Where to Stay in Richmond
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The heart of Virginia's capital features a mix of historic architecture and modern development. This area puts you within walking distance of the Capitol building, museums, restaurants, and the James River waterfront. It's the most convenient base for business travelers and those wanting to explore Richmond's main attractions without a car.
- Walking distance to major attractions and museums
- Excellent restaurant and nightlife options
- Easy access to public transportation
- Close to the Canal Walk and riverfront
- Limited free parking, with most hotels charging $15-25 daily
- Can be noisy on weekend nights near Shockoe Bottom
These adjacent historic districts feature cobblestone streets and converted warehouses now housing restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Shockoe Slip is slightly more upscale, while Shockoe Bottom has a livelier nightlife scene. The area offers a vibrant urban experience with plenty of dining and entertainment within walking distance.
- Vibrant dining and bar scene
- Historic atmosphere with modern amenities
- Close to Main Street Station and downtown attractions
- Walkable to the riverfront
- Noise from bars and clubs Thursday through Saturday nights
- Limited hotel options compared to other areas
Richmond's most charming residential neighborhood features tree-lined streets with Victorian-era townhouses, independent shops, and local cafes. Known for its bohemian vibe and proximity to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Fan offers a more residential experience. Accommodation options here are primarily bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals rather than traditional hotels.
- Beautiful historic architecture and walkable streets
- Close to Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and VCU
- Excellent local restaurants and coffee shops
- Quieter than downtown with residential charm
- Limited traditional hotel options
- Requires car or rideshare to reach downtown attractions
Often called Richmond's "Mile of Style," Carytown is a quirky shopping and dining district with independent boutiques, vintage stores, and diverse restaurants. This area offers a more laid-back, eclectic vibe and is popular with locals and visitors alike. While hotel options are limited, it's an excellent area to explore during your stay.
- Unique local shops and boutiques
- Diverse dining options from casual to upscale
- Safe, walkable area with local character
- Close to Byrd Park and Maymont
- Very few hotel options directly in the area
- Can be crowded on weekends
Once an industrial area, Scott's Addition has transformed into Richmond's trendiest neighborhood with craft breweries, cideries, distilleries, and hip restaurants. Several new hotels have opened here in recent years, making it an increasingly popular place to stay for visitors who want to experience Richmond's craft beverage scene.
- Heart of Richmond's brewery district with 20+ breweries
- New, modern hotel options with contemporary amenities
- Trendy restaurants and food scene
- Growing arts and entertainment venues
- Somewhat removed from traditional tourist attractions
- Area can feel industrial in parts
This area along West Broad Street (US Route 250) features numerous chain hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants. It's a practical choice for road-trippers and those prioritizing affordability and familiar brands. The area offers easy highway access and free parking at most properties.
- Most affordable hotel options in Richmond
- Free parking at most properties
- Easy highway access for day trips
- Familiar chain hotels and restaurants
- Close to Short Pump shopping area
- Requires a car to reach downtown and major attractions
- Less character and walkability than central neighborhoods
Located across the James River from downtown, Manchester is a rapidly developing neighborhood with new restaurants, breweries, and residential developments. The area offers excellent views of the Richmond skyline and easy access to the river for outdoor activities. It's becoming an increasingly attractive option for visitors seeking something different.
- More affordable than downtown
- Direct access to James River Park System
- Growing food and beverage scene
- Great skyline views
- Limited hotel options currently available
- Some areas still under development
The area surrounding Richmond International Airport offers convenient options for early flights or late arrivals. Multiple chain hotels provide shuttle services and competitive rates. While far from tourist attractions, it's practical for business travelers and those with flight-focused itineraries.
- Free airport shuttle services
- Competitive pricing
- Easy highway access
- 24-hour dining options nearby
- 20-30 minutes from downtown attractions
- Limited dining and entertainment options
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Richmond features several beautifully restored historic hotels, particularly downtown and in the Fan District. These properties offer unique character, period details, and personalized service that chain hotels can't match.
Best for: Couples, history enthusiasts, special occasions, travelers seeking authentic local experiences
Major hotel chains are well-represented in Richmond, especially along West Broad Street, near the airport, and increasingly in downtown. These offer reliable quality, loyalty program benefits, and consistent amenities.
Best for: Business travelers, families, loyalty program members, those seeking predictable standards
Several charming B&Bs operate in the Fan District and Church Hill neighborhoods, often in restored Victorian homes. These provide intimate, personalized experiences with homemade breakfasts and local insider tips.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, those seeking personal interaction and local knowledge
Airbnb and VRBO properties are abundant in residential neighborhoods like the Fan, Church Hill, and Oregon Hill. Options range from private rooms to entire historic houses, ideal for longer stays or groups.
Best for: Families, groups, extended stays, travelers wanting a residential experience
Several extended stay properties cater to business travelers and those needing accommodations for a week or more. These typically include kitchenettes and separate living areas.
Best for: Business travelers, relocating residents, long-term visitors, budget-conscious families
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Richmond hosts numerous events that dramatically impact hotel availability and pricing. Check the Richmond Raceway schedule for NASCAR weekends, VCU's academic calendar for graduation and move-in dates, and the Greater Richmond Convention Center calendar for major conferences. Booking during these periods may require reservations 2-3 months in advance.
Downtown hotels typically charge $15-$25 per night for parking, which can add significantly to your total cost. If you're planning to explore on foot or use rideshares, consider hotels in walkable neighborhoods. Alternatively, hotels in West Broad Street and the airport area usually offer free parking.
Many downtown Richmond hotels include complimentary wine hours, local craft beer tastings, or passes to nearby museums. When comparing prices, factor in these amenities which can save $20-40 per day. The Quirk Hotel, for example, includes art gallery access and local artist collaborations.
Richmond hotels frequently offer packages that bundle accommodations with museum tickets, brewery tours, or restaurant vouchers. These are typically only available through direct booking and can provide better value than third-party sites, especially for multi-night stays.
Richmond is more spread out than it appears. If you're focusing on museums and history, stay downtown. For brewery tours and nightlife, Scott's Addition is ideal. Outdoor enthusiasts should consider Manchester for James River access. Choosing the right neighborhood can save significant time and transportation costs.
Downtown business hotels often have lower weekend rates, while leisure-focused areas like Carytown and Scott's Addition may charge more on weekends. If your dates are flexible, compare rates for different days of the week to find the best value.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
Book 6-8 weeks in advance for spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) visits. For NASCAR race weekends or major VCU events, book 2-3 months ahead as hotels sell out quickly and prices can double.
March and November offer good availability with 3-4 weeks advance booking typically sufficient. Prices are moderate and you'll have more negotiating room for upgrades or package deals.
January-February and July-August (except July 4th weekend) offer the best deals. You can often find last-minute bargains, and booking 1-2 weeks ahead is usually adequate. Some hotels offer winter specials with significant discounts.
Book at least 3-4 weeks in advance for best selection and rates. Last-minute deals exist but limit your choices. Always check the events calendar before booking as Richmond's pricing is heavily event-driven rather than purely seasonal.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.