Top Lodges in Albemarle County in 2026

Monticello was the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, who began designing and building Monticello at age 26 after inheriting land from his father. Located just outside Charlottesville, Virginia, in the Piedmont region, the plantation was originally 5,000 acres (20 km2), with Jefferson using slaves for extensive cultivation of tobacco and mixed crops, later shifting from tobacco cultivation to wheat in response to changing markets.

Jefferson designed the main house using neoclassical design principles described by Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, subsequently reworking the design through much of his presidency to include design elements popular in late 18th-century Europe and integrating numerous of his own design solutions. Situated on the summit of an 850-foot (260 m)-high peak in the Southwest Mountains south of the Rivanna Gap, the name Monticello derives from the Italian for "little mount". Along a prominent lane adjacent to the house, Mulberry Row, the plantation came to include numerous outbuildings for specialized functions, e.g., a nailery; quarters for domestic slaves; gardens for flowers, produce, and Jefferson's experiments in plant breeding — along with tobacco fields and mixed crops. Cabins for field slaves were located farther from the mansion.

At Jefferson's direction, he was buried on the grounds, in an area now designated as the Monticello Cemetery. The cemetery is owned by the Monticello Association, a society of his descendants through Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson.[4] After Jefferson's death, his daughter Martha Jefferson Randolph sold the property. In 1834 it was bought by Uriah P. Levy, a commodore in the U.S. Navy, who admired Jefferson and spent his own money to preserve the property. His nephew Jefferson Monroe Levy took over the property in 1879; he also invested considerable money to restore and preserve it. In 1923, Monroe Levy sold it to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation (TJF), which operates it as a house museum and educational institution. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark. In 1987 Monticello and the nearby University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson, were together designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Our top choices for Albemarle County lodges

Ultimate Getaway: A Resort within a Resort

McGaheysville

"Our family traveled from NJ and NC to enjoy time together during Thanksgiving. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect home, host and location for our gathering. The house was immaculate and well stocked with everything you could possibly need while away. The host, Caleb, was very responsive and clear in his instructions. The teens all enjoyed the game room, outdoor space and hot tub, which was refilled and balanced just before our arrival. Would highly recommend!"

Lindsay M.

Unique Massanutten Lodge, Hot Tub, Game Room w/foosball and Gorgeous Views!!

McGaheysville

Teri K.

Season 4 Escape - Managed by Gr8Escapes

Massanutten

Daniel C.

AED 4,035 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Feb - 10 Feb

PRIME TIME! SKI dates Jan-Feb!! Book NOW! Luxury Mountain Home - Sleeps 14,

McGaheysville

Matt F.

AMAZING VIEWS! Hiking/Shenandoah ParkAccess/62 Private ACRES-4 Bedroom Suites

Elkton

Julia R.

Historic Old Massanutten Lodge. Hot Tub! close to JMU and Massanutten Resort!

Keezletown

Alison R.

Campfire Lodge: Mid-Century Charm & Indoor Fire Pit

McGaheysville

Roseland, VA. Private mountain retreat on 63 acres.

Roseland

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Top Albemarle County Hotel Reviews

Omni Charlottesville Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Perfect "

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charlottesville-UVA, VA

10/10 Excellent

"Super clean and comfy everything. Delicious breakfast with variety, cold and hot, and awesome staff. Bonus: $15 amenity (to spend on food/snacks) included with registration through this website, at least when we showed up. I'll gladly spend a little more to return to this hotel over my usual $50-$80 frugal options."