Honeymoon in Charlottesville

July 25, 2014 5:40 PM

Dearest Metafilter, If you were going to Charlottesville, VA for your honeymoon, where would you stay?

There is a bewildering array of B&Bs and other accommodations in town and the surrounding area, and the last "where should I stay" thread is from 2005. I don't mind spending some money - honeymoon woot! - but I'm feeling nervous about blindly picking somewhere off the internet.

I'd prefer something that's walkable to food and coffee if possible, but would also happily stay somewhere out in the country if it were extra nice or pretty. Somewhere with a hot tub would be awesome (in room hot tub would be amazing, but I'm pretty sure I'd need to mortgage our non-existent first child for that.) We're also not super set on being in Charlottesville proper - we're doing Monticello, because she's never been, but otherwise our plans are to be lazy and eat good food, so anywhere within about 45 minutes of Monticello would be just fine.

Thanks! Y'all are the best.

posted by joycehealy to Travel & Transportation around Charlottesville, VA (6 answers total)

I have had a good experience arranging accommodation through Guesthouses. Many of the homes are really close to the University and, therefore, close to The Corner and the free trolley for downtown.

Do you enjoy hiking? Have you considered staying in the Shanendoah National Park?
posted by ASlackerPestersMums at 5:48 PM on July 25, 2014

When I was a student there years ago, my mom stayed at what is now the Dinsmore House and enjoyed it. It was built in 1817, so the perks may not totally be what you're looking for, but it's hard to beat the location.
posted by LionIndex at 7:35 PM on July 25, 2014

I'd check out the Boar's Head Inn, though it is pricey. Not within walking distance of Cville's major stuff though.

Also, I can't vouch for it, but I've seen this place advertised quite a bit when I've been looking for a weekend place. It's about 30 minutes from Charlottesville, but secluded house all to yourself with a hot tub.
posted by skewed at 7:38 PM on July 25, 2014

That place in Stanardsville has the advantage of being relatively close (30 minutes) to Montpelier, the home of James Madison, which is really nicely done, and will provide an interesting comparison to Monticello. (Also, if you are going to Monticello, you might want to book the backstairs tour - you get to go and see things not on the normal tour. It fills up a few weeks in advance, so keep an eye on the online ticketing/reservations.)

As for Charlottesville: I had a friend who stayed at the Inn at 4oo West High last year with her boyfriend, and they loved the location and the room - it's downtown, near the downtown mall (pedestrian mall - restaurants, bars, shops, etc). I'm still kicking myself for being away on vacation because I've always wanted to see the inside of that place.

The Inn at Court Square - also convenient to the Downtown Mall - also gets local recommendations. The Downtown Mall area is going to be the most promising area for staying and walking to food/coffee/some amenities.
posted by julen at 2:44 AM on July 26, 2014

Dinsmore House is going to sit in your sweet spot for all things UVA/The Corner and the Downtown Mall (but closer to UVA). It's about a 4-minute walk from the Rotunda and a 10-minute walk to the Downtown Mall, as well as being close to a free trolley stop. Obviously, you'll have to drive/taxi out to Monticello.
posted by kuanes at 7:36 AM on July 26, 2014

Check out the Belmont Cottage. It's a 2 minute walk to the best restaurants in Cville (Mas, Tavola, The Local) and one minute from the La Taza coffeehouse.
posted by Wet Spot at 2:38 PM on July 26, 2014