Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and it’s a creative cultural melting pot. This is where you’ll find everything from an exciting, innovative art scene and mouth-watering food to interesting stores and a flourishing music scene. Wherever you go in Richmond, you’ll find something interesting to do. You just need to work out which neighborhoods suit your travel style and then settle in to explore.

Richmond is divided into five districts, each containing several neighborhoods. This might make it difficult for you to decide where to stay in Richmond for your first time or on a return trip. That’s why you should have a look at this Richmond guide before your trip, so you can find the best neighborhood in Richmond, whether you’re on a budget or have a little more money to spend.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Richmond?

• Where to Stay in Richmond First Time – Shockhoe Slip
• Where to Stay in Richmond on a Budget – Short Pump
• Best Neighborhood in Richmond for Families – Lakeside
• Best Area to Stay in Richmond for Nightlife – City Center
• The Coolest Place to Stay in Richmond – Manchester

Where to Stay in Richmond

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our best recommendations for places to stay in Richmond.

Richmond Neighborhood Guide

Richmond is the fifth-largest city in the state and is divided into five districts – West End, Downtown, North Side, East End, and Southside. Each area has its own vibe, as well as several neighborhoods with their own attractions and atmosphere. There are also some popular neighborhoods outside of the city center where you might want to spend some time.

Shockhoe Slip, with its slightly odd name, is hands down the best neighborhood to stay in Richmond for your first time. It’s close to everything and offers some of the best eating experiences the city can offer.

If you’re looking for a more local area with local prices, try Short Pump. The accommodation options in this area are more varied, so you’re more likely to find a great place to stay at a low price.

Lakeside is a good choice for families with busy kids or outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. It’s a little way out of the city center, but the access to parks and nature is unparalleled.

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Richmond for nightlife, you can’t go past the city center. This is where you’ll find a huge range of pubs and bars, all within walking distance of where you stay.

The final area to look at is Manchester, which is out of the city and offers a great mix of urban amenities and access to beautiful natural spaces. It’s hands down the best neighborhood to stay in Richmond close to everything.

Richmond’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

There are lots of great neighborhoods in Richmond, but here are some of the best for tourists.

Neighborhood#1 – Shockhoe Slip

Where to Stay in Richmond First Time

• COOLEST thing to do in Shockhoe Slip – Take a walk down the James River Park Pipeline Walkway.
• BEST place to visit in Shockhoe Slip – Spend time at the Great Blue Heron Rookery.

Shockhoe Slip is one of the most fashionable areas in the city, and a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Richmond for your first time. This area is a dining hub filled with Southern-style restaurants, so it’s ideal if you want to explore all the amazing food Richmond has to offer.

Shockhoe Slip is also part of the Downtown area, which means you’ll enjoy excellent transport connections to other parts of the city. It also has a busy vibe and lots of attractions close by to stop you from getting bored.

• Have a meal at restaurants like The Urban Farmhouse Market and Café, Buffalo Wild Wings, and the Southern Railway Taphouse.
• Learn about the man who mailed himself to freedom at the Box Brown Plaza.
• Remember the past at the Reconciliation Statue.
• Go swimming or fishing at the Pipeline Overlook.
• Take a cruise along the riverfront.
• Visit the Poe Museum for a look at the artifacts of a master.

Best Budget Hotel in Shockhoe Slip

Courtyard by Marriott

Within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the city’s biggest attractions, this hotel makes for a comfortable and convenient base in Richmond. It has a meeting center, fitness center, restaurant, bar, and lounge, and the rooms have patios where you can sit and watch the city go by.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Shockhoe Slip

Omni Richard Hotel

Omni Richmond Hotel features some incredible facilities including a heated indoor pool, outdoor sundeck, 24-hour business center, and cafe. Along with this, it has a prime location in the heart of Shockhoe Slip, meaning guests will be within walking distance of some of the best key landmarks and attractions.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Shockhoe Slip

The Commonwealth

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Richmond close to everything, you can’t go past this luxurious choice. It offers rooms with lots of living spaces and all the comforts of home. There are laundry facilities and a business center in the hotel and a fitness center and bar where you can have a relaxing drink at the end of your day.

