Kimpton the Forum Hotel

I would have provided a 5 rating since we love this hotel. However, we were charged $42.00 for the mini bar, which we did not use nor do we ever. If this was the first time, I would have overlooked this as a mistake. However, we were charged for the mini bar the last time we stayed there. I would prefer not to believe this was intentional, but after two consecutive visits with the same result I'm starting to have doubts. The Kimpton did refund our money both times, however, this should not have occurred.

Out of all my hotel stays over the years (and I travel a LOT), my experience at the Kimpton in Charlottesville, VA was absolutely incredible and one of the best hotel experiences in all my years traveling !! This spot definitely deserves a great review !! RJ at the front desk made sure the stay was TOP tier and super convenient in every way imaginably possible. I booked the hotel for an unfortunate event and he ensured my stay was comfortable and convenient, which was very comforting, I was able to relax knowing he was on top of making sure everything was perfect with my room, service and stay overall ! James at the front was also super friendly and had GREAT energy , always noticing when I'd come down to the lobby and ensuring everything was great and I have everything I need and beyond. His positive energy is completely contagious and we shared some laughs as I ran in and out . Katie, also at the front desk, was also great. The most genuine and hospitable energy came from the the people I met during my stay at the Kimpton and it was truly unmatched. The hotel felt fresh/new and is decorated nicely. They provided yoga mats in the room, more items to freshen up than I knew existed at hotels, big plush robes and more. The view from my room was so beautiful and the shower set up was absolute luxury making getting ready feel like I was at a spa. There are sidewalks and trails nearby to enjoy. I took the Amtrak down from NY to Charlottesville and the Lyft drive to the hotel was about 8 minutes where I passed a lovely little group of stores which I called to send me pictures of things to purchase as I was in a rush when I got to the area. The restaurant, Birch + Bloom, in the hotel had top service. I had brunch there twice and the food was fresh and perfect brunch style to start the day before running out. I definitely plan on making it back there sooner than later (maybe even again a weekend this summer!) because of how pleasant and relaxing the Kimpton in Charlottesville made me feel. Big big thank you once again to James, RJ and Katie for making my stay so enjoyable during a tough time. Next time I plan on booking their high-tea service or taking one of the drink-making classes I saw they have posted on the lobby fliers. Thanks again for the great stay !

This hotel is top notch. Beautiful and clean, right on the UVA campus. Our room had fantastic views of a beautiful garden. Staff was excellent and attentive. Well appointed rooms. Ice water and coffee in the lobby. Complimentary drink upon arrival. Had dinner at the sports bar. It was excellent and our server was so nice. Highly recommend and look forward to returning!

The 5 star reviews are accurate! The Forum was such and impressive hotel. Large, beautiful hotel and rooms, with high ceilings. Immaculately clean, and with amazing staff. I had an issue with my room and they found me another, for which I was grateful. The event staff were great (I was helping a friend out at a function and everyone was amazing). I was very impressed with the hotel and if I was in the area again, it would be the only place I would stay.

The hotel is new and modern. Staff are friendly, if perhaps overtaxed. The bed is fine. But there are a couple of design features that make me wonder. You have two choices of lights in the bathroom, either very bright or very bright. There is no way to have a gentle light on for occasional nighttime excursions when you don't want to be blasted as if standing in a full sun. There is no credenza or other desktop storage area of meaningful size. Just lots of little tables, etc. It is hard to find places to put things. There is no coffee machine in the room, evidently by design. You have to ask for one to be delivered. I'm told the hotel management thinks having coffee in your room in the morning is antisocial. Room service is quirky. Even if you order a "fancy" meal from the main restaurant, it arrives in thin cardboard boxes. The food is just dumped into the box. No plate is provided, so you have to eat right out of the box. Hardly how a prestige place would run things. There is a microphone attached to a cable in the room. I suspect it is some form of Alexa. Sorry, I don't want one of the tech giants (or hotel staff) listening to everything that happens in the room. Fortunately, you can unplug it. There is a bright red light on the phone. I've stayed at this hotel perhaps ten times and I STILL cannot figure out how to turn it off. It disturbs sleep at night. The light fixtures do not have obvious on/off switches. You have to spend a lot of time figuring out how to turn things on. Overall, you can survive the experience but (1) don't ever order room service and (2) be prepared to adapt your lifestyle to the one hotel management thinks you should have.

The Forum checks ALL the boxes!! As parents of UVA students, who are also athletes, we’re in Charlottesville regularly…and always stay at the Forum. The rooms are spacious, quiet and always immaculate. Just as impressive is the staff who are professional, gracious and eager to please. A great example was last Spring when our room wasn’t ready at check in. Feeling my frustration, Katie, the concierge, covered the cost of two of anything at the bar, and upgraded our room to a beautiful suite with a huge balcony. Since then every time I’ve returned, she always recognizes me and offers a big welcome. And on this visit, we were surprised by a bottle of wine and delicious chocolate…nothing better!!