Explore the Fascinating History of the Hotel Roanoke Virginia

The history of the Hotel Roanoke reveals its transformation from a railroad hub to an iconic luxury retreat

I was so excited to have the opportunity to stay in the historic Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center in Roanoke, VA, and was swept away by both the elegance and the comfort of this beautiful Virginia landmark.

The stately Tudor-style exterior is undeniably impressive, but it’s the interior that truly captivates, offering a perfect blend of comfort and luxury.

Read on to discover a few hidden gems that are part of the history of the Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.

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AT A GLANCE: The history of the Hotel Roanoke began in 1882 when it was built by the Norfolk and Western Railroad. After falling into disrepair in the 20th century, it has re-emerged as a landmark historic hotel and conference center that is a destination in itself.

Hotel Roanoke History: A Landmark With Deep Roots

Built in a wheat field on a little hill, the Hotel Roanoke began as a rambling wooden structure of less than three dozen rooms.

A vintage black and white photo of the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke VA sitting on a hill. — A vintage photo showing the historic Hotel Roanoke as it appeared in the 1880s.

The history of the Hotel Roanoke began in 1882 when it was built on a hill in Roanoke by the Norfolk & Western Railroad.

As the city grew, the railroad consistently provided resources for hotel additions, remodeling and furnishings to maintain the Hotel’s reputation for excellence.

Even in the Depression year of 1931, the railroad spent $225,000 for a wing with 75 rooms, a 60-car garage and such “modern” amenities as circulating ice water, movable telephones and electric fans.

Over the years, the historic Hotel Roanoke became a central hub for Roanoke’s social and cultural life, hosting presidents and celebrities, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President John F. Kennedy, President Gerald Ford, Eleanor Roosevelt, Actor Cary Grant, Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald and Musician Louis Armstrong, among many others.

(Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald also stayed at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond and Welbourne Inn in Middleburg, VA).

Check out the Hotel Roanoke and find out why it made my list of best historical hotels for a romantic weekend getaway.

The Hotel Through The Years

The hotel flourished, but tragedy struck in July 1898 when a kitchen fire shuttered the doors. Fortunately, the devastating fire prompted a restoration that included new additions that were completed in seven short months.

In 1989 the doors were closed once again, and Virginia Tech Real Estate Foundation assumed ownership from Norfolk Southern Corporation for $65,000.

Thanks to a community effort, a “Renew Roanoke” campaign in 1992 raised more than $5 million to rehabilitate the hotel, and N&W donated $2 million to give the project a boost.

The addition of conference center space and over-the-rail pedestrian bridge made the Hotel Roanoke a “new” destination for meeting planners in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

It all came to together and in 1995 the Historic Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center reopened and was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register. The following year the property was recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Historic sign outside the Hotel Roanoke detailing its history as a local landmark.

Hotel Roanoke Renovations

Hotel Roanoke has undergone several renovations over the years, with the most recent updates carefully balancing the preservation of its historic charm with modern amenities.

The guest rooms have been refreshed with contemporary décor, featuring high-end finishes and luxurious bedding.

The public spaces, including the grand lobby and conference areas, are simply stunning, having been restored to their original grandeur with rich woodwork and period-appropriate furnishings.

I loved walking through the halls to discover new sitting areas and gathering places.

The magnificent lobby reflects the history of the Hotel Roanoke with a chandelier and wood paneling. — The main lobby of the Hotel Roanoke.

The renovation also included updates to dining facilities, such as the award-winning Regency Room and Pine Room Pub.

A blue velvet couch-like seating surrounds a table, set for a meal. — There are lots of seating arrangements for dining in the Pine Room.

The beautiful bar area of the Hotel Ronaoke captures both history and elegance. — The bar area at the Hotel Roanoke is inviting and elegant.

Whether you want to just sit by yourself with a cup of coffee, or chat with a couple of friends, there are lots of sitting areas that offer visitors a perfect blend of history, luxury, and comfort.

Beautiful murals adorn the walls behind two leather chairs. — There are lots of public spaces that are quiet and comfortable.

