There are various choices that a student director planning a field trip has to make, like which bus company or airline to travel with, where to go touring and sightseeing, which restaurants to dine and relax and, of course, where to stay. Richmond presents several selections for lodging accommodations, and your budgetary and comfort specifications will most definitely be accounted for. There are several places to stay that offer amenable services and facilities, which will allow your students to de-stress together after bustling days of practice and other fun activities. With that, here are our top five accommodations for students in Richmond.
In-Depth Articles On Richmond’s
A Historic and Hip Hostel?
HI Richmond Hostel. Credit.
Though “historic” and “hip” are seldom ever used in the same sentence, the HI Richmond Hostel surely deserves this description for its classy historical foundations combined with its modern, contemporary twist. Located four minutes from the heart of downtown, the hostel is within reach of several museums, theaters, restaurants and even the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus. The recently renovated historic building offers all the amenities that students hope to encounter, including free Wi-Fi, laundry, daily housekeeping, a business center, continental breakfast, weekly tours and activities, a shared guest kitchen and a common room equipped with a pool table. South of Washington, D.C., the hostel’s closeness to the James River, East Coast Greenway, Harper’s Ferry, Appalachian Trail and many other places allows students the chance to explore the city. Comfortable, hip shared spaces bring guests together in a communal setting, where students can bond and unwind from a busy day of band or choir practice. The hostel presents several room options, including dormitory style rooms with bunk beds or private rooms, all equipped with secure storage and charging stations. Special deals and programs are offered for students, and reservations are not required, but recommended for groups.
Not Just for College Graduates
Graduate Richmond. Credit.
The quaint Graduate Richmond situated roughly 20 minutes from the Richmond International Airport (RIC) is ideally positioned close to the Richmond Coliseum, Dominion Arts Center, Altria Theater, Virginia War Memorial, VCU and a multitude of museums in downtown Richmond. After a long day of tours, sightseeing and maybe even performing at W.E. Singleton’s Center for the Performing Art at VCU, students will welcome the chance to unwind at a fancy yet reasonably-priced hotel. The preppy, minimalist atmosphere combines the architecture of the past with the modern art of the present scattered throughout the halls of the hotel. Situated on several vast, famous golf courses, the Graduate is surrounded by monument-lined boulevards that commemorate the accomplishments of tennis great Arthur Ashe and other luminaries. Varying room sizes allow guests to have an assortment of choices, including the Graduate Queen-Queen, Graduate Corner King and King Suite, all equipped with two beds, or the Family Suite with 4 beds. Guests have the chance to dine at Brookfield, the hotel’s lobby cafe, or to take a swim in the Byrd House, the seasonal rooftop pool. The Graduate is pet-friendly, and amenities include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary bikes, bus shuttles, daily housekeeping, business facilities and 24-hour front desk service. Reservations can be made via the hotel website or third-party booking websites.
A World-Class Stay at the Westin
Westin Richmond. Credit.
Just 14 minutes from downtown Richmond, the Westin Richmond is located conveniently within close proximity of Richmond’s most popular attractions, like the Riverfront Canal Walk and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. A stay at the Westin guarantees students the chance to tour the University of Richmond and engage with life on a college campus, or stroll down Monument Avenue, which commemorates notable Virginians throughout 400 years of history. History buffs will be sure to enjoy stops at one of the many museums close by the hotel, like the Virginia Historical Society, Science Museum of Virginia and Children’s Museum of Virginia. The Westin Richmond has been endowed with Westin honors such as “Best in Class” and “Hotel of the Year,” and promises friendly services and helpful amenities. Hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi, private parking, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, room service, a business center, a 24-hour fitness center and an in-door pool. This pet-friendly hotel also spotlights their signature dining experience, Crossings Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, for those guests who do not wish to dine out on some nights. Three different room sizes present guests with diverse lodging alternatives to choose from, and group reservation hotel deals may be made.
Comfort and Convenience at the Clarion
A stay at the Clarion Hotel Central in Richmond guarantees prime access to several of the city’s main attractions and entertainment options for students to enjoy. Situated 10 minutes from downtown and the Museum District, this is an appropriate choice for students to be within close proximity of museums and possible tours. The Clarion is also located near VCU and other performance venues, making it the ideal choice for students who may have long days of band, choir or dance rehearsals, and wish to just take a short drive to their hotel to relax for the night. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, parking, meeting and banquet spaces, a fitness center, daily housekeeping, a business center and 24-hour front-desk service, while rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, iron and ironing board. Convenient reservations for group bookings can be made with incredible savings. For groups booking 26 rooms or more, the hotel asks that you please fill out a group request form which can be found here.
Calm and Cozy at the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is another affordable option positioned in the heart of downtown Richmond, overlooking the Virginia Capitol Building and just 20 minutes from the Richmond International Airport (RIC). The hustle and bustle of downtown will be sure to keep your students busy, and when they have finished practicing, performing and checking out historical sites, the plethora of restaurants and activities to pick from will not disappoint. A brief history of the hotel reveals that it was opened in 1901 and was originally called the Hotel Rueger, which was established by German-born Louis Rueger and his family. After several decades of changes in ownership, the Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel was introduced in 1982, and in 2004, a partner of SMI Hotel Group bought and renovated the hotel into today’s Commonwealth. With several room types to choose from, the Commonwealth provides spacious living accommodations equipped with flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, sofa-beds, coffee makers, microwaves and refrigerators with freezers. Hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi, accessible parking, a fitness center, 24-hour front desk service, daily housekeeping, a business center, baggage storage and room service. Hotel packages and special offers are offered to oblige varying budgets and specifications.
