REVIEW: Courtyard by Marriott, Richmond Downtown

The Courtyard Marriott Richmond Downtown is situated in an location we really liked. The downtown area has benefited from a recent facelift with trendy hotels, shops and restaurants opening up, making way for a young, professional vibe. But true to its Virginia roots, the cobbled stones and ornate buildings around here maintain the classic charm we really loved about Richmond.

Courtyard Richmond Downtown review

The lobby of this hotel came as a huge surprise. I was expecting the usual floral-yet-corporate decor but the open-plan lounge felt more like a trendy workspace and there was even a small coffee shop. From first impressions the design was was relaxed and bright, with a definite appeal that would attract a younger clientele. Given the surrounding area and its recent resurgence, the hotel has obviously been paying attention. A redesign to fit in with its stylish neighbours didn’t go unnoticed. Most importantly, the staff here couldn’t have been friendlier or more cheerful. Good customer service is almost expected in the US but the staff here seemed genuinely happy to greet you and really deserve extra credit. Before we’d even been handed our room key it felt like we’d been staying for weeks.

Cool Lodgings

The hotel is much bigger than it looks and so our room seemed quite far away from reception but this was probably due to the boutique feel of the lobby – never a bad thing. I was pleasantly surprised to also find a modern room with cool furnishings and gadgets. The super speedy wifi was free for guests making the hotel perfect for a business stay – and those of us who love our social media! It would also be ideal for couples or friends visiting Richmond and who want a hotel within walking distance to attractions and nightlife.

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Super shower

Another huge plus for our room here was the spacious walk-in shower with a proper tray (not the semi-bath setup that many US hotels seem to go for). The shower itself didn’t disappoint either – hot and powerful! I was also thrilled to discover named products provided in the bathroom. Cosmetic brand Paul Mitchell are not only quality products but famously cruelty-free, never testing on animals. A big thumbs up from me! It’s rare to find a decent conditioner in a three-star hotel as well so I was jumping for joy!

Handy extras

A fridge and a microwave in the room is always something that appeals to me so. As well as keeping our own drinks cool, it’s so handy to have a fridge to store restaurant leftovers to make a cheap (free!) lunch the following day to heat up. This is really handy if you are travelling on a budget as well as being a HUGE help if you are staying with children in tow. Flat screen TV and coffee-making facilities meant a lazy Sunday morning for us and we were grateful for it!

Overall I was chuffed with our stay at this hotel and it didn’t feel like a chain at all. Plus, the comfort and decor made it feel superior to its three-star rating. Location and comfortable rooms are obviously the things people look for when booking a hotel but the welcoming staff really added to an already pleasurable stay. I would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Richmond. Thanks so much Courtyard Richmond Downtown!

A quick note from us:

Standard prices for the Courtyard Richmond Downtown are listed above but we travelled with Purely Capital Region USA, who offer a nine night package to the Capital Region USA (Baltimore, Virginia and Washington DC) from £1499 per person. This includes return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles Airport, economy car hire throughout, two nights at the Four Seasons Baltimore, two nights at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in a Elizabeth River View Room, two Nights at the Courtyard Richmond Downtown in a Standard Guest room and three nights at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square in a Deluxe Room. Price based on two people sharing a standard room. purelycapitalregionusa.co.uk

Read our review of the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Virginia here

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