Monroe Ward Richmond, Virginia
Renovated
2017
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Classic LuxeOutside the door
Gilded Age citadel
A sweeping marble staircase connects the stained-glass Palm Court to the soaring Rotunda, bustling with afternoon tea and evening cocktails.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Built in 1895, this Beaux-Arts landmark retains authentic Tiffany stained glass and storied presidential guest histories.
Remarkable
Richmond families and political leaders gather under the Rotunda for weekly champagne brunch and afternoon tea.
Notable
Residential guest rooms feature marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, in-mirror televisions, and nightly artisan chocolate turndown.
What they say
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set in downtown's Monroe Ward, the hotel is a short walk from the Virginia State Capitol and the James River rapids.
The rooms
Apartment-style layouts feature dedicated dressing foyers, Italian marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, and custom brass alligator drawer pulls.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated indoor lap pool rests beneath an overhead skylight, opening out to a first-floor sun deck.
Dogs stay too.
Lemaire Bar and Lounge
Set within the former ladies' parlors, the bar pours classic cocktails and Virginia wines beneath monumental marble pillars.
At the table
Lemaire serves Virginia farm-to-table dishes in ornate dining rooms, and Sunday brunch fills the grand Rotunda.
How it began
Philanthropist Lewis Ginter opened the hotel in 1895, famously housing live pet alligators in the Palm Court fountain pools for decades.
Good to know
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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.