Charlottesville, Virginia
Kimpton The Forum Hotel
Collegiate campus hotel
Charlottesville, Virginia
Opened
2023
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
The house
IHGCollegiate campus hotel
The property operates as a collegiate social hub, where visiting guests and Darden faculty mingle between classes and garden walks.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The red brick facade and white columns are a deliberate nod to Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village at the University of Virginia, just down the road — an architectural conversation the hotel wears well.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The wooded Rivanna Trail borders the gardens out back, and Charlottesville's Downtown Mall is a short drive away.
The rooms
Guest rooms use subtle university colors and organic textures, and each comes with its own yoga mat.
At the table
Birch & Bloom serves Virginia meats and produce, and its glass-walled tasting room displays bottles from floor to ceiling.
How it began
A twenty-million-dollar gift from business school alumnus Frank Sands launched the build, replacing the old Inn at Darden.
Charlottesville
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.