The friendly and competent staff, the nicely done rooms are topped off by a top shelf bar and restaurant on the premises. Well located just outside of town and near to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. A hotel you'll want to return to.
I would actually give the Clifton Inn a 4.5, but being on the conservative side I chose the '4' rating. I have visited the Clifton Inn three times over the past few years. The first time was around 2014, 2015 and I and my partner were thrilled by the setting, the charm, the restaurant, everything--except the nicest rooms on the second floor of the main house were all occupied so stayed in one of the cabins/annexes on the grounds, which was fine. A second visit several years later--I can't remember the exact date--was disappointing, the Clifton Inn was under a different management, and we thought that the quality, charm and hospitality of the Inn and the restaurant had diminished somewhat. The third time was at the end of July this year, for a one night stay, and overall we were very impressed with the newer, current management and staff, the restaurant and the small but beautiful swimming/infinity pool. The only reason why I did not give a 5 star review was because the room requested--which was confirmed a couple of times by telephone in the days and weeks before--was not available and we were shown a smaller room instead. The staff said that the room just in the past day or two was undergoing repairs, and was not available; we would have appreciated having been notified in advance. But they did everything to accomidate us, showing great patience, then showing us another room which was almost as nice, and giving us a small discount for minor trouble of decding on a different room on arrival. All of the staff were wonderfully patient and flexible, we stayed late at the restaurant as well as for breakfast; the management graciously allowed us to do a late check out at 2 pm so we could enjoy a swim in the marvelous infinity swimming pool. We also requested in advance a massage when we arrived, and the management arranged for a fantastic massage therapist, Connie Staley, who lives in the area, to come to the Clifton and give us two massages. My partner said that she thought it may have been the best massage she ever experienced!! So bottom line, under the current management the Clifton Inn is really world class. We have stayed at many nice places in the U.S. and Europe, and I believe that flexibility, patience, and good humor on the part of the staff and management in helping their guests have the most pleasant experience elevates a hotel from being simply nice or very nice to world class.
My daughter recently chose The Clifton to be married. The staff was diligent throughout the entire planning process to make it a beautiful affair, just as my daughter had dreamed about her whole life. When there were things we needed to iron out, they were very responsive and helpful. Our biggest ask was that our guests be taken care of well, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure every detail was attended to. They delivered breakfast to the girls at the Collina, and made sure the guys had drinks as they were getting ready in the wine cellar. The grounds looked polished as well as the house. All the rooms are beautiful and well appointed. My daughter and her now husband met at the Whitehouse, so among the guests was one of the Whitehouse chefs. He has seen many formal events throughout his tenure at the Whitehouse, and remarked that he thought this event was flawless. We thought that was a great complement, and speaks to the level of service and professionalism, as well as the quality of food and it's presentation by the Clifton. A special thanks to Barbara and Phyliss who were integral in helping us achieve the most memorable and beautiful day! It truly was a little glimpse of heaven on earth!
My mother and I recently stayed at the Clifton Inn to celebrate her birthday. We were blown away from the moment we arrived. The grounds were absolutely stunning and the accommodations were too. We stayed in the Livery Stables, which was perfect for the two of us. We appreciated the birthday card and flowers left for my mom from the Clifton Inn staff. Definitely take advantage of the continental breakfast and the tasting menu at dinner, food was incredible. We booked a massage which was held in the wine cellar, 10/10!!! The pool and hot tub were also a really wonderful setting to sit and relax. Cannot say enough good things about our stay and hope to be back again soon!
We had a terrific two night stay at the Clifton Inn. Our first stay was enjoyable in March but this was even more delightful. The staff is kind and attentive. Maggie, Emily, Jessica, Tommy and Ann were joys to interact with. The food at 1799 is outstanding and menu range is designed for every palate. We stayed in the carriage house which was very clean. The highlight was a day at the beautiful infinity pool… we spent the entire day there with a good book! We recommend staying in the house or cottages over the livery stables.
We went to 1799 for our anniversary and it did not disappoint. Good and service were top notch.
Very beautiful property with wonderfully decorated and comfy rooms. We stayed in one of the livery stable rooms. Area was close to Monticello. We had a teenage grandchild with us and didn't want a huge dinner. The pub was wonderful, our food and drinks very good, but very limited food selections. Nothing really to choose for children...a very small bowl of pasta for our grandchild was $15, a little overpriced. We didn't explore the surrounding area, but seems there are lots of wineries and breweries nearby, so perhaps a future adult getaway here.
This was our first visit to Clifton and we had a great experience. Our room, the grounds (including the pool) and the inn itself were all lovely and well maintained. The food at dinner and breakfast was quite good. Everyone on the staff was friendly and helpful. We will definitely be back.
This is my third time staying at the Clifton Inn. As always, the staff all seemed to want to make sure that my fiancé and I had a great stay. Dinner was great, as were the drinks. The amenities and the room we’re special as well…Such character! Every room in the Clifton has its own story to tell. The grounds are beautiful and so well kept up also. I would recommend the Clifton over any other accommodations in the Charlottesville area.
Beautiful historic place. Great food and bar, when it is open. Pool would be nice if it were open and clean.. Happened to check in mid-week and felt some tension of the staff meeting and heard some bickering, which is always uncomfortable. Told we had the room we requested, then bumped to an outside entrance wing "suite", not friendly for rain and dinner attire, and not even an umbrella in the room to use. Overall, worth doing, but I likely won't be a regular.