Way to go, Virginia!

Travel + Leisure Magazine recently announced the winners of its World’s Best Awards. Two Virginia hotels made Travel + Leisure’s list of Top 15 City Hotels in the U.S.: The Georges in Lexington, and The Bristol Hotel in Bristol came in at number 2 and 9 (respectively), showing that Virginia has what it takes to hang with the big cities … Houston, Hollywood, Denver, and New York City, to name just a few.

Categories for hotels, resorts, attractions, and locations around the world are included in this prestigious reader survey, which took place before the widespread COVID-19 pandemic and polled readers on their opinions regarding location, service, food, amenities, and overall value.

The Georges

The Georges

Courtesy: The Georges (via Facebook)

11 North Main Street / Lexington, Virginia 24450

The beauty and outdoor adventure of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains set the scene for The Georges, located in the Shenandoah Valley of Rockbridge County. This boutique hotel, listed on the Historic Hotels of America registry, features Southern charm in a laid-back city setting.

The hotel is made up of two buildings: one dating to 1789 and one to 1809. The newer and industrial-inspired venue space was featured on DIY Network’s Salvage Dawgs. Lexington is home to the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.

The Bristol Hotel

the bristol hotel

Courtesy: The Bristol (via Facebook)

510 Birthplace of Country Music Way / Bristol, Virginia 24201

While Bristol’s title of “Birthplace of Country Music” might give off a backroad vibe, it’s actually a happening little town, with festivals, live music, and nearby attractions like football, NASCAR, the arts, and Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace in Abingdon.

The newly opened The Bristol Hotel boutique hotel has 65 guest rooms and suites with a modern and contemporary vibe. Architectural Digest has named its Lumac Rooftop Bar on its list of best designed bars in each state. Add in views of the Smoky and Appalachian Mountains and downtown Bristol (which must be stunning from the rooftop).

Bristol sits along The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, which winds 300 miles through scenic landscapes and culturally historic sites. It also has the super-cool distinction of being right on the border of Bristol, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee. And, yes, you can straddle the states.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Can you be in 2 places at once? I'm pretty sure this picture says you can! On the way home we spent 24hrs in Bristol, TN. This cute historic town lays right in between the borders of Tennessee and Virginia and right downtown you can find these plaques all the way down the main street. This town was full of that southern charm with the old shops, eateries and the picturesque scenery. It's also considered the birthplace of country music based on the following statement; In 1927, Ralph Peer of Victor Records decided to try something different. He went to Bristol, Tennessee, to record local musicians. He thought that old-time and "hillbilly" musicians could be found there. ... In 1998, Congress passed a resolution recognizing Bristol as the "Birthplace of Country Music." So this is pretty interesting as Nashville generally comes to mind. During your trip make sure to plan a stop in The Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Also, definitely check out Steele Park! This huge park has lots of features including a 24 gauge replica of a real steam engine that dates back to the park opening in 1964. Make sure to check all operations as I'm not completely sure of the updates due to covid! And if you are looking for a clean budget friendly hotel check out the @choicehotels Econo Lodge. Great rooms and location at a great price! Highly recommend! ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ #bristol #bristoltennessee #bristolvirginia #tennessevirginiastateline #downtownbristol #birthplaceofcountrymusic #birthplaceofcountrymusicmuseum #steelepark #parentswhowander #familytravelblog #familytravelblogger #bestplacestogo #familytravelmoment #dreamingtravel #borntotravel #travelmore #neverstopexploring #wherewillwegonext #liveyouradventure #welivetoexplore #roadtripadventure #roadtrippers #0612mamas #familyadventure #famileswhotravel #havekidswilltravel #takeyourkidseverywhere #exploreeverywhere #exploringfamilies #lifewellcaptured

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While The Georges is historic and The Bristol Hotel is more contemporary, both meet the mark for distinctive accommodations and modern amenities.

Here's a full list of the top 15 city hotels, for reference:

Travel + Leisure’s Top 15 City Hotels in the U.S.

  1. The Mark, New York City
  2. The Georges, Lexington, Virginia
  3. Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Santa Monica, California
  4. Kimpton La Peer Hotel, West Hollywood, California
  5. The Row Hotel at Assembly Row, Somerville, Massachusetts
  6. The Post Oak Hotel at Upton, Houston, Texas
  7. (Tie) Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, South Carolina and
  8. (Tie) The Surrey, New York City
  9. Kimpton Hotel Born, Denver, Colorado
  10. The Bristol Hotel, Bristol, Virginia
  11. Inn of the Five Graces, Santa Fe, New Mexico
  12. John Rutledge House Inn, Charleston, South Carolina
  13. The Art, a Hotel, Denver, Colorado
  14. The Lowell, New York City
  15. Hotel Emma, San Antonio, Texas

Have you been to any of these city hotels, Virginia or otherwise? Do you know of one that should have been recognized? Let us know in the comments.