into the life of the “Father of the Detective Story.”
Immerse yourself in culture and community at Shockoe Bottom’s famed 17th Street Market. Boasting a vibrant festival scene, this family-friendly destination is a magnet for foodies and music lovers and one of the most recommended Richmond day trips. Tuck into delicious food and drink, and chill out to amazing live music.
Cozy Chic Retreat in the Heart of RVA
If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home to nestle into, you’ll find it in the Cozy Chic Retreat in the Heart of RVA.
This lovely self-contained apartment features a brick foyer, hardwood floors, a large king bedroom, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. Whip up a meal – or just pop around the corner for some great food and drink selections. Get it to go and enjoy it on your patio!
