Where to Stay in Richmond (5 Best Areas, by a Local)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Richmond | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

Richmond stole my heart when I decided to attend college here over a decade ago. Throughout the years, I’ve come back again and again to explore my favorite city. Now, as a resident, I’m here to help you decide where to stay for an unforgettable experience.

If this is your first time visiting, I recommend staying in the Shockoe Bottom area. This hub is bursting with rich history, popular eateries, bars, and museums. Plus, it’s home to the James River Park System. The Berkeley Hotel is a great hotel to stay in if you love historic charm and a convenient location. Meanwhile, The Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Downtown is an ideal choice for families.

But Richmond has so much to offer, and there are several other areas to stay in, whether you’re looking for an exciting night out, family fun, or time spent in nature. 

I’ll overview all of these areas, but first let’s take a look at my top hotel picks.

Best Places to Stay in Richmond

If you’re short on time, these are my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – The Berkeley Hotel
• 📍 Best Location – The Omni Hotel
• 💎 Best Luxury – Linden Row or The Jefferson Hotel
• ❤️ Best for Couples –  The Quirk Hotel
• 👪 Best for Families – The Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Downtown
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – The Boulevard Inn
• 🏝️ Best Near Brown’s Island – Delta Hotels
• 📜 Best Historical – Linden Row
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Moxy Richmond Downtown

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Richmond: 

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Richmond

Richmond City is bite-sized compared to other major cities, and can be driven through via Broad Street

Each of these neighborhoods and hubs have their unique flair and lots to offer, plus they are all easily accessible via car or the GRTC bus lines. Museums are dispersed throughout the city, whereas most nature attractions can be found at or along the James River, south of Downtown Richmond.

Shockoe Bottom

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Shockoe Bottom Hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Downtown • Residence Inn by Marriott Richmond Downtown • The Berkeley Hotel • The Omni Hotel 

Shockoe Bottom is the perfect jumping off point for first-time visitors. In The Bottom (as it’s lovingly called), you can find museums, clubs, bars, nature, and restaurants along cobblestone streets.

The Berkeley Hotel is a great place to stay for those looking for a centrally located hotel with historic charm. The Omni Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Richmond Downtown are two other solid options for the area.

There’s tons of history in Shockoe Bottom. Check out the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, the Holocaust Museum, and The Valentine First Freedom Center. Learn about the important history and preservation of the Shockoe Hill African Burial Ground. Visit the art gallery and welcome center at the historic Main Street Station.

Enjoy a plethora of international cuisine throughout the neighborhood. Visit Havana 59, a Cuban restaurant, Addis Ethiopian Restaurant, or La Bodega Latin Kitchen. Right up the hill of Shockoe Slip are more great dining options like The Tobacco Company. Grab some fresh produce at the seasonal 17th Street Market.

Discover murals and art installments along the Riverfront Canal Walk, or taking a Canal Cruise along the James River. Rent an e-bike to ride along the famous Capital Trail.

Pros of Staying in Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood:

• Lively nightlife
• Close to James River
• Unique environment 

Cons of Staying in Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood:

• Cobblestones may be difficult for disabled individuals to traverse
• Frequented by college students

Downtown

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Richmond Marriott • The Commonwealth • Delta Hotels

Downtown Richmond is steps away from the Virginia State Capitol, Richmond’s Financial District, and an abundance of amazing eateries and cultural venues. 

I recommend staying in the Richmond Marriott, which offers great views of the city. It has a skywalk connected to the Greater Richmond Convention Center, and a complimentary shuttle that connects you to a variety of unique entertainment and dining locations.

The Commonwealth is another great hotel option due to its close proximity to The Civil War Museum and John Marshall House Museum.

Staying in Downtown Richmond is the perfect choice if you plan on checking out the James River via Brown’s Island or Belle Isle for hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking. 

Richmond also ranks high in the country’s beer scene. Spend a night on the town discovering the Richmond Beer Trail, stopping at an array of rooftop bars and restaurants to taste all types of hoppy goodness. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Neighborhood:

• Close to the James River
• LGBTQIA+ clubs and bars
• Very walkable

Cons of Staying in Downtown Neighborhood:

• Possible traffic during rush hour
• Not tons of foot traffic

Museum District

👉 Best Area For Museum Lovers | ✨ Best Museum District Hotels: The Boulevard Inn • Courtyard by Marriott Scott’s Addition • Charming 3BR Apartment

The Museum District is a picturesque neighborhood along Arthur Ashe Blvd., that, as you can imagine, is known for its museums. 

I recommend staying at The Boulevard Inn, a cozy bed and breakfast located in the heart of the Museum District. Its charm means it blends in seamlessly with the neighborhood.

Courtyard by Marriott Scott’s Addition is another option, several minutes away in the nearby Scott’s Addition neighborhood. It’s surrounded by even more food and entertainment options for families and nightlife lovers alike.

Visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) and the Virginia Museum of Culture, conveniently right next to one another. The Science Museum and the Children’s Museum, both perfect for families, are right down the road on Broad Street.

Stop by Carytown for nightlife, shopping, and dining, or a stroll down the strip. Catch a Flying Squirrels baseball game at the Carmax Stadium. Maymont Estate and Byrd Park are a short drive away and have beautiful gardens, lakes, and manicured landscapes.

