I had a two night stay at The Inn at Little Washington in May 2019. Built around the three-Michelin star restaurant, the rooms are spread out amongst nearby buildings in the little village of Washington (population 133) at the base of the Blue ridge Mountains, 70 miles from Washington D.C.. I stayed in the Carter Building in room 15, a suite with a generous sized lounge and lovely bathroom, in addition to the communal lounge downstairs. The level of detail of design of the rooms here is remarkable, with even the tiniest element carefully thought through; even the toilet paper was exceptionally soft. The mattress was very comfortable and the servicing of the room is impressive: a little lens cleaning wipe was left next to my iPad, and the magazines that I brought all had bookmarks inserted into them. There is free wifi that I measured at a serviceable 4 Mbps, though bear in mind that a mobile phone signal is optional out here in the countryside..
Breakfast here is special, with the kitchen making everything form scratch, including superb croissants and bagels, home-made jams and smoked salmon that is smoked by the chefs in the kitchen. For all the careful design though, the best element of the stay was the staff, who are impressively well trained and really seem to care about your well-being. I was greeted by name by everyone that I encountered even on the first day, despite there being a few dozen rooms here. The hotel can arrange for you sightseeing in the nearby areas, such as a drive through the scenic Shenandoah national park. Overall this was one of the most impressive stays in a hotel that I can remember - a real delight.
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Our stay in March was our second visit to The Inn at Little Washington. Though shorter, than our first, I think that it might have been even better, though I would not have considered that possible.
On this visit, we were starting our belated celebration of our 47th anniversary. Business travel precluded any earlier celebrations, and we were treating ourselves to two Relais & Châteaux properties, almost back-to-back. The Inn at Little Washington was our first (after overnighting near IAD (Dulles), after a late arrival from Phoenix.
We drove down to Washington, VA, planning to arrive at about check-in, but even with a leisurely breakfast, and taking many of the “back roads,” we arrived early. We planned to just chill in the bar, or do Afternoon Tea in the restaurant, but found that our room, in the Carter House was ready, so checked in. Now, “checking-in” at the Inn at Little Washington is a slightly different process, than at many inn/hotels. It basically consists of handing over one’s car keys, retiring to the lobby bar (Monkey Lounge), and sipping Champagne, or a “seasonal drink,” while everything else is done. At the time of one’s reservations, all of the paperwork, etc., is completed, so one just relaxes, while their luggage is taken to their room, and any automobile parked – so very simple and so very elegant.
The Carter House is directly across the street from where we stayed previously, The Parsonage, and is diagonally across from the main building at the Inn, so highly convenient. We were in Suite 14. When I made the reservations, some months before, the excellent agent worked with me, to find just the right room, from their inventory. She did a wonderful job. As much as we enjoyed our room in the near-by Parsonage, we like Room 14 at the Carter House, even more.
Our upstairs room had a unique floor plan, and it was obvious that with the recent renovation to the Carter House, some things had been changed, from the original layout. One enters, after a slight climb up the stairs, into a “hallway,” or “gallery.” I believe that this was once a porch, and likely between two separate rooms. It has been enclosed, with windows on two sides. Upon entering, to the left is the bedroom, which is spacious, with sitting areas, and a very comfortable King Bed. To the right, one encounters closet space – lots of it – and then a large bathroom, with a walk-in shower, a large soaking tub, the WC and twin sinks, with a very long counter. As we were on a 5-stop trip, taking us for most of two weeks, and facing unknown weather in each location, we had a lot of luggage, and clothing for about all possibilities – from heavy Winter coats, to hiking shorts, to jackets for fine-dining – we had it all. Our room provided more than ample closet and drawer space for everything, that we had packed, or managed to carry onto the airplane. One could stay for two weeks, and indulge in myriad activities, and have more than enough storage space.
Our only “views” were a smallish window, overlooking Main St, and then that gallery with the windows facing the “backyard.” With Spring not yet arriving, the trees in the backyard were still bare, so that view is likely to change, later into Spring, Summer, and early Autumn.
We found the seating almost excellent, though in the bedroom, the TV was mounted on a wall, offset to the side of the bed, and the seating was a bit to the other side – OK, but of notice. We had plenty of horizontal space in the bedroom, and also in the bath.
