Regularly rated amongst the top places to live in the USA, Charlottesville offers a charming taste of old-school America, with some of the finest colonial-era architecture in the area. Sitting in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lively destination is also the gateway to the enchanting Shenandoah National Park — brilliant for outdoorsy travellers. Accommodation options range from intimate heritage inns to swish city hotels, fit for a range of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Charlottesville are right in the heart of town, but some of our favourite spots offer the chance to unwind in the countryside as a laid-back couple or active family.

Steeped in history, this Virginia city is ideal for culture aficionados. The pedestrianised historic centre, shaded by magnolia trees, is bursting with first-rate museums, art galleries, antiquarian bookstores and chic boutiques. The University of Virginia campus is particularly impressive, and walking tours highlighting Charlottesville’s neo-classical architecture come highly recommended. Nearby Monticello Plantation, once home to Thomas Jefferson, is famed for its insightful guided tours.

You’ll find appealing wineries and distilleries in the surrounding countryside, as well as hiking and cycling trails for adventurous groups of friends or families. Virginia’s lakes and rivers make for marvellous fishing, canoeing and sailing spots, too. Shenandoah National Park is spectacular.

Charlottesville is an immensely popular year-round destination. Book your trip well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places too stay in Charlottesville!

The Best Places to Stay in Charlottesville

For A Contemporary City Stay

• Graduate Charlottesville offers a playful take on university life, with bright rooms and suites featuring retro furniture and artwork. Kick back in funky shared spaces before heading up to the rooftop bar for snacks and sundowners. Great for guests of all ages.
• The Draftsman is a swish city hotel in a new-build tower. Think slick, modern design, expansive city views, a state-of-the-art gym and an excellent restaurant. For well-heeled couples or business travellers.
• Quirk Hotel Charlottesville is perfect for design lovers. A centrally-located spot, the property has a white and dusky pink colour palette and a cool, creative feel. There's a buzzy rooftop bar and top-notch food, too. For couples and groups of friends. A fun choice for weddings or events.

For a Historic Inn

• The Inn at Court Square is a sumptuously-decorated historic inn with nine rooms set across two buildings in central Charlottesville. Pick this place for a strong sense of the past, and a warm, romantic feel. Very indulgent.
• Dinsmore Boutique Inn sits in midtown Charlottesville, with nine spacious guestrooms featuring nods to the building's nineteenth-century origins. A chic boutique choice for couples, friends or families.
• 200 South Street Inn has plenty of old-fashioned charm, with four-poster beds in quiet rooms with brick fireplaces and sash windows. Watch the world go by from your rocking chair on the verandah. A welcoming B&B with complimentary wine and cheese evenings. A super central stay for history buffs, in buildings dating back to the mid-1850s.
• Oakhurst Inn is set close to the University of Virginia. The property has a stylish, 1950s feel, with retro furnishings and a warm, funky colour palette. Kids will adore the swimming pool, and the trendy onsite café is excellent. A very cool choice for couples or families visiting students at the University.

For a Romantic Escape

• Arcady Vineyard B&B has just five comfortable rooms, perfect for a quiet country retreat. The big draw is that this B&B sits on a working vineyard, in an area surrounded by wineries — so you can sip the best of the region's wine as you unwind under the stars. Relaxed and romantic.
• The Clifton is a wonderfully romantic manor house on 100 acres of scenic grounds outside Charlottesville. Expect 20 elegant rooms and suites with hardwood floors, velvet upholstery and vibrant artwork. Feast on farm-to-table organic produce and local wines. A country escape for couples and foodies.
• Foxfield Inn offers five guestrooms, some of which have whirlpool tubs and crackling fireplaces. Begin your days with delicious three-course breakfasts, and sink into big cosy beds after days of exploring. A relaxing couples' retreat in three acres of gardens.

For an Expansive Resort

• Boar's Head Resort has 573 acres of grounds, complete with a soothing spa, swimming pools, tennis and squash courts. There is a choice of great eateries, access to nearby heritage sites and wineries, and heaps for the whole family to see and do. A fantastic resort for active families, couples or groups of friends.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Richmond International Airport, an hour from Charlottesville by car. Alternatively, travel to Washington Dulles International Airport, two hours away by bus or taxi.
• Virginia is a wonderful region to explore by road! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Expect warm summers, though this can be a busy time to visit. Travel in the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October) for cooler temperatures. Virginia is particularly beautiful during the autumn, when the leaves turn golden, red and orange.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Richmond, VA.
• Or consider our recommendations for the best hotels in the Blue Ridge Mountains?
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in Virginia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Charlottesville