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The Best Hotels to Book Near Paint Lick Mountain, Virginia

Western Front Hotel will push your worries to the back
Western Front Hotel will push your worries to the back | Courtesy of Western Front Hotel / Expedia

The intriguing pictographs on Paint Lick Mountain’s limestone cliffs – twenty ancient drawings of birds, humans and turtles – have long intrigued visitors to the Southwest Virginia archeological site. It’s thought that these symbols were the work of Native Americans who formerly occupied this stretch of the Appalachian Mountains, but the finer details are debated. Go and see what you can decipher when you stay at one of these nearby hotels, bookable on Culture Trip.

Super 8 by Wyndham Richlands/Claypool Hill Area

Chain Hotel

Super 8 by Wyndham Richlands:Claypool Hill_5010ea51
Courtesy of Super 8 by Wyndham Richlands/Claypool Hill

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.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Claypool Hill

Chain Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Claypool Hill_35769b2b
Courtesy of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Claypool Hill / Expedia

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?

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa

Spa Hotel

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa_fad52219
Courtesy of The Martha Washington Inn & Spa / Expedia

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 Marion Hotel

Hotel

General Francis Marion Hotel_6e72b4c6
Courtesy of General Francis Marion Hotel / Expedia

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.

Western Front Hotel

Hotel

Western Front Hotel_57a9f31c
Courtesy of Western Front Hotel / Expedia

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.

The Bolling Wilson Hotel

Chain Hotel

The Bolling Wilson Hotel_w5611h3732x12y11-d2118c94
Courtesy of The Bolling Wilson Hotel / Expedia

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.

Bluefield Inn

Hotel

The Bluefield Inn_afbda63d
Courtesy of The Bluefield Inn / Expedia

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.

Looking elsewhere in Virginia? There’s a lot to recommend. Try a stay near the Shanandoah National Park, one near the Norfolk Botanical Garden, or around George Washington’s Mount Vernon, bookable with Culture Trip. Once you’re done, find out where to see Virginia’s best fall foliage – you won’t be disappointed.

About the author

Philipp Meier is a Phuket-based travel writer with a passion for Thai culture. His work has been published on the South China Morning Post, BootsnAll.com, GoNOMAD.com, Motorcycle Sport and Leisure Magazine, among others.

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