Visiting Hotel Petersburg

Although I’ve lived in Richmond since 2010, I have to admit that I’ve only ventured down to Petersburg a handful of times. I love the pizza at Trapezium, but I haven’t spent much time in the downtown Petersburg area. So when I was invited to check out the newly renovated Hotel Petersburg, it was the perfect excuse to take the short trip down 95 and see the space!

Originally built in 1916, Hotel Petersburg was a place for travelers to stay as well as a popular meeting spot for politicians. Unfortunately, its doors were closed for decades after a fire broke out in 1969. But after recently undergoing a major renovation, this historic hotel has been meticulously restored to maintain its charm while making all the necessary modern updates. It offers an elegant stay with beautifully designed accommodations, including spacious king rooms, cozy queen rooms, and luxurious suites.

While I didn’t spend the night, I took a quick tour of one of the rooms, and they’re very thoughtfully updated with a cozy and modern design. I also learned that there is a lot to do in Petersburg. I had the opportunity to chat with Ella Dickinson, a Petersburg resident, who gave us plenty of things to put on our itinerary for our next visit! From shopping at their hip local bookstore to checking out the Tiffany glass at Blandford Church, Petersburg has its own unique scene to explore! After we toured the rooms, we had a chance to try some of the food and drink options at Hotel Petersburg.

Drinks in The Boiler Room

Walking into The Boiler Room, you immediately get speakeasy vibes—dim lighting, velvet seating, and an intimate feel. It’s moody in the best way and would be a perfect spot to meet up with friends or stop in for a unique date night. I opted for a craft mocktail, but they had an extensive drink menu with a variety of creative cocktails.

Dinner at Shirley’s

After drinks, we made our way to Shirley’s — the hotel’s main dining space. It’s airy and elegant, and the warm wood tones reminded me of a vintage library. It feels both sophisticated and welcoming. The menu had a nice range of options, and I enjoyed trying a few different things.

We started with the biscuits and pimento cheese. These little biscuits were so good, especially with the pepper jelly. It was a nice appetizer and easy to share.

I also tried the fried green tomato topped with burrata, which was incredible. Sometimes, fried green tomatoes can get a bit soggy, but this one had the perfect crispy texture! The creamy burrata was a nice complement. I would absolutely get this again!

Then came the Harvest Bowl, a hearty mix of rice, harissa chili garlic sauce, roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and grilled eggplant. It was a nice blend of flavors and textures, and it was the perfect way to balance out the more indulgent appetizers.

To finish the meal, we tried the coconut cake and the key lime pie. Both of these were rich and delicious!

Whether you’re looking for a place to stay the night or you’re just stopping in for a meal, Hotel Petersburg is a gem. If you find yourself in Old Towne Petersburg, definitely check this place out!