"The Shenandoah Valley isn’t exactly loaded with hotels, making Hotel Laurance an even bigger treat. The old house–turned–boutique hotel (the original structure was built in 1830; it became a hotel in 1883) has only 12 rooms, all of which are uniquely decorated. In fact, the entire hotel was refurbished (revamps were completed in early June 2020), with rooms bearing new bedding, linens, and velour-tufted sofas. They're handsomely appointed, with taupe-colored walls and crystal chandeliers, fabric-covered furnishings, objet d'art like statuettes, stacks of books everywhere, and linen bed coverings. You really do feel as if you're staying in a classic old home that's been given a smart new look. Almost all of the rooms have kitchens, which makes packing a picnic lunch for Shenandoah National Park a breeze." - Laura Ratliff, Kristen Schott
