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The Essex Inn

Overview Rooms & Rates Reviews Location Amenities Meals
  • Romantic with it's slightly Victorian feel, the Green Room features a King bed, private bath and working fireplace.
    The Blue Room offers a large airy space with a beautiful gas fire place and a king size bed.
    The Yellow room, with its electric stove and bright sun, is sure to beat the winters blues!
    Once used as the servants quarters, "The Quarters" now offer four beautiful suites complete with living room, bedroom, bath, kitchen and fireplaces.
    End of the winter blues? Join us for our Weekend with A Writer event on March 20-22,2009 when we feature Martin Clark and his new book, Legal Limit. (Pictured above is author Emyl Jenkins)
    The Inn is available for special events such as cocktail parties.
    The Red Hat Society enjoys a Christmas luncheon
    The Civil War comes to The Essex Inn (demonstration only, of course!)
    The Inn is the perfect spot for small intimate weddings.
    Enjoy a river cruise to one of our local wineries.
    • Address 203 E. Duke St.
      Tappahannock, VA 22560
      USA
    • Phone+1-804-443-9900
    • Toll free+1-866-377-3982
    • EmailContact Innkeeper
    Inn's website

    Once used as Union headquarters during the Civil War, this 1850 Greek Revival Mansion offers grand accommodations and convenience to all that Tappahannock, the Middle Peninsula and the Northern Neck have to offer. Guests can play a round of golf; go fishing or cruising on the Rappahannock River; canoe up one of the many unspoiled creeks; bicycle in town or along beautiful country roads; visit one of the charming towns nearby such as Urbanna; Glouchester; Kilmarnock or Irvington; enjoy a wine tasting at Ingleside or Belle Mount winery or one of the other ten wineries in the area; go antiquing; or visit one of the many historic areas nearby such as Stratford Hall, Fredericksburg, Yorktown and Williamsburg. At night there are many gourmet restaurants in the nearby towns plus a local pub around the corner from the Inn and of course, Tappahannock's landmark seafood restaurant: Lowry’s.

    Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 36 Reviews

    Write A Review
    4.5 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  4
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  4

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    5 out of 5
     

    Southern Charm

    September 06, 2012

    Beautiful, comfortable, clean, cozy, quiet, private. Walk to downtown, or to river's edge. A perfect spot for a retreat & attend local fairs.

    5 out of 5
     

    Can't wait to return!

    December 16, 2011

    Have another review on TripAdvisor so I'll make this one brief...this was the best experience in lodging I have ever had, bar none. The room (Upstairs Quarters) was spacious and secluded, gorgeous, clean, cozy, with the most comfortable bed EVER. The innkeepers and the housekeeper were amazing, polite, gracious and helpful. The Inn was beautiful and Tappahannock is a perfect place to unwind. Just amazing. I would recommend the Essex Inn to anyone.

    4.0 out of 5
     

    Great location for touring Northern Neck region

    September 29, 2011

    We stayed at the Essex in while on a historical tour road trip in Virginia. It's the perfect spot for touring some of the historical sites in the Northern Neck region of VA, and for touring the Chesapeake Bay wine trail. We stayed in the main house in the Green Room. Their website described this room as having a partial view of the river from one of the windows (you could not see the river at all over the rooftops of the neighboring homes). However, the room was nice and spacious. Bob and Janice, the innkeepers, were very gracious and accommodating when we unexpectedly needed to do some work while on our vacation and print some documents. The innkeepers serve a sweet snack in the afternoons and spring water, beer, wine, pretzels, and mixed nuts are available for the enjoyment of guests. The breakfast both days was delightful!

    5 out of 5
     

    A river idyll

    August 01, 2011

    Sparkling clean, light-filled rooms with beautiful colors & furnishings. Interesting antiques in house, but not an "old house" feel. Very gracious innkeepers & delicious food. Comfortable, quiet garden, views of river & old town.

