by Jeff Voth

The capitol city of Virginia, Richmond inhabits both sides of the James River as it meanders towards Chesapeake Bay on the east-ern seaboard of the United States. A waterway with historical significance, the river is undergoing a renaissance of sorts as more people realize the importance of restoring this once picturesque waterway to its original luster for future generations to enjoy.

In recent years, the James River spilled over the banks protecting the lower portion of the city, causing substantial damage to the areas around Canal Walk and the Farmers' Market. But savvy investment by restaurateurs and the business elite has brought new life to this area, and the evening streets are abuzz with both tourists and the locals enjoying the busy nightlife.

At the heart of Richmond resides the grand dame of the city, the Jefferson Hotel. First opened in 1895, the Jefferson is one of only a handful of hotels to be honored with both the Mobil Five Star and the AAA Five Diamond ratings. It is also a member of the Historic Hotels of America and the Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

A marble statue of Mr. Thomas Jefferson stands in the upper lobby of the hotel. At one time, the pool over which his inspiring figure resides contained several live alligators. Since then, much of this area has undergone renovation and only the hotels' namesake remains for all to see.

In it's glorious past, The Jefferson Hotel played host to Presidents, writers, actors and singers of renown. Elvis was known to have walked the halls with a blaring transistor radio under his arm, while it was in the dining room that Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was first discovered tapping his way into the hearts of patrons and the history of this great hotel.

Opulence and history are two words that instantly come to mind when describing the Jefferson Hotel. Few hotels in North America display the sense of treasured memories that are knit into the very fabric of this impressive building.

Restored between 1991 and 1993 at a cost of approximately 20 million, The Jefferson Hotel is one of three hotels owned by a pair of wealthy Richmond businessmen. The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville is an equally impressive, early 1900's hotel, while the brand new Sanctuary Inn at Kiawah Island in South Carolina is a state of the art resort designed in the grand style of a southern plantation.

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