The Best Hotels to Book Near Paint Lick Mountain, Virginia

You’ve come to this part of Virginia to commune with nature, so this small hotel – with just 46 rooms – is ideal for travelers looking for a low-profile stay. Skip the small-but-sociable lobby and head right to your room, where oversized black-and-white photos of Virginia’s old barns hang above the beds. They’re a welcome reminder of the all-American landscapes waiting for you to explore in the morning.

Roll up to Claypool Hill and check into this bright, contemporary hotel just an hour’s hike from the top of Paint Lick Mountain. Not a walker? Then drop your bags and don your skates for a couple of laps of the roller disco down the road at Skateworld. Still sound too much like exercise? How about smashing some pins to smithereens, one mile (1.6km) down the road in the other direction at Fireside Lanes?

You could get closer to Paint Lick Mountain, but the opportunity to stay in one of America’s foremost historic hotels doesn’t come around often (and besides, it’s only an hour’s drive). Formerly a general’s mansion and a college in the 19th century, this brick residence boasts baroque flourishes such as a towering grandfather clock, ornate mirrors, armchairs, and wood galore. On your way back after a day on the trail? Drop into the hotel spa for a muscle-soothing session in the couples’ soaking tub.

General Francis has been named one of National Geographic’s top 150 hotels in North America, and it’s not hard to see why. Though recently renovated, the 1920s-built hotel has retained plenty of its old-time appeal. Step inside, and you’ll be gazing at gothic arches and a glorious chandelier. The old-school charm continues in the guest rooms, with wooden accents and wine-coloured curtains, while comfy mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens and Anichini bedspreads add a dash of luxury.

It’s certainly not all quiet at this Western Front. Whether you fancy conquering Sugar Mountain or ATV’ing around the Spearhead Trails, adrenaline-fueled adventures beckon all around. Once you’ve blown off enough steam for one day, return to your cozy room to decompress on your blanket-draped bed, where upcycled sewing-machine side tables, industrial-lite reading lamps and blackout roller blinds create a cool, calming environment. After a power nap, meet up with your new friends for a game of pool and a beer at the Roost entertainment room.

This solid red-brick building was ahead of its time in 1927. Back when the majority of new buildings – including hotels – were still being built out of timber, the Bolling Wilson was touted as completely fireproof. While that might have been a slight exaggeration, it’s certainly stood the test of time. Book a room on the top floor to admire mountain views, relish the breeze on the rooftop lounge, or dig into succulent steaks and Southern classic shrimp and grits at the hotel’s Graze on Main restaurant.

With its white pillars and wide verandas overlooking gardens and West Virginia foothills, this vast 1900s mansion radiates Southern charm. Vintage light fixtures, four-poster beds and walk-out decks bring the period rooms to life, while extra-thick mattress toppers, satin sheets and fluffy pillows guarantee you’ll sleep like the dignitary your room is named after. This isn’t a place to rush out of – spend a quiet evening playing pool by the fireplace, or reading a book on the porch.