Tucked into a small mountain town in southwest Virginia sits a grand old building that has watched nearly two centuries of history roll past its front porch. The rocking chairs on its long portico invite you to slow down, while inside, quiet libraries and parlors hold stories written into the walls.
It blends the look of the early 1800s with the comforts modern travelers expect, from a saltwater indoor pool to a full spa. There is even a putt-putt course tucked onto the grounds and a famous theater right across the street.
Keep reading to learn where this storied inn stands, what makes each room feel one-of-a-kind, and why guests keep booking their next anniversary here before they even check out.
Where History Meets Main Street in Abingdon
Right in the heart of a walkable historic district, The Martha Washington Inn & Spa stands at 150 W Main St A, Abingdon, VA 24210. The address puts you on Main Street, steps from local shops and a short stroll from the town center.
The setting is part of the appeal. Off Route 11, the grand hotel sits about a 17-minute walk from Abingdon Town Center, roughly a mile from the William King Museum of Art, and around two miles from Glenrochie Country Club.
Directly across the street, the Barter Theatre draws guests who like to pair an overnight stay with an evening performance. The famous Virginia Creeper Trail also runs within walking distance, so morning walkers can wander over before breakfast.
Guests describe the location as perfectly central, with plenty of places to explore on foot. That mix of small-town friendliness and easy access to attractions is a big reason travelers choose this spot over larger resorts.
A Building That Wears Its Two Centuries Proudly
Roughly 200 years of history are stitched into every hallway of this property, and the inn does not hide its age. Framed documents tracing the building’s story hang throughout the halls, turning a simple walk between rooms into a small tour.
The central staircase draws the eye the moment you arrive, and quiet corners like the library and the parlors give the place an old-world feel. Guests often note that the experience feels like stepping back to the early 1800s.
Because the property is genuinely old, it does not behave like a brand-new chain hotel, and travelers who understand that tend to appreciate it most. Regulars mention that the historic character is exactly why they return.
One detail worth knowing for planning: the upstairs floors are reached by stairs rather than an elevator. Anyone with mobility needs may want to weigh that before booking a room on a higher floor.
Rooms With Their Own Personalities
No two stays feel quite the same here, and that is partly by design. Each room carries its own personality, blending vintage-style furniture with modern touches like climate control and updated showers.
Standard rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and cozy extras such as robes and slippers. Guests describe the spaces as roomy, tidy, and quiet, with comfortable beds, quilts, and pillows that make settling in easy.
Step up to a suite and you gain separate living areas, wet bars, and in some cases garden views. Travelers who booked the Governor’s Suite in room 300 raved about two gas fireplaces, multiple sitting areas, a large mini fridge, and a modern bidet tucked into a room that still feels straight out of another era.
Because the building is historic, expectations matter. A few guests have wished for extras like an in-room coffee maker or USB outlets, so packing a small charging block is a smart move for the practical-minded.
The Saltwater Pool and Steamy Hot Tubs
Water lovers have a genuine favorite spot at this inn, and it stays busy for good reason. The indoor saltwater pool is heated and comes with outdoor accessibility, so a soak works whether the weather cooperates or not.
Late-night dips and early-morning soaks are easy thanks to the outdoor hot tub, which guests single out as a relaxing spot at either end of the day. An infrared sauna rounds out the mix for anyone chasing a little extra unwinding.
What surprises many travelers is the access. The heated pool and hot tub are available around the clock, giving night owls and early risers plenty of freedom to enjoy them on their own schedule.
People weighing this inn against big-name mountain resorts often mention the pool area as a reason they were glad they chose here instead. For a getaway built around slowing down, that saltwater soak earns its reputation.
Spa Days and Serious Relaxation
Winding down is practically a job requirement at this address, and the on-site spa makes it simple. Guests planning a treatment are wise to book their service ahead of time, since popular slots fill quickly.
The spa has helped the inn earn a spot on the shortlist for girls’ getaways, with groups choosing it over larger, better-known retreats and leaving happy with the decision. Between the sauna, the pool, and a spa treatment, a full day can vanish without ever leaving the property.
A resort fee bundles in a handful of comforts that add to the relaxed rhythm, including morning coffee and an evening pour of port, plus access to the fitness center, indoor pool, and hot tub.
The workout facility gets praise too, described as clean and spacious for anyone who likes to keep moving. Whether you want to sweat or simply sink into stillness, both options live under the same historic roof.
Breakfast, Dining, and the Evening Port Tradition
Mornings start well here, with a full plated breakfast included that changes its entree from day to day. Guests help themselves at a drink bar stocked with fresh coffee, tea, juice, and water before their meal arrives.
Sisters Dining Room handles dinner and has earned strong words from travelers who call the food and service excellent, even if the menu runs on the shorter side. The inn has occasionally sweetened stays with dining coupons, which guests happily put toward their meals.
An evening tradition gives the day a gentle close. Head down to the front desk after dark for a complimentary glass of port to enjoy in the library, a ritual many guests look forward to.
Not every plate lands perfectly, and a few travelers have flagged uneven dishes at dinner, so ordering thoughtfully helps. Even so, the breakfast wins consistent praise as a highlight of the whole stay.
Mini Golf, Bikes, and Courts on the Grounds
Boredom does not stand a chance on these grounds. An 18-hole putt-putt course sits tucked into the property and lands on many guests’ lists as an unexpected favorite for a lighthearted afternoon.
Active travelers can borrow loaner bikes and pedal toward the nearby Virginia Creeper Trail, or trade clubs for rackets on the tennis and pickleball courts. Groups often note they need a return trip just to fit in everything they missed the first time.
The inn even keeps a golf connection close, sitting near Glenrochie Country Club for anyone chasing a full round. Between all these options, a rainy afternoon indoors or a bright one outdoors both have plenty to fill them.
Wandering the grounds is worth the time on its own, and chatting with longtime staff often turns up stories about the property’s past. That blend of playful activities and quiet exploration keeps the whole family entertained.
Who Feels Right at Home Here
Couples marking special occasions make up a devoted part of this inn’s crowd. Anniversary travelers return year after year, relaxing in the portico rocking chairs and treating the visit as a cherished tradition.
Families fit in comfortably too. The property is kid-friendly and pet-friendly, and guests have brought along their dogs for a night while enjoying spacious rooms and a warm welcome from staff.
Friend groups planning a relaxed weekend find the spa, pool, and courts add up to an easy escape. Event-goers also drop in, whether for the Barter Theatre across the street or seasonal happenings like the high tea and live music the inn hosts.
The staff earn steady compliments across the board, described as friendly, hospitable, and genuinely helpful. Longtime team members who have worked here for decades add a personal touch that turns a first-time visit into a repeat one.
Planning Your Stay and Getting There
Reaching the inn is straightforward. It sits off Route 11 in Abingdon, Virginia, with free parking on-site and airport shuttle service for travelers flying in.
Amenities cover a wide range, including free Wi-Fi, a business center, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, two restaurants, and a bar. The whole property is smoke-free and offers accessible features, though remember that upper floors rely on stairs rather than an elevator.
A resort fee applies and includes morning coffee, evening port, and access to the fitness center, indoor pool, and hot tub, plus loaner bikes and the airport shuttle. Booking spa services and dinner ahead of time helps you lock in the experiences you want most.
Holding a steady 4.5-star rating across hundreds of guest write-ups, the inn keeps a loyal following. For a stay wrapped in history, comfort, and small-town charm, this Abingdon landmark makes a memorable base, and plenty of guests are already planning their next trip back.
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