Stayed at the Draftsman Hotel in Charlottesville and had such a seamless, genuinely pleasant experience from start to finish. Valet parking was easy and stress-free, which always sets the tone. Jeffrey was incredibly polite and helpful on the phone when I called to update my reservation and add my status--small interaction, but it stood out. Check-in with J was smooth and efficient, and Alister greeted us with so much warmth and positivity. You could really feel that the team works well together and takes pride in what they do. The room itself was comfortable, clean, and modern, with a lovely view that made it even more enjoyable. The hotel feels very well managed overall--everything just runs the way it should. Location is another huge plus--right near UVA and central to everything you'd want while visiting Charlottesville. Without hesitation, this is the best place to stay in Charlottesville. Highly recommend and would absolutely return. read more

The Draftsman, Autograph Collection - View from Room - Hotels Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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The location of this place is prime, next to UVA's health system and walkable to the main campus and the nicer shopping and dining areas, as well as the train station (a relatively busy one). I had hoped that it would offer a high class experience, but it was just okay. The room had some minor aesthetic touches, but in substance was pretty standard. The entrance to the hotel felt a bit cramped, and the building seemed centered around the restaurant that didn't have much for me. The sheets caused some skin irritation, and I wish all hotels used the most hypoallergenic detergent available. From a service perspective, it was quite good. I was offered an early checkin and also took a late checkout, so I got a ton of time with the room. They also stored my luggage, including various baked goods, after I was done. So I got a lot of value out of the room. The question to me was how this hotel would compare to the others that are in downtown Charlottesville; would the experience be worth a bit more than the more standard Marriotts or various others. I was not convinced that it would be worth spending the extra money on. read more

We had a very very bad experience checking out at the Draftsman in late June. They only offer valet parking. We were trying to check out early and utilized the app so that our car would be available when we came down from our room. When we arrived the car was not there. We had to inquire and then after some time - an employee pulled up in the wrong car. Mean time with the clock ticking (airport) the employee showed no urgency and tried to tell us this was our car. The employee then goes back - again after some time telling us she couldn't find our car. We had parked it with this same person the night before after a wedding event. My wife was beginning to freak out about missing her flight and I finally had to demand that we just go look for it ourselves - luggage and all walking up the parking garage ramp. Clicking the button on the car key - our car was easily findable. And the employee was blaming us and the previous night folks - but she was the one who we had left the keys with. She was extremely rude - the type of behavior that would get most people fired on the spot. The cost of this hotel was not for the faint of heart and we will never stay at this place again. read more

Marriott dressed up as an ostensible boutique hotel...and it's an OK job of that. Rooms are standard Marriott fare, well appointed, well cleaned, comfy beds, desk space -- all pretty much as expected. The only thing "boutiquish" about the property is its decor, which is a little modern but still feels kind of corporate (which is just fine). My experience with the front desk team was OUTSTANDING -- polite, professional, personable. Heard some challenging stories about the valet -- but didn't park -- can speak to the truth that new automated valet systems often well and truly stink. Bar staff was also very accommodating and friendly. Gym was a little on the small side but had an ample selection of treadmills, elliptical, and a single peloton bike along with some free weights and a functional trainer. Just fine for a hotel gym. Location is great -- immediately next to the UVA hospital, and a short walk to "the corner." read more

I had hoped for the price and "autograph" label it was going to be a better experience. The location is prime and that is what you are paying for. There is free coffee in the morning but no real dairy products (just creamer). No free water unless you go to the gym-which is pretty standard. It is just expensive but not exceptional-no extra touches. Valet was fine but they might not have known how to open the door on my car. Yeah-not thrilled. Will not stay there again. read more

I had a very positive experience. The valet, Charlie, was pleasant upon check in. The staff at the front desk made the checkin and check out seamless. They even offered bottled water at the end of the experience; that was a very nice touch. The room is tidy and neat. I had a good night rest and would come again in my travels! read more

The Draftsman, Autograph Collection - Hotels Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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We totally enjoyed our visit! The valet crew and concierge are pleasant!!! Rooms are clean and nice our pup also enjoyed the stay! read more

