The Virginia town of Roanoke has lots of natural majesty, tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Virginia Alleghany Highlands. But it also offers plenty of cultural charm. Explore its walkable downtown and vibrant Market Square. Check out its excellent museums, such as the Taubman Museum of Art and two devoted to railroad history. Keep an eye out, too, for the giant, illuminated star perched on Mill Mountain. It’s one big reason the town got the nickname Star City. The local lodging options include brand name hotels mixed with small inns and bed and breakfasts. Here are the best hotels in Roanoke.
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton (110 Shenandoah Ave NE; 540-985-5900) Downtown
This 1882 Tudor-style hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places, but is also part of the Hilton family, so offers plenty of modern amenities, like an outdoor pool and free WiFi. “Find touches of the past, like Czech-made chandeliers and a constellation ceiling in the Palm Court, alongside 330 traditional guest rooms and a relaxing spa,” writes Southern Living. Art fans will appreciate the hotel’s dedicated walkway to the Taubman Museum of Art. “I always love staying here when I am in town for business,” says a Google reviewer. “Lots of history in this hotel, and I love the vintage feel. Great location and you can walk to all the bars and restaurants downtown.” >> Book this hotel for less
King George Inn Bed & Breakfast (315 King George Ave SW; 757-675-4034) Old Southwest
“Lovely historic house in a beautiful neighborhood very close to downtown Roanoke,” writes a Google reviewer about this four-room inn set in a restored 1900s Colonial Revival house. “Lynn the host recommended a really nice bistro for dinner that was within walking distance from the inn. The room was so pretty with tons of character.” Today the inn still has a library, an art gallery, and a carriage house. Tripadvisor users comment on the wealth of knowledge of the hosts about the history of the house and Roanoke itself. One writes, “the local history lessons really added to our experience.”
The Liberty Trust Hotel (101 S Jefferson St.; 540-299-5100) Downtown
Southern Living writes that this “luxurious” 54-room boutique hotel “with custom-made furnishings is significantly inspired by its original standing as the former historic First National Bank headquarters from the early 20th century.” It has convenience, too, offering self-parking and a short walk to the City Market. A Google reviewer says this is “a unique hidden gem. Lots of history and character. Some rooms face the train station, but it wasn’t that loud. The restaurant vastly exceeded my expectations.” >> Book this hotel for less
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Roanoke (301 Reserve Ave SW; 540-400-6226) Old Southwest
It’s easy to get to downtown Roanoke—and spots like popular antiques store Black Dog Salvage—at this branch of the hotel chain that offers a free breakfast, a lobby bar, an indoor pool, and a free shuttle to locations arounds town. “Shuttle staff were excellent,” says a Tripadvisor user who also likes that the hotel is “close to the Roanoke River Greenway recreation trails, and sports fields and tennis courts across the street.” A Yelp reviewer likes the food options: The breakfast offerings are excellent and diverse compared to other Springhills and Resident Inns. Bonus—the Starr Hill taphouse is within walking distance down the street.” >> Book this hotel for less
Black Lantern Inn (1526 Franklin Rd SW; 540-206-3441) Old Southwest
You’re walking distance from downtown restaurants at this inn that offers organic breakfast and free WiFi. “The rooms were elegant and quiet, and the breakfast room was private with a fireplace and blankets,” says a Google reviewer, “The breakfast they prepared for us met all my expectations: a freshly baked coffee cake, fruits, and vegan yogurt for the vegan amongst us.” A Tripadvisor user recommends the upstairs Skyline Room, which has views of the Mill Mountain Star and “the room came with a small fridge, microwave, and a Keurig coffee maker. On the second-floor common area for the guests, there were a number of snacks, water bottles, and sodas too.”
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