    Location

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeeper(s)

    Bob and Janice McGee

    Innkeepers Description:

    Colonial history, Cuisine, Literature, Photography, Nature, Woodworking

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

    Resident Pets

    1 Cat

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  • Rooms & Rates

    • Nightly Rate $175 - $205

    Queen Room

    Our rooms have been individually decorated with antiques. The four- posted Queen beds are made from 300 year-old cypress wood. The private tiled baths have tub/showers complete with bath salts. Room amenities include working fireplace; WiFi and DSL; Cable TV; High quality ironed linens,and towels; fluffy bathrobes, custom toiletries, hair dryers and irons.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen
    Contact for Availability Contact

    Small Suite

    Our small suites have been individually decorated with antiques. They include a bedroom with queen bed, private bath, full kitchen and living room with either a day bed or two comfortable chairs and a working fireplace. The private tiled baths have tub/showers complete with bath salts. Room amenities include WiFi, Cable TV in both living room and bedroom,fluffy bathrobes, deluxe ironed sheets, custom toiletries, hair dryers and irons. In 3 of the suites a third person may be accommodated for an additional $35 per night. We do accept pets (with approval -see pet policy on our website-.)

    • Maximum Capacity: 3
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen, 1 Twin
    Contact for Availability Contact

    Large Suite

    Our large suites have been individually decorated with antiques and are extremely roomy. They include a bedroom with queen or king bed, patio or balcomy, private bath, full kitchen and living room with sofa bed or day bed and a working fireplace. The private tiled baths have tub/showers complete with bath salts. Room amenities include WiFi, Cable TV in both living room and bedroom, fluffy bathrobes, deluxe ironed sheets, custom toiletries, hair dryers and irons. A third person may be accommodated for an additional $35 per night.

    • Maximum Capacity: 3
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 2 Queen
    Contact for Availability Contact

    King Room

    Our rooms have been individually decorated with antiques. The four- posted King beds are made from 300 year-old cypress wood. The private tiled baths have windows and tub/showers complete with bath salts. Room amenities include working fireplace; WiFi and DSL; Cable TV; High quality ironed linens, bedding, and towels; fluffy bathrobes, custom toiletries, hair dryers and irons.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 King
    Contact for Availability Contact

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check In: 3 PM - 9 PM    Check Out: 11 AM

    • Minimum Stay: 2-night minimum stay required for suites only

    • Deposit Amount Required: A credit card is required to guarantee a reservation.

    • Cancellations: We have a seven-day (one week) cancellation policy and charge a $10 handling fee for cancellations. If your must cancel your reservation, please cancel at least 7 days prior to the first day of your reservation in order to receive a refund less a $10 handling charge. Certain weekends and group reservations may be subject to extended cancellation periods. Cancellations made by email will not be considered unless you receive an email reply from the inn. It is suggested that unless you hear from us by email after canceling, you backup your cancellation by phone.

    • Open All Year Round: Yes

    General Policies

    • Smoking Allowed: No

    • Guest Pets Allowed: Limited

    • Drinking Allowed: Yes

    • Drinking Description: Wine and Beer are available

    • Drinks Available: Yes

    • Suitable For Children: Limited

    • Childcare Provided: No

    Discount Type

    • active duty/full time military
      Percent Off: 10% Days Required: 2

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  • Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 36 Reviews

    Write A Review
    4.5 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    5 out of 5
     

    Southern Charm

    September 06, 2012

    Beautiful, comfortable, clean, cozy, quiet, private. Walk to downtown, or to river's edge. A perfect spot for a retreat & attend local fairs.

    5 out of 5
     

    Can't wait to return!

    December 16, 2011

    Have another review on TripAdvisor so I'll make this one brief...this was the best experience in lodging I have ever had, bar none. The room (Upstairs Quarters) was spacious and secluded, gorgeous, clean, cozy, with the most comfortable bed EVER. The innkeepers and the housekeeper were amazing, polite, gracious and helpful. The Inn was beautiful and Tappahannock is a perfect place to unwind. Just amazing. I would recommend the Essex Inn to anyone.

    4.0 out of 5
     

    Great location for touring Northern Neck region

    September 29, 2011

    We stayed at the Essex in while on a historical tour road trip in Virginia. It's the perfect spot for touring some of the historical sites in the Northern Neck region of VA, and for touring the Chesapeake Bay wine trail. We stayed in the main house in the Green Room. Their website described this room as having a partial view of the river from one of the windows (you could not see the river at all over the rooftops of the neighboring homes). However, the room was nice and spacious. Bob and Janice, the innkeepers, were very gracious and accommodating when we unexpectedly needed to do some work while on our vacation and print some documents. The innkeepers serve a sweet snack in the afternoons and spring water, beer, wine, pretzels, and mixed nuts are available for the enjoyment of guests. The breakfast both days was delightful!

    5 out of 5
     

    A river idyll

    August 01, 2011

    Sparkling clean, light-filled rooms with beautiful colors & furnishings. Interesting antiques in house, but not an "old house" feel. Very gracious innkeepers & delicious food. Comfortable, quiet garden, views of river & old town.