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Need more info? Here’s a rundown of things to do in Richmond to fill your time there!

Neighborhood#2 – Short Pump

Where to Stay in Richmond on a Budget

• COOLEST thing to do in Short Pump – Take the kids to Skate Nation Plus for a day of excitement.
• BEST place to visit in Short Pump – Visit the Short Pump Town Center for upscale shops and dining.

This oddly named area is the best neighborhood in Richmond if you’re on a budget. It’s more local than a tourist area, so you’ll be able to try out all the restaurants, shops and activities that the locals enjoy. There’s also plenty to – do from shopping to dining and attractions for every member of the family. If you have kids or are traveling with a group of friends, you won’t get bored in Short Pump.

• Head down to Bowl America with the kids.
• Check out the shopping and dining at West Broad Village.
• Take the kids to check out the Children’s Museum.
• Have a meal at the Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s Little Italy, or the Mellow Mushroom.
• Practice your swing at the Drive Range.

Best Budget Hotel in Short Pump

Candlewood Suites Richmond

Homey and comfortable, this hotel is a great choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Richmond on a budget. It’s close to local attractions like the Children’s Museum and offers a fitness center, business center, and a mini-mart on site. The rooms are fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a short or long stay.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Short Pump

Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa Short Pump

A beautiful four-star hotel situated in the heart of the Shop Pump neighborhood, Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa offers some fantastic facilities. This includes an indoor pool, fitness room, spa, and wellness center along with a tasty restaurant.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Short Pump

Dury Plaza Hotel

Close to everything, this hotel is a great choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Richmond for families. It offers rooms in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group. It also has a fitness center and business center that you can use, as well as a hot tub, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool.

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Neighborhood#3 – Lakeside

Best Neighborhood in Richmond for Families

• COOLEST thing to do in Lakeside – Go fishing or hiking at Belmont Park.
• BEST place to visit in Lakeside – Visit Lakeside Avenue for cool shops and vintage cafes.

Lakeside is the best neighborhood in Richmond for families because there’s just so much to do in this area. It’s surrounded by parks and other natural areas, and there are enough outdoor activities to keep even the most energetic members of the family busy. Lakeside is a quirky local area, with lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes that you just won’t find anywhere else.

• Visit the Farmer’s Market on Lakeside Avenue.
• Go hiking or fishing at Bryan Park.
• Visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for miles of roses, ponds, trails, and cherry trees.
• Play golf at Bryan Park.
• Have a drink or a meal at Final Gravity Brewing Co, Carytown Burgers and Fries, or America’s Best wings.

Best Budget Hotel in Lakeside

Best Western Executive Hotel

Bright and cheerful, this hotel is located in the best neighborhood in Richmond for families and is close to attractions like shops and local cafes. There’s a fitness center and outdoor pool on-site, and the rooms are clean and outfitted with lots of extras to keep you comfortable during your stay, such as microwaves, bathtubs, and hypoallergenic pillows.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Lakeside

Residence Inn Richmond Midtown/Glenside

On-site at this hotel, guests have access to free bikes, a fitness center, and a beautiful shared lounge area. The hotel also offers a hearty breakfast every single morning, which has been dubbed the perfect way to fuel yourself for a day of exploring Richmond. Guests can choose between a buffet, à la carte, or continental breakfast.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Lakeside

The Westin Richmond

With a fitness center, laundry facilities, heated pool, and hot tub, this hotel has everything you’ll need for a comfortable, relaxing stay. The rooms are large and contain all the usual amenities, and there’s a restaurant and bar on-site, so you don’t have to go anywhere for a quick meal and drink at the end of a long day.

