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The Dinsmore House Bed and Breakfast

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  • Inn Details

    The Dinsmore House Bed & Breakfast. Historic B&B circa 1817, designed and built by James Dinsmore, Jefferson's master craftsman. This beautiful inn offers elegant accommodations. One block to the University of Virginia and Hospital. Five miles to Monticello. Eight guest rooms all with private bath. Located on the Main St in the heart of Charlottesville, close to the Historic Downtown Mall. Full breakfast and afternoon social. Garage parking. Beautiful courtyard. Many restaurants nearby. Double $119-259.

    Innkeeper Information

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

    • Spanish


    Number of Dogs: 1

    Features

    Type:

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Historic Inn

    Property Noted For:

    • Historic Property

    • Luxurious Beds

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Gourmet food

    • Group events

    • Luxury

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings

    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Ceiling fans

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • DVD Player

    • Desk

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Private entrance

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Turndown Service

    • Wi-Fi

    On Site:

    • Amenities Basket

    • Board games

    • CD player

    • Conference Rooms

    • Fax Machine

    • Telephone

    • Videos

    • Wedding Facilities

    Other Amenities:

    • Garage Parking

    • Weight Room

    • Indoor Pool

    • Exercise Facility

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  • The Jefferson Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $139/$249

    Mr. Jefferson himself would appreciate this roomy suite. The sitting room was designed with comfort in mind, providing a perfect place to read a book or share conversation with friends. The bedroom features an inviting king-sized canopy bed. Depending on which of the four windows guests look out, they are provided with views of Main Street or the courtyard.

    The Dinsmore Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $129/$249

    We named this room (and the inn) after Thomas Jefferson's master builder, James Dinsmore. When Mr. Dinsmore designed the home he must have had grand plans for these quarters, because they are huge. We won't give you the exact dimensions of the room, but let's just say it manages to dwarf the king-sized, hand-carved, mahogany canopy bed. The room has a cozy sitting area and a claw-foot soaking tub in the bath.

    The Madison Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $129/$239

    Decorated in a classic colonial toile with colorful Buxton Blue paint, this room is large, bright and airy. Relax in the two armchairs, perfect for reading, conversation or watching a movie. The king-sized four poster bed is welcoming and plush.

    The Virginia Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $119/$219

    A subtle tribute to the University of Virginia, this beautiful room tastefully incorporates the school colors (orange and blue) in its decadent fabrics. A first floor room, The Virginia has a private entrance from Main Street and a king-sized, four poster bed. And wait until you see the shower!

    The Monroe Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $119/$209

    This room provides a true Charlottesville feel, overlooking the University Baptist Church, Main Street and the courtyard. Throw in a queen-sized, four poster bed and the glass paned French doors on the closet…quaint doesn't begin to describe it.

    The Veranda Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $119/$199

    Boasting a private veranda that overlooks the courtyard,the Veranda Room is very popular with guests in the spring and fall. Weather permitting, guests may enjoy a private breakfast on the porch, for an additional fee. Did we mention the queen-sized, hand-carved mahogany Victorian bed?

    The Library Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $99/$149

    This interior room was originally a study off the main hall of the second floor. We added a transom to let in the natural morning light. A queen-sized four poster bed and Americana décor give the room a cozy, colonial feel.

    The Sleeping Porch

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $99/$149

    When The Dinsmore House was built, Charlottesville was a sleepy little town in the middle of rural Virginia. This lovely porch room with wrap around windows reminds us of those simpler times. The room, featuring a queen-sized brass bed, makes up for its smaller size with ample character and charm.

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    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 4-7pm    Check out: 11am

    • Minimum stay: 2 night required stay on peak weekends

    • Deposit amount required: Credit card required to reserve room. Standard cancellation policy is 2 weeks prior to stay.

    • Cancellations: Standard cancellation policy is 2 weeks prior to stay. Stay is charged in the event of a no-show, or failure to give required notice.

    • Open all year round: Y

    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: No

    • Guest pets allowed: No

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinks available: Y

    • Children allowed: 8 yrs and up

    • Suitable for children: Limited

    • Childcare provided: No

    Discount type

    • Corporate Rates
      Percent off: 5% Days required: 1

    • Multi-night Stay on Weeknights
      Percent off: 5% Days required: 2

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Time Served: 8:00am to 9:30am

    • Serving location: Sunporch, Breakfast Room, Dining Room

    Complimentary Perks

    • Afternoon Tea

    • Wine/Cheese Plate

    Signature Dish

    Torta Rustica
    A flavorful pastry dish filled with layers of roasted red peppers, spinach, cheese, herbed eggs and ham. You won't need lunch!

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    Recipes

    Breakfast-Brunch

    Pecan Crusted French Toast
    Serves: 8
    Prep time: 2 hours

    Spinach and Gruyere Strata
    Serves: 8
    Prep time: 30 min

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  • Location Type

    • Near University

    • Downtown

    • Mountains

    • Small town

    City

    • Charlottesville

    • Distance to city: 0 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From Rt. 29 follow Emmett Street to left on University Avenue. Travel approximately 1 mile. Dinsmore House is located on the left at 1211 West Main Street, between University Baptist Church and the Marriot Courtyard. From 64 take the 5th St exit and follow signs to Charlottesville. Take a left on Main Street. Travel approx 1 half mile. Dinsmore House is located on the right at 1211 West Main Street, between University Baptist Church and the Marriot Courtyard.

    Airport

    • Charlottesville, VA (CHO-Charlottesville-Albemarle) 11 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From Rt. 29 follow Emmett Street to left on University Avenue. Travel approximately 1 mile. Dinsmore House is located on the left at 1211 West Main Street, between University Baptist Church and the Marriot Courtyard.

    Area Attractions

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • University of Virginia

    • Monticello

    • Ashlawn

    • Religious Services

    • Vineyard

    • Winery

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    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

    A Great Place

    About the reviewer

    • Between 36-45 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling on vacation

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    They gave us a free upgrade because a better room was available. They also provided a special menu due to food allergies we have.

    Excellent Stay

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • First time staying at a B&B

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling on business

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Perfect location, great room, good bathroom, excellent wi-fi, delicious breakfast. The perfect stay!

    Highly recommended

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for an event

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Very nice, very clean, charming, superb soufle and fresh fruit breakfast, conveniently located, historical ambience--this is the ideal B&B. A bit pricey but comparable to what's available in the area, and worth every penney. A hair dryer would have been nice.

    Review of the Dinsmore House Bed and Breakfast

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling on business

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    The Dinsmore House Bed and Breakfast staff was very welcoming and helpful, securing my mother and I tickets to go to Monticello as soon as we checked in around 1 pm. They accommodated our schedule, allowing us to check in early because of our early tour time at Monticello the first day we stayed at Dinsmore. The breakfasts were superb and a great way to start the mornings! We were given a key granting access to the main lobby for snacks, hot drinks, the refrigerator, and a collection of DVDs. Dinsmore was located within walking distance of the University of Virginia and also within walking distance of a stop to catch the free trolley which took us downtown to historic Charlottesville for shopping, a movie, and a fine dining experience! The only downside I could think of was there were not many places/flat furniture tops to put luggage in our room except for a large sofa. The rooms were clean, well-kept, and cozy! Overall, a very pleasant, relaxing trip!

    Difficult to sleep or shower

    About the reviewer

    • Between 36-45 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling on vacation

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Lovely public rooms and bedrooms, with convenient parking. Alas, the loud road noises made it difficult to sleep. It must be said that the bathroom would be an embarrassment to any home, and both mornings the hot water disappeared a couple minutes into our showers. Brrrrrr.

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