Richmond, Virginia, known for its deep historical roots, picturesque views of the James River, and vibrant arts scene, offers visitors a perfect blend of old-fashioned charm and modern convenience. Whether exploring Civil War monuments, the Virginia State Capitol, or the lively Shockoe Bottom district, finding affordable accommodations doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or convenience. Here’s a guide to some of the best budget hotels in Richmond that let you experience the city’s rich culture without spending a fortune.
1. The Linden Row Inn
Location: 100 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219
Price: $90–$130 per night
Highlights: This boutique hotel combines history with affordable prices. Housed in restored 19th-century townhouses, the Linden Row Inn offers antique furnishings, charming courtyards, and is close to downtown attractions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the State Capitol.
Why stay here: A perfect choice for travelers who appreciate a historic atmosphere on a reasonable budget.
2. The Commonwealth
Location: 901 Bank St, Richmond, VA 23219
Price: $100–$140 per night
Highlights: Located across from the Virginia State Capitol, this modern and affordable hotel features spacious suites with local artwork and kitchenettes.
Why stay here: Ideal for those seeking comfort, convenience, and local charm at an affordable price.
3. Graduate Richmond
Location: 301 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220
Price: $110–$150 per night
Highlights: With its retro-inspired decor and rooftop pool, Graduate Richmond offers affordable elegance in the heart of downtown. It’s within walking distance of the VCU campus and numerous cafes and museums.
Why stay here: Fun, hip, and affordable—ideal for students, young travelers, or anyone looking for an Instagram-worthy stay.
4. Hampton Inn & Suites Richmond – Downtown
Location: 700 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219
Price: $100–$140 per night (includes breakfast)
Highlights: This trusted chain hotel offers free hot breakfast, a rooftop bar, and easy access to the Canal Walk and Brown’s Island.
Why stay here: Its affordable comfort and magnificent views of downtown make it a great choice for both families and business travelers.
5. Quality Inn West End
Location: 8008 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23294
Price: $80–$110 per night
Highlights: Located just outside of downtown, this hotel offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking, ideal for road trips.
Why stay here: A budget-friendly option with essential amenities for those exploring Richmond and nearby attractions.
6. Econo Lodge Richmond Airport
Location: 5300 Airport Square Ln, Sandston, VA 23150
Prices: $70–$90 per night
Highlights: Ideal for travelers flying in or out of Richmond International Airport, this hotel offers clean, basic rooms and a free airport shuttle.
Why stay here: A simple, no-frills option for short stays or early flights.
7. HI Richmond Hostel
Location: 7 N 2nd St, Richmond, VA 23219
Prices: $40–$70 per night (shared or private rooms)
Highlights: A modern hostel offering shared dorms and private rooms, plus a communal kitchen and game area.
Why stay here: A social and very affordable stay for backpackers, solo travelers, or digital nomads.
Best Areas to Stay in
Accommodations influence prices, especially in Richmond. Here are some neighborhoods and areas that tend to offer better prices without sacrificing too much convenience:
West Broad Street / Broad Street Corridor: Along West Broad Street are many motels, chain inns, and budget hotels. Ideal for driving, close to shopping and somewhat removed from the city center, but with lower prices.
Glen Allen / North Richmond: Quiet residential areas with some budget chain hotels. If you don’t mind commuting, this can keep prices down.
Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom, Fan District: More walkable and charming neighborhoods. There are fewer ultra-cheap motels, so the deals are more modest, but you sacrifice price for ambiance.
How to Get the Best Deals
To make sure you get the most out of your budget hotel bookings in Richmond, keep these tips in mind:
Book early, especially if you’re visiting during festivals, major events, or summer. Last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive.
Compare weekdays with weekends. Some nights are cheaper (e.g., Sunday nights) and others are more expensive (e.g., Friday and Saturday).
Look for hotels a little further from the city center. Hotels further away are usually much cheaper, and if you have a car or are comfortable using public transportation, the trade-off is often worth it.
Use deal websites and filters (e.g., Hotwire, Kayak, Momondo) to find motels or inns with lesser-known deals.
Be wary of additional charges: parking, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and taxes can add up considerably. A “cheap” price may seem better until you see “more charges.”
Read recent reviews, especially about cleanliness, safety, and noise. What was good two or three years ago may have changed.
Flexibility helps: If you can be flexible with your dates, try shifting a few days to find lower prices.
Conclusions
Richmond is a city with a lot to offer in terms of history, art, cuisine, outdoor activities, and culture, and you don’t need a luxury hotel to enjoy it all. With a little planning, you can stay in a budget-friendly hotel that offers a good location, basic amenities, and enough money to spend on the things that make your trip interesting (food, local experiences, etc.).
