In Richmond, expect VIPs at The Jefferson:
Very Important Pets, that is
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Medal of Excellence: Five
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WOOF PatrolT set out on our first official road trip in late December of 2006. Our goal was to search out and find the finest pet-friendly hotels between New York and Miami Beach. Comfort for both two and four-legged family members was the most important factor.
The Jefferson Hotel is a pet-acular standout.
WOOF Patrollers appreciate luxury at home or when traveling. Ten years ago, checking in with a pet was not widely accepted at upscale hotels. Today however, recognizing a growing business segment that boasts over 40 billion in annual sales, hotels are no longer remanding Rover to the doghouse. We are dazzled by pet amenity-driven incentives such as a turn-down snuggly bed, plush doggie robes, Fido in-room dining menus, puppy-sitters, walking services and even pool-side massages for four-legs and a tail.
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TAIL-WAGGING AMMENITIES:
- Doggie Valet Greeting: Paw-rrific
- Rooms Available: Suites, Deluxe, Superior and Standard - all pet-friendly no tail discrimination policies
- Special Gift from the General Manager: Pet check in includes: Rosebud's K9 Kreations doggie treats made especially for The Jefferson canine guests (an all natural doggie biscuits that are low in fat and high on flavor), list of dog groomers, sitters and pooch boutiques in the area as well as suggested radio stations your dog might enjoy if you step away for dinner or other activities. (a poop bag is also provided)
Additional Pet Incentives:
- Richmond SPCA: A progressive rescue shelter that takes their direction From a Pet's Point of View. Their tagline is: Every life is preciousT. Be sure to visit in person and stop by the Canine Café Dog Happy Hour events as well as frequent their website: www.richmondspca.org
- PARKS: Barker Field (off-leash), Brandy Field (off-leash), Hanover Dog Park (off-leash), James River Park System (on-leash), Pocahontas State Park (on-leash)
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The Jefferson Tale
Aside from their genuine pooch passion there are many reason to stay at The Jefferson: Feast on the wonderful cuisine at
their Lemarie restaurant, named for Thomas Jefferson's maitre d'hotel during his years in the White House; marvel at the artwork (which includes a magnificent Carrara marble statue of Thomas Jefferson and "The Soap Bubbles," painting by Elizabeth Gardner), the antique tapestry and the beautiful skylights and side windows (nine of which are Tiffany and date back to 1907) located in The Palm Court; relax at the newly built indoor pool with spa services; and be sure to climb the majestic 36-step marble staircase, reminiscent of the movie classic, "Gone With The Wind".
The hotel includes 264 luxurious rooms, including 36 suites on six floors (one of which we stayed in and LOVED). The Jefferson's rich history warmly reflects the past while providing what a traveler is looking for: relaxation and comfort.
The Jefferson has been honored to host eleven U.S. Presidents (Harrison, McKinley, Wilson, Coolidge, Taft, Theodore and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Truman, Reagan, and George Sr. and George Jr. Bush. It is a celebrity haute magnet destination having welcomed such distinguished guests as Frank Sinatra (and his Shih Tzu), Diane Keaton, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael J. Fox and many more. It is also one of only 27 hotels to boast both the Mobil Five Star and the AAA Five Diamond ratings.
"The structure is a fitting tribute to American architectural genius that has spread such a lustre on the closing days of the nineteenth century."
"Strikingly original in design, with not a single square foot of defect to mar the harmony of what is indeed a pretty picture, it is at the same time perfect in every detail."
(Note: Quotes were taken from the Hotel History and Walking Tour brochure for The Jefferson Hotel and were written over 100 years ago. Descriptions and ambience hold true today both in magnificence and splendor.)
Tricia Cheek and Rosebud, Pat Manning & Pomo, David Glover and Roscoe
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WOOF Patrol arrived at The Jefferson in Richmond, Virginia on December 21, 2006. The reception was both welcoming and inviting. We were treated with a room upgrade due to our VIP status: Very Important Pet.
