Quirk Hotel Richmond: An Art Forward Hotel in the Heart of Richmond's Art District!
The Quirk Hotel Richmond is my favourite hotel that I’ve stayed at in recent memory in the US. It’s story and vibe is utterly unique, and I firmly believe that this place continuining to thrive is a net positive for the city of Richmond, visitors, as well as the creatives that call this region home. It’s downright special.
The lobby of the Quirk Hotel.
I recently had the chance to visit Richmond, Virginia at long last, and I had a very ambitious itinerary planned to ensure that I got a real taste for the city. Yet, when I look back on my time there, I feel as if my very first recommendation would be to check availability at the Quirk Hotel Richmond.
I’ve spoken about this before at length, but I’ve never really felt more strongly that the right accommodation can completely and utterly change the way that you experience a destination. However, that only applies to certain properties - properties which legitimately add to your understanding and appreciation for the city or region.
The Quirk Hotel Richmond, located appropriately in Richmond’s Art District, fits that aforementioned description to a tee. When I stepped in the front doors, I wasn’t yearning to put my bags in my room so that I could depart and understand the city in more depth. Rather, I immediately understood that part of understanding this city and this neighbourhood in particular, was exploring this very hotel.
I learned about local artists, was dazzled by their work, and wandered the halls of the Quirk, confident that every turn and every corner would bring a new vantage point. It was a photographer’s playground.
It’s a place for those who fully understand that it’s often the little things that construct the big picture. If you’re a fan of video, you might like this Wes Anderson inspired short I put together to showcase my arrival here.
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A Brief History of the Quirk Hotel Richmond
Quirk, rather aptly, describes themself as offering a “thoroughly creative stay,” and I think that’s an awfully good description.
The building itself hails from another era having been built over 100 years ago, back in 1916. At the time, it was home to the J.B. Mosby & Co. Dry Goods Store. The blueprints of the Italian Renaissance design permeate the property, and it’s hard to take a step in any direction without seeing how natural light and historical charm add to the ambiance of this place.
In 2005, Katie and Ted Ukrop opened the doors of Quirk Gallery, and it quickly became a preeminent hub for local and regional creatives. Based on the success of Quirk Gallery, Ted and Katie began to convert this property into a hotel in 2014. As you might imagine, they collaborated with a team of architects, designers, and artists to convert the space into a unique boutique hotel that would celebrate Richmond's vibrant arts and culture scene.
Quirk Hotel Richmond officially opened its doors in September 2015. Think eclectic decor and modern furnishings, but with an aesthetic that harkens back to a bygone era. Of course, considering its roots, the hotel was focused on continuing to be an ongoing showcase for the artists of the era.
It’s basically hotel meets gallery meets community centre meets coffee shop - with all of it somehow being absurdly photogenic and working with astounding unity.
In 2019, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville opened its doors in Charlottesville, providing a similar art-focused experience in a different city. I, for one, am happy to hear it. We can use as many places like this as possible in the world of travel.
I can say with confidence that this place is in conversation for my personal favourite hotel in the US.
What Should be on Your Radar to Get the Most Out of Your Visit?
As I alluded to up above, this is a place where part of your tourist experience in the city is going to be spending time here, so be sure to allot some time for exploration. But, where to explore? Well, I’m happy you asked.
Views from the Q Rooftop Bar.
Quirk Gallery: The seed that started it all. It’s located just off the hotel lobby, and it’s considered one of Richmond’s most unique art galleries, shops, and event spaces. I’d recommend taking a stroll around the boutique shop, then heading downstairs to take a peek at what they’re showcasing. If you did indeed watch my Reel that I linked to up above, you’ll see I did just that, and relished it.
The Coffee Bar: Located at the front of the lobby, the Coffee Bar is an ideal place to take the pulse of the Quirk. You can sip your beverage of choice, and perhaps add a pretty pastry or savoury delight to the mix, which can buy yourself some time to soak it all in. It’s open 7am-1pm daily, so that’s where I started my day every day during my stay.