As mentioned, the King bed was very comfortable, as were the ample pillows. The little “dining table” more than adequate, and all other seating very good. In all, an extremely comfortable room, with plenty of floor space (did not catch the square footage, but including that gallery, it had to be in the range of 900-1200 sq feet total?
The bathroom was just as spacious, and everything was fully functional. One light bulb, which was burned out on our arrival, was quietly replaced, during the turn-down service – we never even got to mention it to the staff. We also had a very full compliment of Bulgari bath amenities, plus two plush bathrobes.
Lighting in the entire suite is excellent, and one should be sure to ask their valet to give full instructions on which switch does what – there are so very many, and it can take a bit, to “tune” the lighting, as desired in each room. It reminded me of moving back into our home, after a major renovation: “Darling, what does this switch control? How do I turn on those lights?” That sort of thing. Three years back, and I still have to hunt for a few switches. Suite 14 is not quite that involved, but it took us a half day to figure out much of it – and we DID get instructions! Each room also had ample AC outlets (all near horizontal surfaces) to charge our various devices. Maybe note that there is almost zero cell coverage within about 20 miles of Washington, VA.
The architecture, and the décor are what I would typify as Colonial, but then there are elements, which are definitely Victorian – and then some elements (scattered all about), which are but “whimsical,” with no obvious purpose, but to entertain the viewer.
Besides the Suites, there is a “common living room” on the first floor, which is quite comfortable, though we utilized that little.
I did notice an EV charging station next to the Carter House, at a little “driveway,” and there might be more, scattered about the property?
Then, across the street, there is the Main Building, with the front desk, the “Monkey Lounge*,” the restaurant, and some lovely courtyards – plus rooms upstairs. That building is the “heart” of the Inn at Little Washington, and a guest will find themselves there quite often.
* One must spend a few moments, seated in the Monkey Lounge, to take in all that it has to offer. Have a glass, or two, of Champagne, or a cocktail from the small bar, and just observe – look everywhere, as there are items, which might be missed, and are worth a look. There are “playful, and whimsical little simians” everywhere – though none, which were alive – that we encountered.
Now, we dined on-property, for two Breakfasts, two Dinners, Afternoon Tea, and several visits to the Monkey Lounge. Actually, the main motivation for our first visit, was to dine at The Inn at Little Washington – but during that first stay, we realized how very much more there was, to the Inn. That is not intended, in any way, to diminish the wonderful food of Chef Patrick O’Connell, but to point out that the Inn does go far beyond just the food.
I was also determined to have a glass of the complimentary Port, placed bedside in a small, personal decanter – along with two lovely Port copitas. On our first visit, Sommelier, Lindsey Fern plied us with so many great wines, that we just could not consider the “bedtime Port.” Though she worked her magic, yet again, I was determined. It was very good, and a nice end to a great evening, but my wife was asleep, before I could pour her a glass. At least she has something to look forward to, on our next stay!
Service, during our stay, was perfection. We wanted for nothing. The staff seemed to anticipate our every need. I am very particular when I travel, but can think of nothing, which would have made our stay any better – besides perhaps better weather?
We left The Inn at Little Washington (in snow), saddened to leave, even though we were headed to a major wine event, at another Relais & Châteaux property, Blackberry Farm, in Walland, TN.
Though it took us two years to get back, even though we had four business meetings in Washington DC, during that time, we will be returning, even if we cannot dovetail the trip with business in the Nation’s Capital.
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Carter House #14 our new "favorite"
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We booked a "junior suite with fireplace" and stayed in the Jacques Pepin Room for one night, along with dinner in the restaurant, to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had very high expectations based on the price and its reputation - and our expectations were surpassed!
The pictures don't really do the Inn justice or call attention to the level of detail, and words are hard pressed to describe what a great time we had. During our entire stay we felt like a combination of 1) favorite relatives of some well-traveled and eccentric British nobleman with a great sense of style who loves to entertain at his country house in Devon, and 2) Dorothy hanging out in the Emerald City (the Monkey Lounge probably contributed to that one!). There are so many lovely little surprises along the way that we don't want to share them in this review so you can discover them for yourselves!
Staff are phenomenal - attentive without being overbearing or fussy. You can wander around the public areas of the house and lovely vast gardens at leisure. The shops across the street are really charming.
Dinner was wonderful - courses, wine, pacing and service were all excellent, and the dining atmosphere was of everyone just having a really good time - nothing pretentious or stiff.
We were so sad we had to leave the next day and couldn't book another night. Truly a special place.
