New Charlottesville Hotel Opens in Spring

Opening in April 2026, Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center will be a new hospitality and gathering destination on University of Virginia’s grounds — perfect for family travelers on college tours. This new property sits at the crossroads of academic life, cultural exchange and the natural beauty of Charlottesville.

The hotel will boast 214 guestrooms and suites, three food and drink experiences, and more than 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Virginia Guesthouse’s dining options will offer a variety of ways to fuel up and recharge with signature restaurant Poplar open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and rooted in regional cuisine highlighted by seasonal ingredients. For quick bites and energizing drinks, The Counter Café will be a convenient stop. The Perch, the hotel’s rooftop bar, will serve signature handcrafted cocktails, local beers and shareable light fare.

“At its heart, Virginia Guesthouse will be about welcoming people,” said Gregg Hilker, general manager, Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center. “Whether you’re here for a conference, a university visit, or a weekend exploring Charlottesville, our mission will be to provide the ease, warmth, and familiarity of home paired with thoughtful service and inviting spaces to make lasting connections.”

Virginia Guesthouse will be located minutes from the region’s award-winning wineries, outdoor adventures, cultural attractions and historic Downtown Mall. The hotel also offers a unique window into one of the destination’s most defining experiences: university life, with the historic grounds at the University of Virginia designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

IACC-certified, Virginia Guesthouse will offer versatile meeting and event space, including a grand ballroom accommodating nearly 1,000 guests and an intimate top-floor suite. The hotel also will serve as a preferred entry point for potential future students, taking form as a physical Welcome Center on the ground floor near The Counter Café.

“With Virginia Guesthouse, we’re ushering in a new chapter for Charlottesville hospitality,” said Russ Cronberg, director of hospitality, University of Virginia Foundation. “Located in the city’s heart, this is where visitors and locals connect to find common ground. From intimate gatherings over a meal at Poplar to international conferences in our event spaces to conversations on The Perch rooftop, every experience is designed to spark connections and advance exploration. We’re creating a welcoming home for local residents, hotel guests, and conference attendees to all play a role in this shared community.”