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Neighborhood#4 – City Center

Best Area to Stay in Richmond for Nightlife

• COOLEST thing to do in City Center – See what’s on at the Dominion Energy Center.
• BEST place to visit in City Center – Check out the Indie Music scene at the National Theater.

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Richmond for nightlife, you can’t go past the City Center. As the name suggests, it’s right in the heart of Downtown, with good transport links all over the city. You’ll also find a huge range of eating places in the City Center, from Korean to Mexican and European.

The accommodation choices are a little limited in this part of the city. You’re more likely to find chain hotels than funky boutiques or bargain options. But the easy access to everything more than makes up for that.

• Raise your glass at the Penny Lane Pub, the Kabana Rooftop, or Triple Crossing Beer Brewhouse.
• Check out what’s on at the Richmond Coliseum.
• Grab a meal at the Secret Sandwich Society, Capital Ale House, or Mama J’s Kitchen.
• Get out into nature at the Gambles Hill Park.
• Learn more about the city’s past at the American Civil War Museum.

Best Budget Hotel in City Center

Holiday Inn Express

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Richmond on a budget, this is a good choice. It’s located right in the City Center, so you have easy access to everything, and offers laundry services and parking. There’s also a shuttle service in case you want to explore, and a fitness center in the hotel so you can work off some of the soul food!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in City Center

Quirk Hotel Richmond 

A modern and brightly lit hotel with beautiful and quirky features, including its on-site gallery that displays rotating exhibits from local artists, Quirk Hotel Richmond is an excellent place to stay in the city center. The hotel also offers a rooftop barn with spectacular views of the neighborhood, making it the perfect place for an evening cocktail.

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Best Luxury Hotel in City Center

The Jefferson Hotel

Stately and gorgeous, this hotel is an amazing choice if you have a little extra money to spend during your holiday in Richmond. It’s centrally located and has a spa, restaurant, laundry services, babysitting services, coffee shop, and indoor pool. The rooms are large and luxurious and contain all the usual amenities, as well as some extras.

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Neighborhood#5 – Manchester

The Coolest Place to Stay in Richmond

• COOLEST thing to do in Manchester – Explore Belle Island
• BEST place to visit in Manchester – Have a meal at Croaker’s Spot, one of the best places on the East Coast for soul food.

Manchester is one of the hottest new neighborhoods in Richmond. It’s just across the river from the downtown area and offers a perfect mix of local charm, access to amenities, and outdoor experiences. This all makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Richmond close to everything.

• Head down to the James River for boat rides and trips to the islands.
• Check out Manchester’s Plant Zero Art Center and Café for artsy eating and the city’s hottest art scene.
• Have a meal at hotspots like Legend Brewing with its amazing views of the city or Brewer’s Café.
• Check out what’s on at the Dogtown Dance Theater.
• Marvel at the art at Artspace.
• Explore Brown’s Island.

Best Budget Hotel in Manchester

Residence Inn by Marriott

Located close to Manchester, this hotel is ideal if you want to enjoy all the attractions of this interesting neighborhood. It’s comfortable without being overpriced and offers a fitness center, rooms with patios, laundry facilities, and an on-site restaurant.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Manchester

Delta Hotels by Marriot Richmond Downtown

This beautiful mid-range budget hotel has a fantastic location just a short stroll from the Canal Walk and has an epic view overlooking the James River and Brown’s Island. The hotel also offers great facilities, including an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, gift shop, and tasty on-site restaurant.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Manchester

The Berkley Hotel

This hotel is a great choice when deciding where to stay in Richmond for couples. It’s romantic and historical, with a fitness center and babysitting services in case you’re traveling with kids. The hotel is located within walking distance of the city’s best attractions, and the rooms have a terrace and come in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Richmond

Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Richmond for your first time or on a return trip, you’ll have lots of choices. And of course, wherever you stay, you can also spend your time exploring other parts of the city. Richmond is too interesting and full of culture and life to miss out on!

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