The buildings that are now the Martha Washington Inn & Spa were built in 1832 as a retirement home for General Robert Preston, a figure from the War of 1812. But it was General Francis Preston and his family that spent many years there.
In 1858, the house was purchased to become Martha Washington College, a college for young women. It survived the Civil War but closed during the Great Depression. Once it became an inn in 1935 it hosted Jimmy Carter, Elizabeth Taylor, and Eleanor Roosevelt, among many others.
Rooms at the Martha Washington Inn
It’s a member of the Camberley Collection, Historic Hotels of America, and is a AAA Four Diamond award-winner. There are even rumors that the inn, which is right across the street from the Barter Theatre, is haunted.
The 63 rooms are spread between the three buildings connected by hallways and staircases. Each has a unique design with double, queen, or king beds. There are also themed suites and adjoining rooms. Bathrooms come with luxury toiletries and bathrobes.
Amenities at the Martha Washington Inn
Breakfast is offered daily at Sisters, the inn’s restaurant. They also serve dinner. The front desk has a small bar where you can grab a glass of wine or other beverage and enjoy it in the cozy library, which has a fireplace and leather chairs.
The Martha also has plentiful meeting rooms in its adjoining parlors. The inn also has a spa, which has a number of treatments, a shop, tennis courts, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
The inn also operates a shuttle to the Virginia Creeper Trail to those looking to bike the rails-to-trails path.
Tips for Staying at the Martha Washington Inn
The Martha Washington Inn & Spa is located at 150 West Main Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210. Valet parking is included with your stay. Rates start at $190 per night. Book your stay by visiting their website or calling (276) 628-3161.
My stay was hosted by Visit Abingdon VA and Laurie Rowe Communications.
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