The Draftsman, Autograph Collection - Hotels Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Bottom Line: Comfortable hotel in a great location with nods to Jefferson. My husband and I both really like the boutique and unique feel of Marriott Autograph Collection hotels so whenever there is one where we are traveling we stay in it. The Draftsman has all of the comforts of a modern hotel with decor inspired by colonial America and Monticello. We stayed in a basic King room but we found it to be very comfortable. The bed was comfy, the smart TV was a decent size, the room was quiet, the lighting provided a nice ambiance and the bathroom was well appointed. I liked the spa shower, large vanity and the C.O. Bigelow toiletries. The bathroom has a sliding barn door which is very stylish but doesn't afford as much privacy as a privy should! I really liked the decor of the hotel including in the rooms, lobby and library. It is definitely inspired by colonial America and Monticello but does not have an old or stuffy feel about it. In the lobby I especially liked the wallpaper and how the settee is accessible from multiple sides much like Jefferson's bed in Monticello. In the hotel room I really liked the two fabrics used on the curtains as well as the bathroom sconces. Also, its neat that each room has a draftsman table which I think makes a great bar or vanity. I appreciate a hotel with a nice gym and the Draftsman's is more than adequate. There are about 6 to 8 pieces of cardio equipment, a cable machine, medicine balls and open floor space. The gym is located on the top floor and you can also see UVA's Rotunda from the windows. One morning I saw two hot air balloons floating over the Rotunda which was neat. We also enjoyed a meal at the hotel's restaurant - Renewal. We enjoyed the bartender, our meal, the service and the decor. The Draftsman has a good location. There are lots of good restaurants within walking distance. The UVA Rotunda, The Corner and the Downtown Mall are also within walking distance. It was nice to be able to valet the car and then just explore on foot. Note that the Draftsman only offers valet parking. To explore beyond the immediately vicinity we retrieved the car and it only took the valet a few minutes to get it from the adjacent garage. The hotel is named for Virginia's three draftsman - Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, James Madison drafted the Constitution , and James Monroe drafted the Monroe Doctrine - a policy document opposing further European colonialism in the American colonies. Of course all these guys wrote lots of other stuff too! Overall I really enjoyed my stay at the Draftsman and would stay here again. read more

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If you are visiting Charlottesville or U of V, the Draftsman is a great hotel option. There is a very trendy bar and restaurant in the lobby. The gym is small but modern. The AC wasn't working well in the gym, but that should be a simple fix. The rooms are very modern and sophisticated. Everything in the hotel was clean and well kept. Parking is valet only, but the employees are quick and courteous. I had an issue with the refrigerator in my room, it would cool and ruined my recent purchase from Whole Foods. Luckily a very friendly and knowledgeable employee at the front desk compensated my loss with meal comps from the restaurant. I wish I remembered her name. That type of customer service gained my business for life. read more

The Draftsman has a very fun beer on tap system where you can grab your own brews at your disposal. The ambience is pretty nice and fancy with a sophisticated hotel vibe. Although I've never been super impressed with their service or food I would say to check it out if you're interested in their self serve beer system. The hotel it's attached to is very nice with a great lobby and pretty rooms at a lovely location. read more

I will start with the positives: staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. The restaurant attached to the hotel, although not Marriott owned, is excellent. To call this hotel part of the Marriott "Autograph Collection" and charge Autograph prices is a bit of a stretch. The suites are quite small/inconvenient layout and furnishings are on par with Fairfield Inn properties. The room had a layer of dust on the dresser and night stand. No luxury towels or bed linens. One of the days during our stay there was no valet on duty, but we were still charged for valet parking. Along with a few other minor inconveniences added up to a not worth the price experience...meaning not memorable. Next time we will probably stay at the Courtyard Marriott. To date, Marriott does not have a Lucy property in Charlottesville, VA. read more

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Draftsman is a "goda*n ten!" Corner room on the 10th floor was absolutely spectacular. Restaurant downstairs was amazing! Vibe was so smooth! read more

As someone who is always traveling for work and staying in multiple hotels a month, I was very impressed with my stay here at the Draftsman. The front desk provided excellent customer service and my room was incredible. I loved the view of the mountains and the proximity of this hotel to the corner. The lobby was decorated beautifully for the holidays and there was a bar at the bottom floor that was incredibly lively. I love this hotel and would come back in a heartbeat! read more

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For the level of hotel it was billed as the rooms were small. Service was less than one would expect, nor to the standards I received at most in the Marriott corporate system. Not bragging but this is coming from a Titanium Elite member who needless to say has a significant experience. Everyone seemed unsure what to do. They have an automated valet system that does not work well. The car valets have a difficult job considering the layout of the front of the hotel. The restaurant was abysmal. Service was non existent for the most pert. Only ate there for breakfast and given the experience over my 3 night stay I would not even want to begin to try dinner. Food was served luke warm, no offer to refill coffee. Staff seemed to be hidden or talking around their computer terminal and not paying attention to the guests. But at least given the decor it was noisy, including the clanging of dishes in clearing the tables. If I find myself in Charlottesville again I would try someplace else read more

