Rolling hills speckled with vineyards, sprawling country estates, horse farms and stately historic homes is the scenic backdrop of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Offering an abundance of natural beauty, history and urban sophistication, Charlottesville is truly a special place. Ranked consistently as one of the best small cities to live in America, Charlottesville has been hailed as “a little piece of heaven” by locals and visitors alike.

The unique and welcoming charm of the city is rooted in Charlottesville’s masterful integration of historic architecture and traditions with contemporary style and modern conveniences.

Past and present creatively coexist.

Add in the stunning countryside, spectacular mountain views and a dynamic arts/entertainment scene and you have the makings for a world-class destination.

Fast Fact: The Best time to visit is NOW! Historic Charlottesville turns the big 250 in 2012. The year-long birthday celebration will feature a series of special events and festivals. For more info visit: www.celebrate250.com

Nestled on a pristine 100 acre estate just minutes from the downtown center, you will discover a tranquil garden retreat offering exceptional service, fine dining and upscale amenities. The Clifton Inn, once the site of a bustling commercial trading post, is an authentic and elegant extension of Charlottesville’s rich past and refined southern hospitality. This gracious historic manor has been beautifully restored to a AAA Four-Diamond Relais & Châteaux luxury resort hotel.

A private road leads to a circular driveway surrounded by lush landscaping, walking trails and colorful flower beds. A lake, tennis courts and a dazzling infinity pool are in the distance.

The period architecture and rustic design touches – antiques, white-washed walls, pine floors, exposed brick and rough-hewn ceiling beams – are among the remnants of the home’s humble beginnings. Today,the Clifton Inn, masterfully transformed, offers a standard of excellence that far exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning clientele.

* Forbes (formerly Mobil) Four Star -Award Winner

* Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine

Guests are greeted by the towering white columns and grand front porch entrance of the main house. The Clifton Inn features  a total of eighteen distinct rooms, suites and private residences. A renovated carriage house, converted stable suites and a spacious adjacent country farmhouse are popular lodging options for those who prefer more intimate accommodations. Wood-burning fireplaces, soaking claw-foot tubs, private view terraces, and sitting parlors add a touch classic old world comfort to the overall hotel experience. Madeira, a favorite spirit of the forefathers, is the signature suggested night-cap; guests are treated to a complimentary carafe in their room.

Indulgence is no longer a wish but a right on these hallowed grounds. Croquet on the lawn, cocktails by the pool, wine tastings and tours of the area’s 24+ vineyards and VIP seats at the local polo match become priorities over email and voicemail.

Privileged Pleasures Prevail.

The Clifton Inn’s appeal and accolades extend beyond its guest rooms and prime location to its cuisine.

The innovative and farm-fresh menus of the Clifton Inn’s famed dining room will not disappoint. Chef Tucker Yoder taps into Virginia’s bounty of  local ingredients and the region’s award-winning wines for a tantalizing culinary experience that is hard to forget. Guests are invited to sample a variety of delectable dishes with a custom three to five course tasting dinner menu. Classic heritage creations like Poached Oysters Salsify, inspired by Thomas Jefferson himself, are showcased in the mix. Other favorites include a Celery Root and Black Truffle Soup, Braised Pork Trotter, and Chef Tucker’s notorious Honey-lacquered Duck Breast served on a fluffy bed of stone-ground grits. Dinner reservations are highly recommended. Expect one dinner seating nightly, given the staff’s attention to detail with every serving. Dining guests are so immersed in the cuisine that sitting and savoring Tucker’s sweet southern fare for hours is easily done and accepted.  You won’t find waiters rushing to turn tables.  You will only find a professional international team of hospitality experts eager to serve and inspire.

Rest, Romance and Refinement are all within reach at this elegant retreat.

The Clifton Inn works to make  every day … history in the making!

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia – Albemarle County

Address:                                                                                                                                                                 1296 Clifton Inn Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22911                                                                                                                            434-971-1800

Route 250 East approximately 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville and the University of Virginia.