The Lobby Bar: Past the front desk, in the other side of the lobby, is the Lobby Bar. I saw some people having meetings here, others timing things for weekend brunch, and some who wanted to take advantage of the ever alluring “Hello There Happy Hour.” It’s a multifunctional space, so you can take a look at their menu, and see how you may like to enjoy it here.
Q Rooftop Bar: I did not find a better view of Richmond than the view that I had from Quirk Hotel’s Q Rooftop Bar. They serve elevate street fare, alongside a unique, carefully curated drink list. I’d recommend timing things so that you can enjoy an evening cocktail up here. Typically they’re open 5-9pm on weekdays and 5-10pm on Friday and Saturday.
The Terrace: Located just outside the Gallery, it’s tastefully decorated and worth bringing out a coffee or even just checking an email or two out there.
Events and Happenings: More than most hotels (since they’re much more than a hotel), you can enhance your experience here by taking note of what’s on. They’ve got live music, dining events, and a whole lot more. This week, for example, they’re hosting the Mr. and Miss Virginia Pride Pageant. Take a look at what will be on while you’re there.
The Rooms on Offer at This Ever Unique Richmond Hotel
First off, you’re not going to make a bad choice here. All of their rooms include enormous windows which pour in natural light, and no shortage of that original artwork I’ve been talking about throughout this article.
It’s in the rooms, in my humble opinion, that you can most clearly see the nod to the hotel’s lengthy history. There are beautifully restored maple and pine floors, and reclaimed wood furniture that I pretty much immediately had to send pictures of to Bri (which were met with some serious enthusiasm).
In practical terms, all rooms have a mini-fridge, a desk, a large TV, solid wifi, what you need to make coffee and tea, a safe, and top tier being an products. Here’s how they’re organized:
Classic Double: Big bright windows, oversized pillows and two double beds.
Balcony King: A stylish sitting area, king bed, and semi-private balcony that is the perfect spot to catch a Richmond sunset.
King Bed: I’m a tall fella, so this is where I had my eyes set, and I found both the bed and room delightfully spacious. Full marks for the chic bathroom as well!
Terrace Suite: Living room, guest powder room, and views of the Quirk private courtyard.
Loft Suites: Two level suites that are just on another level. The expansive windows facing broad street certainly don’t hurt either.
1 Bedroom Suite: Two room suites that are delightfully spacious.
ADA Guest Rooms: Two double beds that, like all rooms, come with complete with the cloud-like white duvets.
Quirk Mural Rooms: There are eight Quirk Mural Rooms. These rooms are decidedly unique, and all have their own vibe. “Each room not only spotlights Richmond's established artists, but supports its next generation of talent with a percentage of each booking benefiting VisArt's Make Space, a program pairing sixth-grade girls with female artists for a year of mentorship and art-making.”
If you want to take a look at pricing and further description for any of the rooms, head here.
What Else Might You Want to Know About Quirk Richmond?
For one, they’re dog lovers. You’re welcome to bring a pup up to 70 pounds here, and there are no shortage of parks nearby to take them for a stroll. This is just another sign that Quirk does things differently, and that’s also exemplified in the special packages they offer guests, so you can also browse through them if you want to make your getaway even more memorable.
Check in time is typically 4pm, but you also get a later checkout than some other accommodation, as it’s noon. There’s no pool or spa, but there is a fitness centre and business centre. I should also note that I brought a car here, and the valet parking service was easy to manage and very convenient.
I include these pieces of information to ensure that you, my readers, have all the information you need, but I do also want to say that the Quirk Richmond is a place to come and have a hotel experience like you’ve never had before, so I’d urge you to broaden your horizons and throw conventionality out the window.
Quirk Hotel Richmond is the place that you want to come when you want a break from the big brand hotels that can’t take the risks and be as eccentric and fun and wild as a place like this can be. It’s a place to come when you want your hotel to be a legitimate cornerstone of your experience, and when you want to know that you’re spending your money towards an experience that is truly like no other.