Fenton Inn — Hotel in Stuarts Draft

Treat yourself to a unique European experience and stay at the Fenton Inn. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. Reading about it and watching YouTube snippets won’t come close to seeing the incredible craftsmanship and creativity in this one-of-a-kind beautiful place. You truly have to be there to appreciate it completely.

We originally planned to meet my son and daughter-in-law for a couple nights because they had previously stayed there during Covid and loved it. Unfortunately, they backed out due to work conflicts and I’m so glad we didn’t cancel too! Surprisingly nondescript from the parking lot, you’re immediately transported into another world walking into the lobby, and it only gets better the further into the hotel you go. The shape of the building itself is designed around a courtyard and replicated to look like separate shops on a street in a quaint Bavarian village. Each hand-carved door tells a story about the space behind, and each room has its own unique theme with beautiful views of either the Bavarian “town square” or gorgeous sweeping landscapes. We stayed in the “Swallow’s Nest” and loved the huge windows overlooking scenic mountains and forests. Our first morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast on our balcony, relaxing and listening to the quiet sounds of nature. The second morning we went down to the “bakery” and ate while chatting with the multi-talented, friendly and well-travelled owners, learning about lots of fascinating subjects.

While at first it appears to be located in a remote area, the Fenton Inn is surprisingly close to plenty of places to eat, drink and explore. We had an excellent dinner at Devil’s Backbone Brewpub, lunched and wine tasted at Hazy Mountain Winery, toured historic downtowns of Staunton and Charlottesville, drove the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, and walked through Grand and Luray Caverns. We wanted to stay longer for even more sights, as well as continue our conversations with the owners and creators of this special place, but had to continue to DC to meet family.

I highly recommend the Fenton Inn if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, or escape, relax and seek unique travel adventures. It is an irresistibly charming, peacefully luxurious, utopian fantasyland that will beckon...

We stayed at the Fenton Inn in May 2021 for the UROC trail race.

The exterior of the Inn is stunning (it reminded us of a small Swiss village) and little woodworking details were everywhere.  From the unique design of each door, to the interior furnishings,  clearly a huge amount of care has gone into this Inn's creation.   Our room (we stayed in the Wilhelm Suite) was absolutely spotless, had a fantastic layout, two wonderful bathrooms, excellent linens, and mountain views that were outstanding.   Our room had a gas fireplace and DirectTV.   Maybe we were there during off-season, or the place was empty... but in our room, it was wonderfully quiet and we were able to get a great night's sleep before the 50k race, and the following evening.

Wi-Fi was 'pretty good', considering the location it was far better than we anticipated.  Cellular coverage (Verizon) was non-existent -- but 50 yards in any direction can change things a lot in rural Virginia.

In-room breakfast was very straightforward, and exactly on time.  We wish we'd had an opportunity to enjoy the Inn's normal dining room, but in the era of Covid, the in-room breakfast absolutely fit the bill.  (Our room also had a mini fridge, Keurig, and microwave -- all of which we used and worked perfectly)

Many many years ago, we spent a weekend in the same area at a different hotel which left us unimpressed.  The Fenton Inn changed that impression and we're anxious to return and do some more running, cycling, and hiking.    Skiing isn't our jam, so while the Fenton Inn is literally across the highway from Wintergreen Resort, that'll have to be an activity for someone else.

5-stars.   Really, a...

My husband and I recently had the pleasure of staying at this charming bed-and-breakfast in Virginia, and it truly exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were enchanted by the German-themed decor, which added a unique and cozy touch to our getaway.

Each room had its own personality, thanks to the exquisite woodworking and attention to detail. We loved exploring the different designs of the tables and doors, each one reflecting its own sense of style and craftsmanship.

The owners were incredibly warm and welcoming, and their hospitality made our stay even more memorable. They prepared delicious breakfasts for us every morning, featuring homemade treats and a stunning view of the mountains. It was the perfect way to start our day before heading out to explore the picturesque surroundings.

Overall, our experience at this bed-and-breakfast was nothing short of delightful. It provided the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and relaxation, making it the ideal getaway for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We can’t wait to return and create more wonderful memories in this beautiful retreat.

Thank you to the owners for sharing their slice of...