Rooms And Accommodations

Hotel Roanoke offers a variety of room types to suit different tastes and budgets. The standard rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated with a mix of modern and traditional design elements.

My room in the Mezzanine area had two queen beds and plenty of space for working on my computer. I especially liked that I could actually operate the TV, which is a major obstacle for me in some hotels.

Two beds with white coverings in a hotel room with a window in the background. — This room features two queen beds and plenty of room for working.

I also enjoyed the private key access to my hallway, plush robes, aroma therapy bath amenities, and white noise machines. Some rooms even have heated bathroom floors.

The thing I was most amazed about was how quiet my room was. The recent upgrades include door sweeps, which closes doors quietly and keeps hallway noise out of the room.

Rooms are priced between $180 and $350 per night, depending on the season and room type. The hotel is family-friendly and offers pet-friendly options, making it an ideal spot for all types of travelers.

Dining Options

The Hotel Roanoke’s dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. The Regency Room, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, offers award-winning French-inspired Southern cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques.

For a more casual option, the Pine Room Pub provides a cozy, relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying drinks and lighter fare.

The menus are seasonal, with ingredients sourced locally whenever possible, reflecting the vibrant farm-to-table culture in the area.

High yellow seats along rows of tables can be seen in the conference center of the Hotel Roanoke. — A state of the art conference room at the Hotel Roanoke.

Amenities And Services At The Hotel Roanoke

Hotel Roanoke offers a wide range of amenities to its guests, including a spa and fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, as well as a beautiful pool for relaxation.

For business travelers, the hotel offers an array of meeting and conference spaces, including a grand ballroom that can accommodate large events and corporate gatherings.

The Hotel Roanoke supports sustainable practices, including environmentally friendly Virginia green meetings, conferences and events in their facility.

A Hidden Gem At The Historic Hotel Roanoke

On a private tour that featured the history of the Hotel Roanoke, I got to see the “secret” Speakeasy that is available for special events.

We went through a door and down a flight of steps to arrive in the space that is adorned with old photographs and artwork of the city of Roanoke, the Hotel, and the special guests who have visited over the years.

A bar-like room that is part of the history of the Hotel Roanoke, that is now used for special events. — The Speakeasy in the Hotel Roanoke is used for special events.

The space can be booked for special events like birthdays and anniversary parties.

A yellow floor and silver ceiling along with red accented chairs are seen in the speakeasy at the Hotel Roanoke. — The speakeasy space at the Hotel Roanoke.

Location And Surrounding Area

I love exploring areas by foot and the Hotel Roanoke is a perfect location for doing that, being just steps from downtown Roanoke.

In fact, one of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t have more time to walk around downtown. The shops looked amazing and the downtown area has a historic small town look.

The hotel is within walking distance of the historic Roanoke City Market, the Taubman Museum of Art, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation, all of which offer visitors a deep dive into Roanoke’s cultural and historical landscape.

Although the city grew because of its role as a hub for the railroad industry, it is now a thriving center for arts, culture, and outdoor activities.

Something I learned on this trip is that Roanoke is known as “The Star City of the South.” This is in reference to the famous Roanoke Star overlooking the city from Mill Mountain, which is the largest man-made star in the country.

If you enjoy outdoor adventures, the Hotel Roanoke’s location near the Blue Ridge Parkway makes it ideal for those looking to explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Address: 110 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24016

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Wrap-Up Of The Historic Hotel Roanoke

The history of the Hotel Roanoke continues to be made as it begins its next chapter of serving the Roanoke community. From the moment you walk through the door, you will discover that the hotel seamlessly blends the charm of its deep roots in Roanoke history and culture with the elegance of contemporary updates.

As a tribute to its success, the Hotel Roanoke and The Regency Room restaurant have been awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award. The hotel is also a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide®, “a prestigious collection of more than 360 of the finest historic treasures.”

History buffs will enjoy this architectural marvel, and those who love a touch of luxury won’t be disappointed in the Hotel Roanoke experience.

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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hotel Roanoke continues to honor its past while providing guests with some of the most modern comforts available.