The Hotel Roanoke. Roanoke, Virginia. September 6, 2026, 6:48 pm.
Boutique hotels often have fascinating histories. The building may not always start as a hospitality landmark and may play multiple roles in the area's development. In the past, I have stayed in fancy hotels converted from a shoe factory, a high school, and a former private estate. Regrettably, I have few pictures of those places because I visited them before my interest in photography blossomed. I've spent most of my hospitality career working in historic inns and boutique hotels. It feels strange for me to be a guest in these places, and documenting my stay feels uncomfortable. Pictures of food, beds, and bathrooms don't interest me. I don’t want to be a tacky tourist or obnoxious travel blogger. I'm after unique views of or from the property, and that will require me to improve my tourist game. I want nice pictures to supplement my memories.
Budget hotel rates with breakfast included are usually how I plan my vacation nights. But for a short stay or a one-night getaway, I will look for off-season or non-weekend rates at a boutique hotel. The best available rate for a more budget-friendly option may not be much lower, and while breakfast is included, memorable service and unique photo opportunities aren't.
As nice as boutique hotels are, they are still primarily a bed at the end of my day. My wife and I leave home early so we can stop for an activity on the way or spend time downtown. We often bring a picnic lunch and beverages to cut costs and avoid wasting time at a restaurant. Hotel check-in is usually late in the day, so we'll arrive in time to clean up and go out for dinner. If the room has no minifridge, we refill the small cooler with ice at the hotel. Depending on the weather or how long the drive home is, we will do an activity on the way home.
Here are the best photos from my 2026 boutique hotel stays:
The Virginian Hotel, Lynchburg, Virginia:
Lynchburg is rich in pivotal US economic history before, during, and after the Civil War. Architectural evidence of the city’s multiple former glories remains, and restoration efforts are progressing. Lynchburg is a fascinating place to stroll through, with many layers of history to explore.
The Virginian Hotel opened in 1913 and was built as the pinnacle of hospitality and a status symbol befitting one of the wealthiest cities in the US during the early 1900s. The building has served different roles through booms and busts. Today, the building has been restored to its original grandeur as much as possible while adding modern amenities.
The Virginian Hotel. Lynchburg, Virginia. May 25, 2026, 2:16 pm.
The Virginian Hotel Lobby. Lynchburg, Virginia. May 26, 2026, 9:21 am.
The Virginian Hotel Lounge. Lynchburg, Virginia. May 26, 2026, 9:17 am.
The Virginian Hotel Hallway. Lynchburg, Virginia. May 25, 2026, 9:14 am.
The Wills Hotel, Cumberland, Maryland:
Cumberland, a major 19th-century transportation and industrial hub in the Appalachian Mountains, known as the "Gateway to the West,” was once Maryland's second-largest city. After World War II, industries restructured and concentrated operations in eastern coastal cities. According to the 2023 American Community Survey, Cumberland is one of the poorest cities in the United States, ranking 707th out of 935 metropolitan and micropolitan areas in per capita income. Efforts to preserve Cumberland's heritage are evident in its Historic district and museums. The buildings and businesses are wonderful, and I hope tourism attracts more development without pushing the struggling locals out. But tourism alone has a long way to go to revitalize the area. I plan to return to Cumberland for a scenic train ride and to continue exploring this forgotten gem of the USA.
The Wills Hotel building was constructed between 1866 and 1868 in the Downtown Cumberland Historic District. Historically known as the McCleave Building, it has served as a post office, pharmacy, and upscale men’s clothier before sitting vacant for years until its restoration and reopening in 2026 as a boutique hotel.
The Wills Hotel_02. Cumberland, Maryland. August 30, 2026, 7:26 pm.
The Wills Hotel_01. Cumberland, Maryland. August 30, 2026, 7:22 pm.
The Wills Hotel Lounge. Cumberland, Maryland. August 30, 2026, 6:15 pm.
The Wills Hotel Bar. Cumberland, Maryland. August 30, 2026, 6:12 pm.
The Wills Hotel Room View. Cumberland, Maryland. August 30, 2026, 3:38 pm.
The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Roanoke, Virginia:
Roanoke is the largest city in Virginia west of the state capital, Richmond. Human settlement in the area began at a crossroads of Native American trade routes, which later became wagon roads and railroad lines. Beginning in 1882, the Norfolk and Western Railway expanded the area's wealth, and the small town of Big Lick was officially incorporated as the independent city of Roanoke in 1884.
I am not easily impressed by fancy hotels, but the Hotel Roanoke is an exception. The evolution of the building, property, and its services is impressive. Seeing the layers of historical architecture and décor from the original 1882 section, later additions, and modern add-ons is mind-boggling. This colossal and ornate money pit has been cared for, abandoned, and restored through numerous boom-and-bust eras. With each reopening, the property has elevated its status and grandeur.
The Hotel Roanoke. Roanoke, Virginia. September 6, 2026, 6:48 pm.
Downtown from Hotel Roanoke. Roanoke, Virginia. September 6, 2026, 6:52 pm.
Hotel Roanoke Pedestrian Bridge. Roanoke, Virginia. September 6, 2026, 5:02 pm.
Wells Fargo from the Hotel Roanoke. Roanoke, Virginia. September 6, 2026, 6:50 pm.
Funny Tree at The Hotel Roanoke. Roanoke, Virginia. September 6, 2026, 6:48 pm.
The landscaping at upscale properties is always picturesque, but this tree is special. From this angle, I can’t tell if the larger leaves that overlap in a repeating pattern are a vine or weird new growth. To me, the leaves look like they have been digitally copied and pasted. Sorry for the big-picture view, but a close-up of the tree makes it harder to discern the relationship between the copy-and-paste pattern and regular tree growth. Whatever is happening with this plant, I doubt the gardener did it.
At the Hotel Roanoke. Roanoke, Virginia. September 6, 2026, 6:58 pm.
Hotel Roanoke Room View. Roanoke, Virginia. September 6, 2026, 4:40 pm.
I can't take extended time off or travel extensively, so finding gems to visit within a reasonable drive is ideal. I encourage you to explore a little beyond your area and support nearby or neighboring state economies by being a homegrown tourist. I am always amazed by what I find, and spending more time recreating and less time getting there is a bonus. Use online searches and maps to plan a relaxed itinerary. Don’t wait to figure it out when you get there. Small town restaurants and businesses are often closed or have limited hours on Sundays and Mondays. Have a basic idea of where the closest grocery store, gas station, or other services are, in case you need them. Bring supplies to avoid time-wasting stops. Now get out of town and take some pictures.
This is the fourth photo blog in a series. I will post two more supplemental photo blogs over the next month or so as I complete them in order: 2026 Pics from Parks and 2026 Townscapes.
View the other photo blogs in the 2026 Blog at uduforu.com:
An Americana Dreamscape. A photo blog summary of my 2026 travels in Appalachia and Vermont.
2026 Vermont and St. Albans City. A photo blog by an old kid.
2026 Oakland & Cumberland, Maryland. A brief photo blog with reasons to return.
Each blog covers the locations in more detail. This process is a test run for future photo blogs, so please feel free to comment or email me feedback. Some photos will be available for purchase as fine art prints, cards, puzzles, and other merchandise. Let me know if you have any favorites.
At uduforu.com, explore Designs, Pics, and Tales by Martin E. Dodge, read the uduforu Blog, and join the uduforu Newsletter. The Blog and Newsletter are posted quarterly in March, June, September, and December.
Follow Martin and uduforu on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Medium, Substack, and Bluesky.
Martin’s Amazon author page.
Email: info@uduforu.com
