A Victorian Valley Stop
This Shenandoah Valley inn was built in 1902 and has been a hostelry since 1915.
When traveling north into the upper Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, plan a stop at the Hotel Strasburg. Owner Carol Rutherford, a native of Illinois, approaches innkeeping with the goal of treating guests as she would wish to be treated. So we were warmly greeted as soon as we entered the lobby of the 1902 building.
The hotel began as a hospital, but by 1915 had evolved into a boarding house and has been a hostelry since. The Rutherfords now provide 29 rooms – 21 in the main hotel and the rest in two adjoining buildings.
Several rooms offer Jacuzzis. Antiques fill each guest room, as well as the dining room and hallways. We enjoyed browsing in open rooms, particularly because each piece, from plate to pedestal, was for sale.
Rutherford says even beds have sold.
The dining room has a changeable menu determined by the chef. Some entrees remain as staples, such as the Chicken Shenandoah, prepared with apples and Virginia peanuts and country ham. I enjoyed the Belle Grove Spring salad, another house specialty.
Nearby attractions include Belle Grove Plantation, the Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, and antiquing and Civil War battlefield venues
213 S. Holliday St., Strasburg, Va. 540-465-9191, 800-348-8327.
hotelstrasburg.com. Rates: $89-$190. Open year-round. Children welcomed; small, well-behaved dogs accepted with fee. Limited smoking areas. Handicap accessible.
