The Jefferson Hotel, Our Richmond Home
The Jefferson Hotel’s history goes back to 1895 when Lewis Ginter opened the property as THE hotel destination in Richmond, VA. If you talk to almost any Richmonder, you’ll probably hear a unique story about The Jefferson. The property is deeply intertwined with Richmond life, and everyone forms a different, personal bond with the hotel. Having lived in Richmond for a few years, this is true for us, as well. The Jefferson was the site of our first date, Valentine’s Day dinners, alumni reunions, classic weekend brunches, and so much more. The Jefferson Hotel has become our second home in Richmond — if we’re going to Richmond, we’re staying at The Jefferson.
I’ve always wanted to photograph a stay at this hotel, but I’ve never really had the time or opportunity. Our Richmond visits are usually on a tight, busy schedule that doesn’t allow for this sort of thing. I was recently in town for a concert, and I had the better part of an entire day to take it slow and enjoy the hotel. Go ahead and swing by the bar at Lemaire, grab a big glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, and join us on a photo walk around The Jefferson.
This is the view that greets you once you enter the circular driveway from Franklin Street. It’s beautiful. The Beaux-Arts architecture and faded stone exterior are Richmond icons.
The hotel lobby is also known as the Palm Court. The old palm trees and pools are gone, but the Palm Court was once home to live alligators that travelers would bring in from Florida (at least according to the local lore). The last alligator was named Old Pompey, and he lived in the lobby until his death in 1948.
There are nine stained glass pieces surrounding the lobby featuring The Jefferson Hotel’s monogram. Six of these pieces are original, with three of them being replaced after a significant fire struck the hotel in the early 1900s. The expansive dome above the lobby is also a reproduction.
The iconic marble statue of Thomas Jefferson is original to the hotel. It was created for the hotel in 1895 by legendary Richmond sculptor, Edward V. Valentine.
Another view of the hotel’s front desk. The Jefferson’s staff is incredible — quiet, professional, and always ready to assist with anything you need.
Welcome to Room 233. We almost always pick a Grand Premier room when we stay at The Jefferson. These rooms have a gorgeous entryway that’s the perfect welcome when you open your door.
Grand Premier rooms at The Jefferson are huge. I’ve experienced a few different floor plans in these rooms, but they always have 500+ square feet of space. From this view, you can see the sitting area and the marble floors of the entryway.
Another general view of the room. The furnishings are gorgeous and high-end. The room’s color palate is warm and inviting. The room feels more expensive than it generally costs to stay here. We’ve spent more on a lot less.
The alligator drawer pulls are my favorite detail in any Jefferson room.
The bathroom mirror televisions are almost as iconic to The Jefferson as Valentine’s statue in the lobby. You can’t not like them — a fun, unexpected luxury.
The Jefferson has been using Molton Brown toiletries for a good while. The current scent for the shampoo and conditioner is Indian Cress, and the featured body lotion is Orange & Bergamot. Both are heavenly. Chateau Lumiere is a huge fan of all things Molton Brown — permanently addicted.
The bathrooms are beautiful. They feature large soaking tubs in addition to the usual shower. Every detail down to the faucet is well-sourced and thoughtful.
Mrs. Lumiere loves a good hotel robe. Robes at The Jefferson are more than adequate. They’re warm, soft, and the perfect weight.
Every room features a complimentary Nespresso machine and assorted pods. Bottled water, daily ice service, and wine glasses are also supplied.
The Rotunda is another iconic public space in The Jefferson. This space hosts the champagne brunch every weekend. If you’re visiting Richmond, brunch at The Jefferson is a must.
Another view of The Rotunda. Supposedly Margaret Mitchell stayed here and fashioned her staircase in Gone with the Wind after this one.
Before departing the hotel, I enjoyed breakfast at Lemaire. Lemaire is The Jefferson’s on-site restaurant, and it sits just off the lobby floor. I had the house granola, bacon, and a Diet Coke. I’d give all of this a 10/10. I also had the salmon entree at lunch here the previous day, but I was starving and did not take the time for a photograph. The salmon was also a 10/10.
Chateau Lumiere bonus fact: Lemaire is named after Thomas Jefferson’s maitre d’hotel, Etienne Lemaire.
Pictured is a small patio viewed from Franklin Street. This sitting area is located directly outside Lemaire.
Another view of The Jefferson’s classic towers. The stonework is very pretty. I’d highly recommend just walking around the exterior of the property to take in all the different angles of the hotel. There’s something new to see from every direction.
Unfortunately, it’s goodbye for now. We already have another stay at The Jefferson planned for spring 2027. We can’t wait to come back and add new chapters to our Jefferson story.