When we were visiting Monticello and its surrounding areas, we were looking for a convenient yet stylish boutique hotel. Our tour of historic Southern resorts had included both the Omni Homestead Resort and The Greenbrier Hotel. Unfortunately, Keswick Hall which would have fit our theme of traditional Southern hospitality perfectly is closed for renovation until 2019. Our fallback option was to return to our first love – luxury boutique hotels. The Clifton Inn Charlottesville fit the bill perfectly. I’d say we got lucky! Instead of blindly checking into Keswick Hall we unexpectedly stumbled upon the Clifton Inn which is a gem of a hotel!
The Clifton in Charlottesville Virginia is a historic hotel that has had a total makeover into a luxury boutique hotel.
Why Stay at the Clifton Inn?
Thanks to its association with the Jefferson family, The Clifton is a historic property which is registered with the National Registry of Historic Places. We love our historical homes but we also like our comfort and modern amenities. The historical aspects are just the cherry on top for this elegant boutique hotel.
Here are 5 of the main advantages of staying at the Clifton Inn Charlottesville VA:
1. Convenience for Visiting Monticello
The Clifton is hands-down one of the best hotels in Charlottesville Virginia near Monticello.
A sketch of the main house of The Clifton Charlottesville
Jefferson’s shadow cast a large sphere of influence in the area beyond simply his pet project, the University of Virginia. For example, there is a Jefferson Vineyard which was started by Thomas Jefferson and his Italian winemaker friend which you can still visit for wine tastings in the Charlottesville area.
I wasn’t surprised to learn the Clifton Inn in Charlottesville VA was built as a home for Thomas Jefferson’s daughter Martha and her husband in 1799. The property lies very conveniently near Monticello, Jefferson’s own estate.
One of my main takeaways from reading the book Jefferson’s Daughters: Three Sisters, White and Black, in a Young America was that he was devoted to his children and grandchildren (at least the white ones) and wanted them living if not with him, at least nearby.
Presumably the estate that would become The Clifton was still too far away for Jefferson’s liking because Martha, her husband and her children eventually just moved into Monticello itself.
2. Beautiful Landscaped Grounds
Set on 100 acres, the Clifton has operated as an inn since 1985. There are walking and running paths on the grounds. In addition, there is a beautiful infinity pool located in an idyllic woodland setting. If you want to go offsite, there are other great hiking trails in Charlottesville.
The landscaped grounds of The Clifton Inn Charlottesville VA
3. Recently Renovated Rooms
Under new ownership since 2017, the Clifton Inn was renamed (the Inn part of the moniker was dropped) and closed for some TLC.
The Clifton has had a full facelift by Blackberry Farm Design and just re-opened in for the summer of 2018. There are 20 rooms spread out over the main house and ancillary buildings like the stables and carriage house.
The reception for the Clifton VA is set up as a stylish living room.
The interior design by Blackberry Farm Designs is stunning and creates a perfect blend of contemporary decor in a historic setting. Think lots of repurposed vintage furniture mixed with modern art.
I love this side table with its fun hoofed feet.
4. Great Food on Site
The 1799 restaurant is run by Michelin-starred chef Mathew Bosquet who earned his kudos at Mirepoix in San Francisco. People come from Charlottesville to dine at this restaurant. Stay at The Clifton Charlottesville, and you can enjoy fine dining on your doorstep!
The library-styled dining area of The Clifton Inn VA
5. Family-Friendly Setting
Despite its cool, arty setting, the Clifton Charlottesville is not precious though. Having just spent time at The Greenbriar, we were relieved to see little kids acting like little kids.
Blues and greens, velvets and woods – color and texture mix beautifully
Note the children we encountered were all well-behaved but just not so Stepford Wives perfect.
Perhaps I’m anxious about my own parental inadequacies! I have a 12 year old boy – combed hair, jacket and tie just sits weirdly on him except in a family portrait setting. And, even that only lasts about 10 minutes tops.
Note also that there are rooms that can occupy family groups with rollaway beds. And, that includes Fido – the hotel is pet-friendly!
Photo gallery of The Clifton Charlottesville
Chic country estate living can be yours one night at a time at the Clifton Inn Charlottesville.
A writing area in our hotel room at The Clifton Inn Charlottesville
A super-comfortable bed at the Clifton Inn
A giant walk-in shower at The Clifton VA
Comfortable bar chairs at the Copper Bar of the Clifton Inn VA
Practical Details for Visiting The Clifton Inn in Virginia
Read the excellent TripAdvisor Reviews for the Clifton Inn VA.
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