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Date of stay: June 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
My husband surprised me with a trip to the Inn this week for our Anniversary. The experience was charming and magical. We were greeted as if we were the only two staying at the Inn.
Having drinks at the Monkey Bar and spending time in our gorgeous room before dinner was wonderful.
Dinner was intimate and exquisite. We just came back from New York and had dinner at the Four Season's, even though the Four Season's is an unbelievable restruatant, dinning at the Inn is an experience beyond compare.
If you decide to try the Inn be prepared for fine dinning and beautiful rooms, the value of a luxury Inn is what one takes away from the experience. If you are concerned about how much it cost then this is not the place for you.
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Date of stay: July 2006Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check in / front desk
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
After hearing so many positive comments and reading so many reviews (and seeing TV specials and local news shows) about The Inn over the past 20 years or so, I finally decided to visit… I arranged to go over a weekend for my wife’s birthday and the weather couldn’t have been more perfect!
Upon arriving, they provided the utmost in service and it remained that way until we checked out, after two nights. Anything you want or need, they’re there to provide it. They learn about their guests and know them and are always there, standing by to take care of anything you need. It’s impressive to have them refer to you by name, especially staff you haven’t seen before! And when you come down before breakfast, tea or dinner, they’re standing by, waiting to take you to your table. You never sign a thing, you just enjoy yourself and enjoy being immersed in the best experience ever!
We did dinner one evening and that was truly a special event! We’ve done many dinners that are considered exclusive, hi-end and some even had a star, but none like this… There was absolutely no pretentiousness! The staff was very down to earth and made guests feel comfortable. The food preparations are truly a work of art! The unique creations, depth of flavors, freshness and presentations were all stunning and incredible! This is DEFINITELY something everyone should experience at least once in their lives! Avery special person who really helped make this evening even more special, was Christine Barr, the Somm at our table… First off, there were three Somms in the dining room, something I’ve never seen anywhere else! But Christine not only have a true appreciation for wine (which was evident in her discussions with us) but her knowledge of not only varietals, but also regions and champagne houses was incredible, so was her French! She paid close attention to us, as I’m sure she did all her other guests and we trusted her to choose all three bottles we enjoyed during dinner.
Daily breakfast and afternoon tea were both a special experience, highlighted by incredible food! I’m an omelette aficionado and their omelettes were outstanding! They make the most PERFECT French omelette and each day stuffed them with something interesting and different. Their tea selection is one of the largest I’ve seen! Definitely take your time to read, review and make your decision! And the setting for both breakfast and tea couldn’t be any prettier!
We thoroughly enjoyed all of the staff who made our staycation (because we only live an hour away) so special! From Adam at the front desk/lobby to the young lady we saw each day at breakfast and tea (I think her name was Amanda?) in the atrium, she was so very personable and provided the best service! Adam was very personable and did a great job being very professional, while being very personable as well!
Our suite, we stayed in the Jacques Pepin suite was OUTSTANDING! Such a beautiful room with comfortable amenities. The décor was outstanding! I really liked that there was a foyer when you walked in, with a separate closet off the foyer and the full bathroom also off the foyer, then the bedroom, which was outstanding! It not only offered a fireplace, but also three sets of French doors to the outside, with a balcony. The bed was extremely comfortable and offered the most perfect firm mattress. A nice touch we enjoyed was the room being refreshed each time we left (whether for breakfast, tea, dinner, etc… someone touched up the room, replaced towels, etc), as it was nice to return to a fresh room! Then, there was the turn down service, which allowed us to come back to a room which was perfectly lit and ready for the closing of the evening’s adventures. It was also nice to come back to a surprise in our room each time we left; there was typically something from the bakery in the room. Housekeeping also tidied up cell phone cables and other items we might have left strewn about, a nice touch!
The grounds we serene and nicely-manicured! Whether we walked the border trail, near Chef’s house or the beautiful garden in front of the Claiborne House, everything was gorgeous! Even walking through this part of the beautiful Town of Little Washington was delightful!
All of the attention to detail throughout was stunning, from the candles (yes, stick candles) lit throughout to the beautiful wall paper in the bar that evoked interesting thoughts and conversation (great during drinking) of what the decorator’s ideas were to the amazing ceiling in the main foyer… Everything was gorgeous and we loved our stay there and we’ll most definitely return and stay again… soon!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