This is a super cute, clean, cozy and quite hotel in the university area. Everything is nearby. If you are driving, the parking garage is on the left side of the building. You will need a ticket for it. It is accessible by elevator to the second floor. Other floors will require walking (FYI) read more

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Two nights for medical procedures. THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS & ATTITUDES STUMP ME. Pristine as you expect a great hotel to be. No flaws anywhere. I read all reviews on the internet prior to booking, now I realize some negative people had not stayed at the hotel at all, others had an angle? Others a tad ignorant about architectural elements, others could not pick up phone to report a problem to front desk? I mean, these people served us well and I had more than a few requests for our needs. NOTHING at all negative about this place. The valet parking was professional, extremely helpful and VERY speedy, rooms beautiful, services all there from front desk to darling ladies with housekeeping. Very lovely place, loved the Charlottesville ceiling map 1877 on lounge ceiling, whole thing beautifully designed with a lovely functional well thought out so clean bathroom. Secure, The Ridley restaurant attached. read more

We prefer to stay at The Draftsmen when we are in Cville for various UVA functions and events. We know that for big weekends, we need to plan in advance to make sure rooms will be available. Prices tend to be considerably inflated for those big weekends which is off putting but we still find the hotel comfortable, staff friendly and location convenient. In those rare times when our plans changed or we had other issues which required help, we have always received a professional response in a timely manner. Last week we had an issue arise the day we were scheduled to check in. I called the hotel and was connected with Kaleigh at the front desk who was both professional and responsive. Especially these days, customer service is often set aside. We were grateful for Kaleigh's customer friendly approach and problem solving rather than upsetting customers. The Draftsmen will continue to be our lodging of choice when we are in Charlottesville as long as they continue to have professional, customer friendly staff like Kaleigh! read more

NEGATIVE 100 STARS! If I could, I would give this hotel a negative review I would. Unfortunately, I have to at least give them one star in order to post this review. That one star is UNDESERVED. The service that I received was fine, but all of that was rendered moot by the fact that the management team is utterly inept and incompetent. I paid for my six-night stay in full when I made my reservation three weeks ago, and since then, I have been double charged, reimbursed, then charged again for twice the amount I paid for my reservation and forced to suffer the ill effects of overdraft fees and the utter destruction of my budget because this hotel is mismanaged and has ridiculously ignorant individuals charged with handling its finances. As we are in a global pandemic, I am utterly empathetic to the difficulties that the staff and management are facing; however, the quality service I did receive while there has been completely obviated by the fact that I accrued over $500 in overdraft fees on account of the rampant incompetence that pervades this hotel, I will not be compensated for the trouble that this has caused me, and there weeks after I checked out, I am forced to call management on a daily basis to seek a conclusion. At NO POINT has The Draftsman phoned me to explain the situation or make things right. Had I not called them repeatedly, demanding an explanation, they would not have attempted to remedy this unjust situation. DO NOT STAY AT THE DRAFTSMAN! Incompetence and ineptitude are not what anyone needs in 2020. It is absolutely NOT WORTH IT. DO NOT STAY HERE. read more

Ben at the restaurant was awesome! His customer service was amazing and was very attentive to our orders!

The draftsman hotel is located downtown Charlottesville and very convenient to the University of Virginia The hotel has valet only parking so be prepared when you arrive as parking in this particular part of Charlottesville was not easy The valets were very prompt and seem to always be available no matter how early or late Great experience and i would stay again read more

New establishment. You come in and half the menu is foreign. Come on this is a college town. We aren't near Martha's Vinyard or in NYC. The food was terrible! Oh my! The menu needs help! The chicken was dry and had no flavor at all. Gross overall. Service, mediocre. Not sure this place will last if they don't revive the menu. Seriously.... read more

Sarah, works the bar as a pro. She knows everything! In a great way. Tha ks Saeah for making our stay so great!

