The Jefferson

“Strikingly original in design, with not a single square foot of defect to mar the harmony..” This was written of the Jefferson hotel in Richmond, Virginia over 100 years ago. It was my pleasure to join my sister for tea at this famous hotel which is an integral part of the social and cultural history of Richmond.
  

  These beautiful marble columns and attention to detail held us in awe as we walked around the main floor.



We overlooked this dining area set for a private party later in the day.



The tea tables were set in the lobby and each one had fresh white linens and a silver tea strainer. The menu is pictured.



Linda and I both chose Ginger Peach tea to enjoy. "



Our tea tray consisted of finger sandwiches..chicken salad, watercress and tomato, cucumber and cheese and rolls with Virginia ham and cheese. The second tier held chocolate chip and cranberry scones and lemon tea breads. On the dessert tier were chocolate covered strawberries, linzer tarts, chocolate mousse tarts, and other small tarts. There was Devonshire cream and strawberry preserves to add to the pleasure.


Behind Linda there was an extremely large breakfront with many antique dishes inside.

  

The waitress was very attentive to our needs and volunteered to take our picture together.



After our tea we took a walking tour of the hotel. In the library of the restaurant there was a famous painting called “The Soap Bubbles”.



This photo shows the elaborate ceilings in the large downstairs room. The craftmanship in the details amazed us.





The hotel has its own floral shop with a gift shop also.


In the lobby was a magnificent Carrara marble statue of Thomas Jefferson the hero of the builder, Lewis Ginter. It is thought that nearly $2 million was spent to build the original hotel, and that between $5 and $10 million was spent on all aspects of the project. The Jefferson is a Five Diamond award winner.