The Georges – A Historic Inn
An upscale place to eat, stay in historic downtown Lexington, Virginia
Written by Hope S. Philbrick, editor Foodie Travel USA.
The Georges is a place to fall in love—with the modern elegance, historic character, and pampering service of the place itself, and also with Lexington, Virginia, the charming community that’s the southern gateway to the spectacular Shenandoah Valley.
Stay in a luxury guestroom at the inn, dine at either or both of its two restaurants—Taps and Haywood’s—and odds are you’ll want to return to The Georges again and again.
It’s a place to relax, mix and mingle with the community, and enjoy the good life.
Member of Historic Hotels of America
An award-winning member of Historic Hotels of America, The Georges occupies three buildings on both sides of Main Street in historic downtown Lexington. Each building has been named in honor of a George: Washington, Marshall, and Patton (the former U.S. president, Secretary of State, and general).
The Washington and Marshall buildings are two of Lexington’s oldest structures, both built more than 200 years ago. Formerly serving as homes, shops, inns, and offices, they were elegantly renovated and revitalized for modern enjoyment and opened as The Georges in 2014. The Patton Room, previously an auto mechanic shop and photography studio, was updated in 2018 to house a special event space that opened in 2019.
The Georges ranks No. 2 on Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2020 list of “The Top 15 City Hotels in the Continental U.S.” It currently offers 18 guest rooms and suites, all individually decorated for modern enjoyment and convenience. “All of the rooms were designed to let light come in,” says Stephanie Ring, Haywood’s restaurant manager and The Georges’ longest tenure employee.
Warming fireplaces, private balconies, big soaker tubs, spacious rooms with lounge areas, decadent mattresses dressed in high-quality linens, afternoon coffee and tea with homemade cookies, turndown service, heated bathroom floors, and heated towel racks are just some of the amenities awaiting guests at The Georges.
Complimentary breakfast is included for all guests. “We’re more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel,” says Ring. Adding to the inn’s hominess, “all the furniture and artwork is custom and most of it is regional,” she says. It is possible to reserve a specific room or suite, which is good news since “everyone has a favorite!”
Haywood’s Piano Bar & Grill serves upscale Southern bistro-style cuisine along with live piano entertainment in a casual, lively setting. The chef-driven menu showcases locally sourced ingredients in a range of seasonal dishes such as beet-cured salmon sashimi, butternut squash gnocchi, beef tenderloin, Cajun roasted cauliflower steak, and more temptations.
In addition to the main dining area, outdoor and private dining spaces are available. Typically, one musician plays the piano. On Sundays, jazz is performed by a solo artist, duo, or small ensemble (though during the coronavirus pandemic only soloists are featured). All of the musicians play at a volume harmonious with dinner conversations.
Taps, located across the street from Haywood’s, serves a range of libations and creative pub fare. With options like Virginia cheese boards, Caesar salad, sweet potato fries, burgers, fish and chips, penne pasta, and more, there’s something on the menu to satisfy most cravings and appetites. Craft beers and creative cocktails complement the food options.
Adults are The Georges’ most frequent guests, many of whom are visiting students at Washington and Lee University or Virginia Military Institute in Lexington or Southern Virginia University in nearby Buena Vista. Many guests stop for a layover on a longer journey. “It seems to be a gathering place where people can meet up,” says Ring. “A lot of people who stop here end up becoming regular guests and some even move to Lexington or retire here.”
“Welcome Home!” is the vibe at The Georges. “We have a tremendous amount of repeat guests,” says Ring. “And when they come back, they are so excited. I’ve heard, ‘We feel like we’re coming home,’ so many times. The staff—at the inn and the restaurants—make sure that every guest feels well treated, taken care of, and important. Hospitality is a common thread that runs through The Georges, Lexington, and the South.”
Come make The Georges your home for an evening or longer.
The Georges is one among many great reasons to visit Lexington, Virginia. For help planning your visit, call 540-463-3777.
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