Well let's start with the bad first. The physical building, while newish, is a dump. While we were there: The right hand elevator would not go to all floors, then it shut down completely, then it restarted and now would go to all floors except the 5th. I will add a photo when I get to my phone but cut my hand on a sharp metal edge in the bathroom. The water in the tub dripped 24/7, fan rattled in the bathroom and was not only on with the light it was on 24/7 and could not be shut off. There was water coming out of the ceiling in the lobby with a big trash bucket under it. The walls were so thin we could hear the people next to us, above us and in the hallways. The overall building is so poorly insulated that when the UVA Pegasus helicopter lands at the hospital it's like you get a free ride on it as it sounds like your window is open. The check in area has only room for 2 cars and when we arrived there were 18 cars in front of us and it took almost an hour to get the car taken by the valet. The cars were backed up from check in to the corner at main street and then down main street for half a block. To their credit the valets were in uber hustle mode. But the design of the entrance sucks. This is a dog friendly hotel and it was loaded with dogs. I love my dogs and I will love your dog too but there is nowhere like a dog park or park or any greenspace near the hotel so the entire front walkway is covered with piss and smells like.....dog P. The good news is the friendliest, nicest, most helpful staff ever. From valet, to front desk, to maintenance, to housekeeping, every person over our three night stay was fantastic. The location in town is great, great Korean restaurant a short walk away, as was bubble tea and Insomnia Cookies. The room, housekeeping wise was immaculate. The pillows, beds, sheets, towels all comfortable and clean. The view from our room was fantastic and you could even see the mountains off in the distance. The bar downstairs was excellent and the Ridley restaurant off the lobby was very good, but also in physical disrepair which is odd since it appears new. Will write a separate review of them later. read more

Had our worst nights sleep here. There was a very loud fan in the bathroom that could not be turned off despite closing the bathroom door it was like trying to sleep in a wind tunnel. read more

This stay was just what we needed. The front desk associates were kind and knowledgeable. The proximity to food was on point and parking was easy. The only downside the bathrooms stay cold and the robes that are provided are super scratchy. The bed very firm, and the pillows way too soft no support ask for extra pillows or bring your own. read more

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Staying at the Draftsman for a wedding this weekend and the service is above and beyond. Cynthia and Kayla have been amazing front desk assistants and both ladies deserve a raise and a promotion. I would highly recommend a stay at this wonderful establishment. read more

If you're thinking about trusting this hotel with any special event including a wedding, I would think twice. They cancelled my sisters room block of 30 rooms FOUR DAYS before her wedding due to the hotel overbooking themselves. They now wont offer a solution or answer any calls. 10/10 DISGUSTING service!! You should be ashamed. read more

Love this hotel. Modern warm rooms in a European style. Centrally located between the college world and the business world. BTW, dog friendly. Visit the Public House for oysters at happy hour or ISO ISO for a bowl of tan tan ramen or just get an egg sandwich at the White Spot. read more

This is a nice boutique hotel conveniently located on the Corner in Charlottesville, and is a short distance away from both the downtown mall and UVA grounds. The hotel is beautifully decorated, and the room I stayed in with my family was spacious and stylish. The hotel is also dog-friendly, so our dog was able to stay with us despite her large size, and all the employees were very sweet to her. The beds and the bathroom were especially nice- the mattresses were very comfortable and the shower had a rain-style showerhead. The main drawbacks to staying here are that the rooms aren't very soundproof, so you can hear people out in the hall very clearly and parking is all done through a valet service. It can definitely take a while to get your vehicle if you're trying to leave at a prime check-in time. It also isn't very close to any great dog-walking areas, so you'll need to go on a bit of a walk to take your dog out. All in all, the Draftsman is a fun hotel in a great spot, and I think the benefits far outweigh the few drawbacks! read more

Modern and clean, think typical Hilton but stepped up 1.5 notches. The staff is friendly. The rooms are clean. The bathrooms are big, especially the showers. Close to the university and a bunch of coffee shops. If you don't want to stay in one of the more character filled inns around town, this is a good option. read more

Brand new hotel. They have done a fantastic job of decorating with an unique style. The location is close to restaurants, campus and really everything. They do not have parking, valet only for $19 per night. read more

The Draftsman, Autograph Collection - Hotels Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Boutique hotel located on Main Street, minutes from the University of Virginia. Modern Interior with suberb amenities. Valet Parking on site adds a nice touch! Modern restuarant accessible from the lobby has a great selection of food and drinks, including 36 craft beers and ciders. A+ serivce all around! read more

The Draftsman, Autograph Collection - Hotels Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

