FTC disclosure: I received a free hotel stay in exchange for a story and social media posts.
Perched on top of the hill overlooking the town of Staunton sits the last remaining hotel. The Stonewall Jackson hotel. Lucky for us it is only a short drive from the city. We were lucky enough to be able to get away for a few days stay in December.
The hotel sits on the hill and the rooms have a view of downtown, the beautiful historic homes, refurbished buildings that used to house the mills. We had a lovey big corner room in the King wing. There are two wings a Queen Wing and a King Wing.
The hotel was decked out in holiday cheer. A big tree in the lobby and decorations throughout the hotel. We parked our car and because the hotel is so centrally located we didn’t need it. To add even more charm of small a town at Christmas our stay was well timed with a snowstorm.
The hotel gave us tickets to the Blackfriars’ Playhouse and we saw a delightful Christmas play. The playhouse is just steps from the hotel, 44 steps from the hotel. My husband size steps.
It was easy to walk to all the restaurants, most are located on Main Street. The old train depot has been preserved and is now a wonderful restaurant.
After a cold day of walking around it was nice to come back and sit for a soak in the hot tub and pool.
We had plenty to do. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and museum, Watching the glassblowers at the glassblowing studios. Along Main Street we discovered the small History of the Camera Museum. It’s a jam packed space with every camera you can imagine.
The completion of a $21.1 million renovation in 2005. The hotel was restored to preserve many original features of the property while expanding it to serve today’s guests with a complete range of modern amenities and services. Following are a few interesting facts about the history of the Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center and the property’s refurbishment:
The hotel, which originally opened in 1924, was designed by H.L. Stevens and is considered an excellent example of the renowned American architect’s work in the Colonial Revivalist style.
Many features of the lobby area have been restored to their original splendor
This includes the marble floors, the glass display cases along wall adjacent to the Colonnade Ballroom and the dormered entryways into the pre-function space of the meetings area. The chandeliers and wall sconces in the lobby and in other parts of the hotel, such as the Colonnade Ballroom are all original.
Above the lobby, the mezzanine area has also been restored, with its original railings and birds-eye view to the activities taking place in the lobby area.
Located in the mezzanine is an original Wurlitzer Organ.
A one-of-a-kind instrument, the organ was built in 1924 and has been an important part of the Stonewall Jackson’s history. The organ has been precisely restored to it original condition and tone. It is the only known working 1924 Wurlitzer Organ.
The lobby area which is now a cocktail lounge features an original fireplace façade. This area was a seating area where Shenandoah society women used to gather for light conversation. The doorway to this area is the hotel’s original entryway.
In the early years of the hotel, the Colonnade Ballroom was a popular spot for special events. The Shenandoah Valley society, hosted such events as weddings and cotillion balls. The ballroom’s floors, moldings and detailed ironwork have all been restored.
This charming town and hotel have a lot to offer and it is well worth a visit. I’m glad that is close that we could go whenever we need to get out of the city.