The hype
Guests adore the 'homey' craftsman vibe and the friendly staff, but often wish the rooms were a bit more modern.
Oakhurst Inn
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a charming, residential-style stay steps from UVA that feels more like a wealthy professor's guest house than a hotel.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable proximity to Scott Stadium and UVA Hospital (literally across the street)
- The Oakhurst Inn Café is a legitimate local brunch hotspot, not just a hotel breakfast room
- Saltwater pool and library lounges offer a sedate, grown-up alternative to the student scene
Quick Take: A cozy, historic craftsman enclave that trades elevators and soundproofing for serious charm and location.
Reviewed by @theboutiqueadventurer: I found this hidden gem near the university and fell in love. The pool area is so peaceful for a morning swim, and the on-site café? Absolutely incredible food. It felt like staying at a wealthy friend's historic estate rather than a hotel.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Recent reviews frequently mention maintenance lapses like dusty mini-split units, slow drains, and spotting mold in bathroom corners.
- You are visiting a student or patient at UVA and want to walk everywhere
- You appreciate historic architecture and 'creaky floorboard' charm over corporate polish
- You want a quiet, residential atmosphere away from the 'Corner' party scene
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally daily service, but recent reviews cite missed dust on vents and baseboards.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but watch out for mold in grout lines and slow drains in older units.
- Maintenance: Showing its age. Reports of peeling paint, finicky AC units, and loose fixtures are becoming more common.
- Linens & towels: Good quality, generally fresh and crisp.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh, but basement rooms can smell musty/damp after rain.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Footsteps from rooms above (creaky floors)
- HVAC/Mini-split unit noise
- Morning noise from the Café if staying in Tavern rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The front desk is in a separate building from some guest rooms
- Breakfast at the Café is excellent but NOT included in the room rate ($6-20 range)
- White noise machines are provided in rooms to help with the old-building acoustics
What to pack
- Earplugs (for the thin walls)
- Slippers (floors are hardwood and can be chilly)
- Umbrella (you have to walk outside between buildings to get to the lobby/café)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Suites with Kitchenettes (more space, feels like an apartment)
- Top floor rooms (to avoid hearing footsteps above you)
Rooms to avoid
- Basement/Lower Level rooms (risk of dampness/musty smell)
- Tavern Rooms directly above the café (can be noisy during early morning prep)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a room on a top floor to minimize overhead noise. Please avoid any lower-level/basement units. If possible, a room away from the café entrance would be ideal for sleeping in.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there an elevator?
No. These are converted 1920s buildings. You must be able to climb stairs.
Is parking free?
No. Valet parking is $15/night. Street parking is permit-only and strictly enforced.
Is breakfast included?
No, but the on-site Oakhurst Inn Café is one of the best brunch spots in town.
Is there a gym?
No on-site gym. You'll need to find a local drop-in option or use the nearby trails.
How close is it to UVA?
Extremely close. You are steps away from the South Lawn and Scott Stadium.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome for a $75 fee per stay.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Tavern' rooms come with free coffee/espresso since they are above the café.
- ✨
Ask for a room in the main building if you want to be closest to the pool and front desk.
- ✨
The library lounges have fireplaces and are often empty—perfect for a quiet read.
5 things to know before you go
💡The mini-split AC units can be dusty and finicky to control.
💡You might have to walk outside in the rain to get your morning coffee.
💡The 'valet' often just moves your car to a small adjacent lot you could technically see.
💡Some bathrooms have very small, vintage-style sinks with limited counter space.
💡The Wi-Fi can be spotty in the corner rooms of the outlying buildings.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Oakhurst Inn is located and what's nearby.