City: Richmond, VA

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (804) 780-1300

Address: 1200 E. Cary St.

Description: The 55-room Berkeley Hotel in Shockoe Slip is Richmond’s only true boutique hotel, and though it opened in 1988, its warm and wood-paneled interior with old Virginia touches can fool visitors into thinking they are in a historic building. It was remodeled in 2008 with new mattresses, high-end cherry furnishings, and flat-screen TVs. Garnering AAA’s four-diamond award for 21 years in a row, the Berkeley prides itself on giving guests a warm welcome and stellar service. Seventeen rooms have balconies that overlook old and new Richmond. Wireless Internet is free throughout the hotel, and guest rooms are outfitted with luxury linens, coffeemakers, and terry bathrobes, and receive morning newspaper delivery. Room service is available from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and nightly turndown service with a homemade chocolate is complemented by complimentary health club privileges at the James Center YMCA, across the street. Smoking is allowed in rooms on the sixth floor by reservation, and valet parking is $17 per day. The Berkeley’s cozy lounge is a great place for meetings, though there are also three larger meeting rooms and a ballroom available for events. Shockoe Slip and Bottom have varied dining options just out the door, but the understated yet elegant dining room at the Berkeley shines on its own, receiving AAA’s four-diamond accolade as well.