Richmond Marriott Downtown

The Richmond Marriott is a large, traditional full-service hotel in the heart of downtown, close to the convention center and the main business and government district. It is the sort of place where everything is under one roof: a lobby with seating and a bar, a restaurant, meeting rooms, a fitness room and a pool, and a front desk that can help with directions, transport and tickets. For many visitors that completeness is the appeal. You do not need to plan every meal or activity in advance, because the basics are on site, and the downtown location puts the rest of the city within reach.

Rooms are typically roomy and comfortable, with work desks and seating that suit both business travelers and families. Higher floors usually have better city views and less street noise, and suites or connecting rooms give groups extra space. As with any large hotel, the experience depends on the room you get, so ask about bed types, floor level and whether any renovation work is underway when you book. Parking, breakfast and Wi-Fi arrangements can vary by rate, so check the details and any daily fees before comparing prices.

The location is excellent for a first visit to Richmond. Capitol Square, the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, the Canal Walk, the riverfront and several museums are within walking distance or a short ride, and the city's restaurants and breweries are easy to reach. In the evenings, you can walk to dinner downtown or ride a short distance to the Fan, Carytown or Scott's Addition.

If you are attending an event at the convention center, the walk from the hotel is only a few minutes, which can be a major convenience on a cold or rainy day.

This hotel works well for conference visitors, families who want a pool and a predictable stay, couples on a city break and groups attending a wedding or reunion. It is less suited to guests who want a boutique feel, a historic building or a neighborhood setting, for which the smaller hotels in the Fan or the Arts District may be better. The scale of the hotel also means that the lobby can be busy at check-in times and during large events.

Plan around the calendar. Convention weeks and major festivals raise prices and fill rooms, while quiet weeks and winter weekends can offer good deals. Spring and autumn bring the best weather for walking tours and riverside strolls, and summer can be hot and humid, which makes a hotel pool a real asset. Bring comfortable shoes for the hills of Church Hill and Jackson Ward, and leave time for the Virginia State Capitol and the museums, which are easy to combine with a stay here.