Prior to our arrival we had already been impressed with two key players on the hotel's dedicated and caring staff: Pat Manning, Assistant General Manager and David Glover, first-rate Front Desk facilitator.
Upon our arrival Pat had arranged for a special introduction to Tricia Cheek, Founder of Rosebud's K9 Kreations. She had also made possible a tour of the Richmond SPCA but our schedule didn't permit a visit at the time. The highlight was a tail-wagging interview with canine concierges Roscoe, David's Coon hound-beagle mix and Rosebud, Tricia's Basset hound.
Pomo, WOOF Patrol's Mascot: Where's the best place to take a walk in the neighborhood?
Roscue: The grassy street side is out the lobby and to your left, not even a block away.
Rosebud: Bark to let someone know to pick up afterwards.
Pomo: I've got poop patrol down, but thanks for the reminder.
Rosebud: No problem. Folks like to enjoy their strolls without having to scrape their shoes afterwards.
Roscue: Did you try Rosebud's complimentary biscuits? Did you? Did you?
Pomo: Delicious. And Rosebud's treats are 100% human consumable quality.
Rosebud: Mom feels a healthy dog is a happy one.
Roscue: Bellhops have snacks on hand for us 24/7. We can also walk around the hotel everywhere except in the restaurants and spa areas. We also have a room service pooch menu.
Pomo & Roscue & Rosebud: This place rules!!!
The Jefferson Hotel and their staff truly embrace pets and their owners. They understand travel preferences now include taking our dogs and cats with us for overnight stays. Over ten years ago they pioneered their pet-friendly program. It's successful, not just from a financial standpoint, but also from an emotional well-being perspective. "Guests traveling with their pets are relaxed," said Pat Manning. "They tend to walk more and explore the unique areas of our city. They let us know about a new shop or restaurant in the neighborhood and which ones are biscuit givers."
For convenience The Jefferson has compiled a list of pet stores (grooming, day care and other essentials) and emergency veterinary care facilities. They also recommend a music station that they insist, "Dogs tend to go to sleep while listening to "Lite 98" or Y101." The bellman, concierge and check-in areas are stocked with biscuits for pooch passersby. Prior to arrival your pet's name and breed is circulated among the friendly staff that happily anticipates your stay and needs. They have especially looked forward to having the opportunity to greet the furry guests. Most are pet owners themselves.
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Travelers to The Jefferson are valued guests that return year after year. The dog, owners and employees know one another. During our two day stay we encountered three sets of Jefferson loyalists that had booked a year in advance for their stay with their pooches. One couple, whose dog passed away less than a year ago, brought their new puppy Charlie, a Springer Spaniel. For them, fond memories of their former dog were rekindled while new ones with Charlie were created.
If you are looking for a discerning hotel that caters to not just your needs but to your pet's, The Jefferson is all that and more. It will exceed your expectations. The hotel is dedicated to making your stay enjoyable. It specializes in providing the red carpet treatment for two and four-legged guests.
- COMMUNITY OUTREACH: For the last seven years The Jefferson Hotel has hosted the Richmond SPCA's Annual Fur Ball, a fundraising event to benefit the organization's Cinderella Fund - a special pool of resources that covers the cost to treat and rehabilitate sick and injured homeless animals. Approximately 40 four-legged guests and their parents descend the famed marble staircase during the event's featured Pet Presentation. Cocktails in the Rotunda and a seated dinner in the Grand Ballroom are followed by a live, spirited auction. More than $370,000 was raised in 2006, and funds earned will benefit more than 2,000 pets in need this year.
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WOOF Patrol's Little Bites scribe Tony Conza, Pomo and Mary Gallo
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SPECIAL GUEST RELATIONSHIPS: Mary Gallo lives in the Virginia area and was attending one of several elegant holiday parties taking place at The Jefferson during our stay. Her dogs, Banyan and Akila (German Shepard and Australian Shepherd), were at home, but for her and other guests, a touch of fur companionship was welcomed. Guests and visitors to The Jefferson come not only for the elegance but also for the waggy-tail factor. We found ourselves stopped in the lobby by folks needing the fido-fix again and again.
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