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Even the most devout urbanista needs some downtime. Here are
our top picks for weekend getaway hotels—all destinations in themselves, and within 100 miles or so of the world's greatest cities.
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels in....
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels
D.C.
The Inn at Little Washington Middle and Main Sts., Washington, VA, 540-675-3800, $$$$± theinnatlittlewashington.com
The Draw: In its 30 years, The Inn at Little Washington has won every major lodging and culinary award, from Zagat's #1 DC restaurant to Mobil's and AAA's highest ratings for dining and lodging. The late vintner Robert Mondavi once called chef-owner Patrick O'Connell "the pope of American cuisine." Craig Claiborne called the estate "the most magnificent inn I've ever seen." The Scene: Fabric-covered ceilings, William Morris prints, and a preponderance of English antiques will nearly convince you you're in an English country manor house. But it's Virginia countryside that surrounds you, the inn, and the charming little town of Washington. Celebrities of all stripes flock here, from Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, to Al and Tipper Gore. Hot Tip: Early (4–4:30pm) Sunday dinners in summer and fall include a 3:15pm guided tour of the historic town and the inn's new garden, culminating in a seasonal cocktail with O'Connell in the inn's magnificent kitchen.
The Inn at Perry Cabin 308 Watkins Ln., St. Michaels, MD
410-745-2200, $$$$ perrycabin.com
The Draw: A perfect Eastern Shore setting on the banks of the Miles River, with views of sailboats swanning by outside and Norman-Rockwell-meets-Ralph-Lauren décor inside. The Scene: Romancing couples emerge from the pretty Laura Ashley-designed rooms to walk hand in hand along the waterfront terrace. The inn's Linden Spa (treatments are based on colonial traditions) and a Robb Report–recognized restaurant are among its exceptional indulgences. Antiquing aficionados wander quaint St. Michaels, prowling for fresh finds. Executives on business retreats break the tension at the bar or by riding bikes down Main Street. Hot Tip: Guests who sail to the inn may moor their boats at the private dock. Those who don't sail can learn, now that the inn has opened a sailing school offering three-day to five-day courses. Wine-and-cheese sailing excursions and power-boat cruises are also available. The sailing season ends in October, unless the weather deems otherwise.
Keswick Hall at Monticello 701 Club Dr., Keswick, VA, 888-778-2565, $$$ keswick.com
The Draw: Anchoring 600 beautiful acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Keswick is both a grand 45-room country villa and a resort that includes an Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course, a luxurious spa, tennis courts, and a fine-dining restaurant with a panoramic view of the killer scenery. The Scene: Keswick is a favorite escape for international guests, especially Londoners, who come here to soak up the English country-manor ambience and the astounding views of rolling landscape. Nearby attractions offer the thrill of the hunt; winery visits; Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello; and the college town of Charlottesville, host to Mr. Jefferson's University of Virginia. Guests stride through Keswick's common rooms dressed for their particular pursuit, from tennis whites to proper high-tea attire. Hot Tip: The concierge will arrange for guests to accompany a houndsmaster from a local hunt club—and his 50 hounds—on a two-mile loop around the Keswick grounds, the surrounding foliage providing a gorgeous backdrop.
