I've actually lost count how many times we've stayed here over the last 3 years while coming to visit our son at school in Richmond (about 15 minutes south). The historic part of Ashland near the Henry Clay is very nice and there seem to be improvements with every visit. Randolph Macon College is across the RR tracks and the old train station right out the front door serves as a visitor center for the area. Some guests arrive by train from Wash. DC or Richmond.

While it looks like an authentic Civil War era mansion, the inn itself has had a rough past. It burned down twice over the years, but has been rebuilt (now with sprinklers!) and feels like a large comfortable home. Most rooms have a porch or balcony and there are common areas for any season. You can enjoy the street view from the front porch or sit up on the large balcony in the summer or read a book or play cards in the upstairs parlor when things turn cooler.

Breakfast is self-serve bagels, granola, fruit, juice, coffee, etc. and starts early on weekdays if you want to get on the road right away. Nothing fancy, but its right down the hall from your room you won't leave hungry. There are other options a short drive away in town (Waffle House, etc) if you prefer something hot.

Definitely make reservations for Friday and Saturday nights, which may be booked with weddings, reunions, or other functions, but we have stayed during the week and been the only folks in the place. Two rooms on the ground floor accept dogs and open to the rear porch and parking lot. A word about those RR tracks: they are on the Amtrak north/south main line and both passenger and freight trains pass by day and night. Unless you are a heavy sleeper (or major train buff!), book one of rooms in the rear of the inn. That long freighter at 3AM won't seem as loud.

The Henry Clay Inn is a wonderful place to stay. It is quant and cozy like a bed and breakfast without the forced interaction with other guests that is sometimes encountered at B&Bs. It was nice to have a balcony to sip the wine we bought from the James River Cellars (a winery down on the street) and eat the fabulous cheese from the caboose (a cheese shop around the corner). The Inn is right in front of a historic train depot which also serves as the visitor center. Trains go by rather frequently but we couldn't really hear them from our room. Overall the Henry Clay Inn offers a homey feeling yet anonymous.

We have stay at the Henry Clay Inn twice and will stay their whenever we are in Ashland, VA. We have family that lives in Ashland and have stay at the HCI and other motels/hotels in town. The HCI is the best and by far the best price. Wonderful service and felt right at home.