The Fan District is another scenic neighborhood that’s minutes away from the Museum District and known for its bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Pros of Staying in the Museum District Neighborhood:

• Very walkable
• Close to shopping at Carytown
• Museum central

Cons of Staying in the Museum District Neighborhood:

• Roads can get busy during rush hour
• Not as many hotel options; apartments may a better choice
• Farther away from the James River

Monroe Ward

👉 Best Area For Foodies and Shoppers | ✨ Best Monroe Ward Hotels: Holiday Inn Express – Richmond Downtown • Linden Row • The Jefferson Hotel

Located in the northwestern area of Downtown Richmond, the Monroe Ward is a neighborhood with lots of character and historic architecture.

Linden Row is my top pick for staying in Monroe Ward. As a boutique hotel, it offers charming appeal and supreme comfort. Holiday Inn Express – Richmond Downtown is a great alternative for those looking for budget-friendly accommodations and The Jefferson Hotel is perfect for luxury.

The Monroe Ward provides shoppers the opportunity to browse boutiques like Whilom Goods Vintage and Blue Sage Bridal. Monroe Park is a short walk away for anyone who wants to enjoy a stroll or attend one of many events held here throughout the year.

Eateries abound in this quaint neighborhood. Enjoy South Asian cuisine at Thai Patio, or New American dining at Lemaire. You can also visit Oregon Hill, a nearby neighborhood known for its charm, the Hollywood Cemetery, Virginia War Memorial, and top-rated restaurant, L’Opposom.

Pros of Staying in Monroe Ward Neighborhood:

• Perfect jumping off point for RVA’s arts, culture, and outdoor attractions
• Near other downtown neighborhoods and districts
• Laid back atmosphere

Cons of Staying in Monroe Ward Neighborhood:

• Not super lively at night
• Mostly VCU students

Arts District

👉 Best Area For Arts and Music Lovers | ✨ Best Arts District Hotels: The Quirk Hotel • Moxy Richmond Downtown

The Arts District is west of the Financial District and north of Monroe Ward. It’s one of the historic hubs of Downtown Richmond. 

My favorite hotel and recommended stay in this area is Quirk Hotel. It’s located in the heart of the Arts District and decked out with an art gallery and a rooftop bar. Moxy Richmond Downtown is a great choice for a more affordable stay in a central location.

Living up to its name, the Arts District touts multiple art galleries, music venues, and cultural hot spots. A couple blocks away is the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University. Attend a lively art walk during First Friday. 

Jackson Ward, another popular neighborhood known for its history of Black entrepreneurs, is just a few blocks away from the Arts District. There’s always an opportunity to see live music at the Ember Theater or the National. Find some new-to-you digs at a thrift store, or browse unique boutiques, like Verdalina or Mod&Soul.

In typical RVA fashion, The Arts District also has an array of unique bars and eateries like Gwar Bar and Lillie Pearl.

Pros of Staying in The Arts District Neighborhood:

• Great nightlife
• Tons of live music
• Very walkable

Cons of Staying in The Arts District Neighborhood:

• Street parking can be limited
• Not always the safest area

Tips for Staying in Richmond

Visit the James River

The James River Park System is a huge attraction for Richmond locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of ways to see and experience it, from kayaking and white river rafting to laying out on the dry rocks. It’s a unique way to enjoy the great outdoors in the River City.

Be Cautious of Pedestrians, Cyclists, and E-scooters

Richmond is full of pedestrians, including lots of college students attending VCU. Be patient and alert when navigating the city. There’s also a huge bike scene here, so learning how to share the road with cyclists before you arrive is appreciated.

Enjoy a Picnic

I love a good picnic. Packing your lunch and enjoying the outdoors is a budget-friendly alternative to eating out during your visit. Plus, there are plenty of parks and fields to choose from to enjoy some fresh air in solitude or with friends and family. 

Be Aware of One Way Streets

The streets of Richmond can be particularly tricky for visitors navigating the road. Keep your eyes peeled for one way streets. Take the GRTC public transit if you want to take a back seat and enjoy the sights of the city.

Art is Everywhere

Murals are everywhere in RVA, but if you look close enough, the city will reveal its eclectic style in some truly unique (and oftentimes hilarious) ways. It’s one of the many reasons I love Richmond!

FAQs about Richmond

How many days is enough for Richmond?

Visitors should be able to cover plenty of ground in Richmond in three to four days. This will give you time to visit the most popular museums, outdoor attractions, and experience most award-winning restaurants and cafes.

What areas of Richmond should I avoid staying in? 

Southside, across the bridge, doesn’t have as much to do compared to the rest of the city. It’s also not as safe as the other areas mentioned in this guide. 

What are the best parts of Richmond to stay for families?

The Museum District and Shockoe Bottom are my top picks for families visiting Richmond.

The Museum District will place you right in the center of some of Richmond’s most renowned museums and beautiful outdoor parks, making it a prime spot for families. Meanwhile, Shockoe Bottom has tons of restaurants to choose from for even the pickiest of eaters, and its proximity to the James River Park System is a plus when it comes to convenience.

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I hope I’ve helped you figure out where to stay in Richmond! The city is small in size, but huge in personality. Travelers of all kinds will have a blast visiting. Want more help planning your trip? Up next, check out my guide to the best things to do in Richmond!