If you’re planning on visiting Washington, Virginia, a stay at The Inn at Little Washington is something you must do! This Inn is in the luxury class of country inns and can be found at Middle and Main Street. It also has a fine restaurant within the building so you don’t have to go far for meals.
The Inn was originally started in a garage in 1978, but that structure no longer exists. Today, the Inn is a member of the Relais & Chateaux Hotel Group, since 1987. The Inn was originally started by Patrick O’Connell and Reinhardt Lynch in 1978. O’Connell was the chef and bought out Lynch in 2007 after they decided to part ways. Today, O’Connell is the sole owner of the Inn.
The Inn is comprised of the Main Inn, the Parsonage, Carter House, Mayor’s House, Gamekeepers Cottage, and Claiborne House. It may be tricky trying to decide which one is best for you. The entire site is called “The Campus”. In total, you’ll have seventeen guestrooms to choose from.
The Inn is a charming place to stay, and perfect for travelers who don’t like the chaotic environment of large hotels. The main Inn looks much like a house of last century, with two floors and a balcony on the second floor. It’s a lot like staying at your grandma’s house, but better.
Award-Winning Luxury Accommodations at The Inn
Besides having articles in several of the top newspapers in the USA—The Washington Post and The New York Times—it has earned five-star ratings and awards with many associations.
The Mobil Travel Guide gave it five stars for both its restaurant and its accommodations, with the Inn being the first to receive this distinction. The AAA then awarded it five stars for both Inn and restaurant in 1989. They managed to hold onto their top ratings straight into 2016.
In 2016, Michelin Guide gave it two stars, which is the highest rating for them. The restaurant has also earned Best Service, Best Wine List, Restaurant of the Year, Best Chef in Mid-Atlantic, Chef of the Year, and Top Ten Best Restaurants in the World awards.
There are dozens of more awards too numerous to mention here.
The Inn at Little Washington Hotel has also captured the notice of celebrities. Andrew Lloyd Webber stayed here one time and said that the hotel was the best dining experience he could recall in a long time, perhaps his best ever. And this is a man who has all British and French restaurants within reach!
Emotions & the Success of The Inn’s Restaurant
The restaurant uses an interesting technique when serving its customers that go beyond perfect presentation and delicious food. The wait staff will discreetly attempt to detect and record the emotional state of each person at the table. This is done on a scale of 1 to 10. With such hectic lives, heading to a fancy restaurant gives people a chance to get away from the stressors of life. It’s the goal of the staff to get people up to a “9” before they leave that restaurant.
This is such a simple, yet unique way for the staff to make adjustments to service throughout the night. And it’s such a wonderful goal to make a customer leave the restaurant feeling like they’re walking on air.
Reservations are recommended to the restaurant, to avoid disappointment. While there is no dress code, many guests do dress up, as you don’t want to feel out of place.
There are tours of the kitchen so you can see the chefs in action. The kitchen has also been lovingly decorated.
Staying at The Inn at Little Washington
While the Inn was first established in the 70s, the building it’s located in was actually built in 1905. It was built by Edward Thornton. It contains a total of twelve accommodations, including eight guestrooms and four suites. Each one is named after a special culinary pioneer.
Other Spots to Enjoy Refreshments
The Living Room of The Inn is perfect to enjoy a cup of tea, have drinks before dinner, or enjoy coffee and dessert afterward. There is also the Monkey Lounge where you can enjoy an alcoholic beverage.
The Parsonage
The Parsonage is another place you can stay at that’s connected to the Inn. It’s right across the street from the main building. This is a 6000 square foot Victorian mansion from the 1850s. It’s been lovingly restored and is perfect for guests who enjoy Victorian luxury. There are six newly restored guestrooms that have fireplaces and bay windows overlooking the village.
The Parsonage was designed by Joyce Conwy Evans. Proprietor Patrick O’Connell has created the ambiance of an enchanting countryside cottage, with a touch of whimsy and surprise. These guestrooms are more modern than the ones at The Inn.
Carter House
Carter House is named for the family who used to own it. It has a charming garden with a gated rose arbor, and a miniature garden. The house has a front porch where guests can sit in comfy wicker chairs to relax. There is also a living room where you can relax.
Mayor’s House
The Mayor’s House is one of the oldest buildings in Washington. Parts of the building are from 1740. At one time, a Mayor of the Town of Washington lived here. Inside the house is a formal sitting room with a gas fireplace. The bathroom is decorated with blue and white colors, and there is a hand-painted Portuguese tile to decorate floors and walls. The bathroom also has the modern conveniences of a jacuzzi tub and separate shower. There is a private walled garden for afternoon teas. This is also a great spot for weddings or other celebrations.
Gamekeepers Cottage
This is close to the main Inn but offers tranquility and serenity. Sitting outside on the patio you’ll be close to nature and may even see a deer or two! This cottage is elegantly rustic and has a stone fireplace and wood paneling. Staying up in the attic may make you feel like you’re staying in a treehouse.
Claiborne House
Claiborne House is a cottage close to the main Inn building. It has an herb and flower garden. If you’re interested in staying here, there are two bedrooms with king-sized beds, and two full baths, both on the second floor. There is a living room with wood fireplace, a dining room, two chef’s kitchens, a media room, library, and a half bath on the main floor. In the back is a two-story veranda overlooking a private garden, with plenty of space for outdoor entertaining. This may be your best option if you are bringing your family, as essentially you get the entire cottage, but are separate from the kids.
Claiborne House has some additional amenities not offered with the other guestrooms. You’ll enjoy beautiful floral arrangements by their in-house florist. You’ll also enjoy one bottle of white wine and one bottle of red wine. For snacking, there is fruit, peanuts, homemade granola bars, quick bread, and freshly baked cookies. For those who enjoy spirits, you’ll enjoy decanters filled with premium single malt scotch, bourbon, and cognac, salami and cheese platter, nuts, spicy pineapple, water, and soft drinks.
How to Get to The Inn
You can rent a car or hire a limousine to bring you from the airport to the Inn. Once you’re at the Inn, there is a Concierge service that will assist you in your daily sightseeing.
On-Site Amenities
When you stay at The Inn at Little Washington you can expect a high level of service at luxury accommodations.
Besides the Restaurant and snacks, there is also a Gift Shop where you can purchase postcards and essential care items.
The Inn has a special event ballroom, which is perfect for holding your wedding reception, family reunion, or other celebration.
When you arrive at the Inn you’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail. Every day there is continental breakfast and an afternoon tea. If you bring a car, the Inn offers valet parking so you don’t have to worry about it. If you have a Tesla or electric car, there is a car charging station on sight. There are free newspapers in the morning.
There are housekeeping services three times a day, an overnight shoe shine, and pressing and ironing services to look after your clothing. There are bicycles and umbrellas that you can borrow. In the rooms are bathrobes, a hairdryer, iron and ironing board, bathroom toiletries, scales, and makeup mirrors.
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Book Your Room at The Inn
You can book your stay at The Inn at Little Washington online website. They do require one night’s deposit in advance or all nights for Claiborne House. Or you can book it through Booking.com.
Once you learn a bit about The Inn at Little Washington, you’ll want to plan on staying here for a weekend or longer. It makes the perfect honeymoon or anniversary location, but there are guesthouses that suit families too!