    5 out of 5
     

    A must stay

    April 14, 2011

    We just enjoyed a wonderful weekend at the Essex Inn. We felt like we were visiting family. Bob and Janice are attentive and gracious hosts. The breakfast was amazing. We definietly plan to return!! M & JL Sciancalepore

    4.6 out of 5
     

    This Inn needs to be on TOP of your list!

    March 01, 2011

    I have stayed at many B&B's and this one tops my list because of its charm and friendly Inn keepers, cleanliness and charm plus the food. They offer wine, beer, sodas and home made goodies in the evening as part of your stay but the best part is the breakfast. The selection and variety the chef chooses will totally please you. I have stayed with them many, many times and am a customer for life! Do not miss this gem!

    4.0 out of 5
     

    A wonderful find in Virginia

    February 28, 2011

    My husband and I stayed three nights at the Essex Inn this past October. This was not our first experience staying at a B & B; however, this was by far the best one. The Inn and the gardens are beautiful, very charming, and impeccably maintained. Although the weather was a little dreary, we felt very warm and cozy sitting by the fireside, enjoying a nice glass of wine. A very delicious and elegant breakfast was waiting for us each morning and the menu is changed daily. The Innkeepers are warm and friendly and happy to share their knowledge and history of the area. They helped us plan short day trips for our entire visit. We feel fortunate to have found this wonderful place and definitely plan on returning soon.

    4.0 out of 5
     

    Friendly, discreet atmosphere

    December 01, 2010

    My girlfriend and I stayed at the Essex Inn for a week in July and found it to be delightful, both for the quality of its service and the comfort and charm of the inn itself. It’s convenient for visiting major tourist sights such as Jamestown and Williamsburg, as well as exploring the many beautiful and lesser-known back roads around the area. The breakfast, which varied from morning to morning, was truly exceptional, and the “Butler’s Pantry” was a wonderful addition, offering snacks throughout the day. Our hosts were personable and friendly, but discreet, and proposed day-trips and offered tips for good restaurants and interesting local sights. Our only disappointment was that we couldn’t stay longer…

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  • Location

    Overview Points of Interest Restaurants

    Location Type

    • Riverside

    • Small town

    City - Richmond

    • Distance to city: 52 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From Richmond Take I-64 East to Route 360 East (Mechanicsville I-64 exit #192 or I-295 exit #37). Follow Route 360 East to Tappahannock - 38 miles and continue thru the commercial district, across Hoskins Creek into town. From Washington, D.C. Take I-95 South to the Massoponax (Rt17 South/Rt1) exit #126. At the exit ramp make a right following Route 1 South for approximately a mile. Take a left turn onto Route 17 South. Follow Route 17 South to Tappahannock - for 47 miles. From Virginia Beach Take I-64 West to Route 17 North exit. Follow Route 17 North for 70 miles to Tappahannock, continue thru the commercial district, across Hoskins Creek into town.

    Airport

    • Richmond, VA (RIC) 50 miles

    Area Attractions

    • Amusement Park

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Beach

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Stratford Hall

    • Yorktown/Jamestown

    • Williamsburg

    • Fredericksburg

    • Outlet Stores

    • Picnic area

    • River

    • Vineyard

    • Winery

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Canoeing

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Kayaking

    • Massages

    • Historic Programs

    • Civil War Sites/Historical sites

    • Festivals

    • Sailing

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Swimming

    • Water sports

     Nearby Cities

     Nearby States

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  • Amenities

    Type:

    • Historic Inn

    Property highlights

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Gay / Lesbian Travel

    • Gourmet food

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings

    On-site

    • Board games

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Library

    • Piano

    • Wedding Facilities

    • Wet bar

    Guest room(s)

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Bath robes

    • CD player

    • Ceiling fans

    • DVD Player

    • Desk

    • Fireplace

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Microwave

    • Private entrance

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Videos

    • Wi-Fi

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  • Breakfast

    • Type: Gourmet, Three course

    • Time Served: 8 :30am - 9:30

    • Serving Location: Dining Room

    Complimentary Perks

    • Non-alcoholic Beverages

    • Wine/Cheese Plate

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    Additional food services

    • Afternoon snacks, tea, beer, wine

    Recipes

    Breakfast-Brunch

    ESSEX INN POTATOES
    Serves: 12
    Prep time: 11/4 hours

    Crab and Grits
    Serves: 12
    Prep time: 40 minutes

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