Airports:

Richmond Airport: 1 hour

Washington-Dulles and Reagan Washington International Airports: 2-3 hours

Approximate Drive Time:

2.5 hours to/from Washington

From Washington DC (Direct Route)
Travel on Interstate 66 West to Gainesville
Travel Highway 29 South to Charlottesville
Take Route 250 East 7 miles
Turn Right onto Route 729, North Milton Road
Clifton is the second driveway on the left

From Washington DC (Scenic Route)

Travel on Interstate 66 West to Gainesville
Take Highway 29 South to Culpeper
Take Route 15 South to Gordonsville
Take Route 231 South to Shadwell (will become Route 22 – – do not turn)
Turn Left onto Route 250 East
Immediately turn Right on Route 729, North Milton Road
Clifton is the second driveway on the Left

1.5 hours to/from Richmond:

From Richmond                                                                                                                                     Travel on Interstate 64 West
Take Exit 124, Shadwell
Turn Left at the light, onto 250 East
Turn Right onto Route 729, North Milton Road
Clifton is the second driveway on the left

Room Rates: Seasonal                                                                             

For special promotions and packages, visit The Clifton Inn Website online.

Total Accommodations: 18 private units

Garden Rooms: $170-$375

Suites: $200-$695

Carriage House & Honeymoon Cottage: $395-$785

Select rooms are pet friendly – $75 per night fee.

Standard Room Features & Amenities:

  • EarlyAmerican Antique Furniture & Accents
  • Quality Masconi linens & robes
  • Molton Brown Bath Products
  • Spa Jet Showers
  • Flat Screen TVs
  • High Speed Wireless Internet
  • Bose Sound Systems & Clocks
  • Complimentary Parking
  • Complimentary Continental Breakfast & Afternoon Tea
  • Evening Turn-Down Service
  • 24 hour Concierge/Guest Service
  • Complimentary Carafe of Madiera Wine

Diva Top Pick for Romance:  The Blue Ridge Suite

This beautiful and bright suite features floor to ceiling windows for lots of sunshine; a private entrance and porch facing the pool; a living room with a full sofa bed and desk; and a cozy bedroom with a queen size plush bed. The bathroom is updated with a modern shower.

Recommended Activities:

Explore Wine Country – The Monticello Wine Trail features over 24 boutique Central Virginia award-winning vineyards. Not to Miss: Blenheim Vineyards boasts the best in wine and music…with celebrity owner, Dave Matthews at the helm.

A Triple Play History Lesson – Tour the country’s most celebrated Presidential homes: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Ashlawn-Highland and James Madison’s Montpelier.

Main Steet Market –  416 West Main Street. Over nine specialty gourmet shops under one roof. From an organic butcher, fresh seafood market,  an artisan bakery, a cheese shop and more. Diva Spotlight: Sustain, Inc. a green boutique specializing in unique environmentally keen apparel, accessories and furnishings (just steps from the market entrance)

Shopping Extraordinaire – Uncover fabulous finds at the countless boutiques on the mall, Charlottesville’s pedestrian friendly downtown retail mecca.

 

Diva Delights:

  • Vintage Vixen – 300 East Market. Eclectic meets Luxury Fashions.
  • Charlottesville Arts Cooperative Gallery -118 East Main Street. Featured works by 60 local artists and craftsmen.
  • Circa – 1700 Allied Street. Voted the region’s top Antique/Collectible/Vintage Furniture store.
  • Caspari -100 West Main Street. U.S. flagship store featuring exclusive Caspari line of quality tableware, decorative accents, invitations, gifts and more!
  • Yves Delorme of Paris ” Outlet Store”-  311 East Main Street. High Quality Linens and Bedding at a Super Savings!

Good Eats:

Downtown lunch and Sunday Brunch hotspot: Petit Pois Restaurant – 201 East Main Street. A quaint fun, farm-fresh french bistro with an affordable menu and a gracious staff.

Check out The Scout Guide to Charlottesville online for the inside scoop on local best bets.