Omni Charlottesville

Location

Located in the centre of the city’s downtown, the hotel is adjacent to a historic pedestrian mall; home to more than twelve art galleries in eight square blocks, it dates back to the late 18th century. Its brick-paved streets feature more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants all housed in period buildings. Other local highlights include the American Frontier Museum and the Kluge-Ruhu Aboriginal Art centre; both of which are a short drive away. Closer to base, there’s the University of Virginia and the Glass Palette, the state’s only create-your-own glass art studio.

Accommodation

Guest rooms balance contemporary luxury with historical reverence, decorated in a soothing palette of gold, sage and forest green. They also look out to spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, historic Charlottesville or the city’s landscaped mall. Highlights included oversized, designer chairs; feather pillows; and en suites, complete with Italian marble floor. Complimentary WiFi is available in all rooms and larger Executive Suites also include separate living areas and wet bars for entertaining guests.

Dining

Looking out over the aforementioned mall, The Pointe restaurant serves a combination of American favourites for all three meals. Start your day with a breakfast buffet feast of cage-free eggs, humane-certified bacon and sausages, organic cereals and freshly made bagels, pastries and breads. For lunch and dinner, expect dishes such as lightly battered calamari, Chesapeake Bay crab and 16-ounce rib-eye steak, prepared to your exacting specification. For lighter bites, there’s Morsel’s Coffee Shop and, if you’re wanting to retire to your accommodation, there’s a comprehensive room service.

Facilities

The hotel’s seven-story atrium and cool garden setting open onto its excellent amenities. The fitness centre features all the usual cardio and weights equipment along with an indoor Jacuzzi and dry sauna. There’s also both a heated indoor and outdoor pool with the former featuring a whirlpool soaker and the latter, an all-day tanning deck – ideal for reading your complimentary morning paper.