The rooms are nice sized, very clean, beds are comfy, there are multiple places to sit other than the bed, and I liked the design. The bathroom is very nice with a great shower. I don't love the lack of privacy due to the barn door on the bathroom- just beware of that if going the weekend and sharing a room with friends. Also, there is a 18/day valet parking fee, but the valet was efficient and fast getting our car. The gym is spacious and clean with free weights & medicine balls. It would be awesome if they could just buy a couple of kettlebells. We didn't eat at the restaurant, but it seemed popular. There are a lot of places within walking distance and dropping by Hardywood brewery a block away is a must (eat before or bring in food)! If you are reluctant to stay away from downtown- don't be because there is a free trolley. read more

A brand new, gorgeous hotel with the most accommodating staff. Highly recommended for anyone needing to stay near UVA. The hotel is modern with a cool lobby and nice, quiet elevators. It drives me crazy when I'm conveniently near an elevator but can hear it dinging all night. Noise wise, I didn't hear anything next to me and I had a corner room. I love the CO Bigelow bath products. The complimentary vanity kit has soft makeup wipes and even loofahs! Importantly, the toilet paper is ultra soft. I also love the work desk in each room. I love the rustic lamps as well. Everything in the hotel is very thoughtfully designed. They have valet parking for only $15! The restaurant connected to the hotel - Renewal is delicious. I could eat here every day. The best part of the hotel is Bullet, the general managers sweet dog. I loved coming back each day and seeing the floof ball sitting by the door. If I'm ever back in VA, I'm definitely booking the Draftsman. read more

Great location for walking to campus or restaurants. Unfortunately very poorly built hotel which makes for an uncomfortable stay. The windows facing the main road are so thin/cheap it feels like you are sleeping out on the street on that side of the hotel. The HVAC system is such that the registers in the room sound like a hairdryer is on 24/7. They always run. We had to turn the tv way up to hear over it. My son slept on a pull out couch that might as well have been a sheet directly on springs. Punchline is they cut costs wherever they could in the build out of the property. read more

My husband booked this hotel for our anniversary. When we arrived at the hotel and all of our things had been placed on the cart for us, we were informed by the front desk that the hotel had been overbooked and we would be moved elsewhere. "We are sorry and you should have been called" was really all the manager had to offer. Granted, they did pay for our stay at another hotel but that's missing the point. We were notified via phone of our cancelled reservation 30 minutes AFTER leaving the draftsman and arriving to the second hotel.‍ I get that things happen but as we were leaving several ladies had overhead our conversation with the manager and were worried about their rooms as they had been moved from another hotel to the Draftsman! Poor business management. As frequent guests of Charlottesville we will not stay nor recommend this hotel! Disappointed! read more

Sarah is amazing! She makes the best drinks , is friendly and remembers us regulars. Highly recommend Sarah and the Pomegranate blossom.

I absolutely love this property. From the actual room to the gym and restaurant. I only stayed one night but had the best 24 hours ever. I am usually trying to find things to do in the area but there was no need to leave the hotel. The gym and my room had an excellent view. However the best part was the bathroom. The floor to ceiling glass shower was not only aesthetically pleasing, the water pressure was awesome. The nozzle was high so it felt like a rain shower. The staff was excellent. Even our valet was awesome and in the future I may take a special trip back to Charlottesville just to stay here again. read more

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The Draftsman is a newer hotel in Charlottesville. Everyone was so nice. The General Manager greeted us as we were valeting our car. He later saw us at the bar, remembered our names and talked with us for a few minutes. The woman checking us in was so personable. When we came back in from a walk she welcomed us back. The food in the restaurant was delicious. I tried the shrimp and grits (first time) loved it. The wings were very good as well. Now for what I did not like about the place. When I walked into the bathroom the waste can still had dental floss in there from the previous guest. I could overlook that but what I was not happy about was the air conditioner was so loud that it kept me up all night. For a newer hotel you would think they would install quieter air conditioning units. If it wasn't for these two things I would definitely hives this hotel 5 stars. read more

We really enjoyed our stay! Location, location, location!!! The Draftsman is a very short, walkable distance to the UVA campus but there is also a free trolley that will pick you up right across the street if you would like a riding tour of the campus or if you would like to walk around the downtown mall. The hotel has a wonderful restaurant on site but there are also plenty of dining options just a short distance away. Starbucks is only .03 miles away and there are some really neat old photographs of UVA students that date back to the 19th century hanging on the wall. So much to see and do even in the most random places nearby. We loved our room! It was clean, comfortable and well appointed. The bed was quite comfortable and we slept well. We will be back! read more