The most lovely stay I have ever experienced. The staff exhibited the highest level of subtle, professional service. They were attentive to everything, without being intrusive. The grounds themselves were lovely - the perfect genteel surroundings.

I had a room in the Carriage House - the Merriwether Suite - and I highly recommend it. It is a tribute to say that I came back early from a day trip so that I could have afternoon tea.

Highly recommend - my stay there was better than what I have experienced at the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia, both because of the surroundings and because of the friendly, professional staff.

We stayed at the Inn for one night in late December. The Inn was quiet and located in a lovely part of Virginia with horse farms and wineries. We booked a low cost suite in an out-building and when we return will try a different room in the main house or another building. The room was nicely furnished but reminded us of former slave quarters. The heater did not work and despite being set to above 70 degrees stayed at 54 degrees. The bathroom was "interesting". Very little space for items (make-up, curling iron, shaver) on a pedestal sink and only a single person can fit in the area at a time. The shower has a narrow opening so a sidewise entry is advised if you carry some weight. The shower was old and had layers of black mold inside. It was unappetizing for a Chateau and Relais. I'm assuming these rooms were not part of the qualification for the rating. The room is stocked with amenities(sherry & port), a fireplace (unlit), and a very nice bed.

The welcome was genuine and the service was outstanding. They do allow children so be prepared for some noise. Our dinner was excellent. The menu allows you to construct a 3-5 course tasting menu in any order. The wine list is decent. Breakfast was also well-prepared and begins with homemade rolls and coffee cake. Service is attentive.

We'd return and try a different room. The Inn is located near all the president's homes and close to Charlottesville for shopping.

The Clifton is a worthy member of the Relais and Chateaux network. The main house is a gracious, columned country house that has been furnished with fine post-modern furniture and done with a European flair. One is made to feel welcome upon arrival and throughout the stay. The staff seem to be well trained in the kind of service I associate with European country houses- seemingly effortless, graciousness. There were lots of "nice touches" that serve to distinguish good from excellent.

Our room was one of the four less expensive "white suites" in an out building. It wasn't terribly large or luxurious in the classic sense, but rather stylish and chic in a post-modern sense with all the amenities you could ask for. Be aware that if you choose one of these suites you will share the deck with the three others. In retrospect we wish we had chosen the honeymoon cottage because it is a single unit off by itself. That said, we have no complaints about the Keswick suite in which we stayed.

The restaurant's food and service were superb. The cuisine is international contemporary fare that compares very favorably with fine restaurants in any sophisticated city. It is special occasion dining. The service is professional, relaxed and readily available.

The Clifton made our trip to Monticello and Montpelier more special. We recommend it highly. The premium over other Charlottesville options was well worth it.

wonderful inn and excellent restaurant but the outdoor grounds were not kept up - dead plants and shrubs all over and not once did we see any work being done. we stayed in the carriage house which looked cute from a distance but upon entering there we cigarette butts on the patio and inside the drapes had missing pins and were really sloppy. There were three lamps which weren't working and we just thought they should really have management oversee the rooms once in a while to make sure they measure up to the high price tag they charge ($395. per night weekdays). Overall, the staff was very nice and the location was great but they definitely need some major improvement.