Robert E Lee Building

Pros

• The rooms were spacious, clean, well lit and recently updated.
• On-site parking was free.
• The hotel is gorgeous, with a beautifully redone shower and lovely bedding.
• The location is great, in the heart of Lexington with shops, restaurants and history nearby.
• The historic building is excellent, well cared for, with lovely rooms.
• Rocca is described as an amazing restaurant with really nice rooms and great hospitality.
• The Virginia stay was clean, with helpful staff and an excellently priced hotel.
• The historical connection makes the experience more fun.

Cons

• They would not recommend the hotel.
• They called about early check-in ten times and got no answer or callback.
• They were greeted by a rude staff member who told them check-in could not occur until 3:30.
• The hotel is not as high quality as expected; rooms are small and lack historic charm.
• They did not feel like anyone there wanted them as guests.
• The service was poor; staff were unfriendly and unaccommodating.
• They disliked the decision to rename the hotel to The Gin, calling it a woke-driven move.
• For the price, the hotel was not worth it; it felt basic and not better than a Marriott.
• The AC had ongoing issues, leaving rooms uncomfortably hot.
• The walls were thin and guests could hear neighbors, intruding on privacy.

Review

A town center hotel that sits in a historic building has drawn a wide range of opinions from guests, balancing charm and location with mixed service and real-world frictions. On the plus side, many visitors praise the setting: a central, historic property with easy access to shops, restaurants, and the town's old-world feel. Some guests even frame their stay as a cultural or nostalgic experience, especially those who are drawn to the building's connection to the area's history and to the nearby Robert E. Lee Hotel vibe. A few guests find the overall ambiance and the idea of a historic retreat worth the effort and the price, particularly when the weather is favorable and the town itself is inviting.

But there is a significant thread of criticism that runs through most of the recent stays. A recurring complaint centers on the front desk and guest service. Several visitors report repeated failed attempts to reach the desk before arrival and a lack of follow-through once they arrive. When checking in, some guests encountered what they described as curt or unfriendly treatment, with one porter-like moment where the front desk staff was perceived as abrupt about early check-in or simply unwelcoming overall. In contrast, other guests encountered friendly staff members in other areas of the property, which underscores the inconsistent service dynamic across shifts and days.

Rooms and in-room amenities generate a spectrum of experiences. Some guests describe rooms as clean, updated, and spacious with good lighting, especially when compared with other downtown options. Yet even among these positive notes, there are tangible drawbacks: no room fridge or microwave in many rooms, limited or awkward TV layouts, and a general sense that the space might be modernized but not fully aligned with a historic aesthetic. Several guests also point to practical frustrations like a lack of electrical outlets by the beds, the absence of a shower door or a poorly functioning bathroom layout, and bathrooms where water tends to spray beyond the intended area. Temperature control through air conditioning is another frequent gripe, with reports of certain floors running hot or fail-prone units that interrupt sleep.

Noise and bedding quality add another layer to the mixed experiences. A number of reviews mention thin walls that let neighbors' conversations and bathroom noises carry clearly into rooms, sometimes disturbing sleep. There are specific anecdotes of late-night disturbances and a sense that quiet, restful stays are not guaranteed, even when the hotel is not at maximum occupancy. In some cases, a comfortable bed and a convenient location are enough to forgive other shortcomings, but for many guests, the noise problem is a deal-breaker in terms of overall comfort and value.

The hotel's branding and evolving identity also come up as a source of conversation and disappointment. Several reviewers reference changes to the building's name and concept, and one even characterizes the rebranding as a controversial move prompted by contemporary cultural pressures. Others acknowledge the re-creation period on-site, mentioning that Rocca, the restaurant on the second floor, has shifted its concept - from a vibrant Italian dining experience to what some describe as a burger-focused menu. This shift, paired with the general sense of a "reboot," shapes expectations and colors guest perception, sometimes deterring return visits even when some elements (like location or daytime energy) remain appealing.

Food, beverage, and breakfast experiences are a frequent topic as well. The on-site dining option receives mixed reviews: one guest enjoyed a waitress's warmth while criticizing the lunch or dinner format and noting that the overall eating experience did not live up to expectations of the property. Breakfast service, when available, is described as understocked or slow, with items like eggs, coffee, and fruit not replenished promptly for crowds. In aggregate, the dining narrative contributes to the impression that the property is in transition - trying to preserve a historic charm while expanding and modernizing - and that gaps in service and supply are felt more acutely when guests are hoping for a seamless, all-in-one experience.

For value and overall impression, the sentiment is highly mixed. A sizable portion of guests feel the price does not align with the experience: rooms that are adequate but not particularly luxurious, basic amenities missing, and service inconsistencies that can erode the sense of a premium stay. Comparisons to familiar large-brand experiences - such as Marriott - leave some visitors concluding that better value or reliability might be found elsewhere, especially when the expectation is to enjoy a true historic ambiance with strong, consistent service. Yet there are also viewpoints that flag the property's location, the historic architecture, and a certain "historic-meets-modern" charm as redeeming qualities that make it worth considering, especially for people who prize the building's legacy or who plan to spend time exploring Lexington.

In this mix of praise and critique, the property stands as a polarizing choice for a broad spectrum of travelers. For some, the promise of a central, historic stay with occasional moments of warm hospitality and a sense of place makes the experience worthwhile, particularly when expectations account for ongoing changes and the evolving on-site concepts like Rocca. For others, the gaps in service, the inconsistent room features, the persistent noise issues, and the branding shifts tip the scales toward seeking alternatives - especially for guests who prioritize quiet rooms, reliable front-desk service, and consistent in-room conveniences. As the hotel navigates rebranding, renovations, and realignment of its dining concepts, it remains a venue that can deliver memorable moments - positive or negative - depending largely on the day, floor, and staff on duty.

This part of Lexington, Virginia offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, theaters, parks, pharmacies, physicians, places of worship, and even a hospital within close proximity, residents have easy access to essential services and recreational activities. The presence of reputable medical facilities such as Carilion Clinic General Surgery and Rockbridge Pediatrics ensures quality healthcare options are readily available. Additionally, the charming historic district of Lexington provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls and cultural exploration. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded community with everything needed for comfortable senior living.

Restaurants

• Metta Meals (0 miles)
• Globowl Cafe (0 miles)
• Brew Ridge Taps (0.1 miles)
• Subway (0.1 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (0.1 miles)
• Sweet Treats (0.1 miles)
• The Palms (0.1 miles)

Theaters

• R/C State Cinema 3 (0.1 miles)

Parks

• Hopkins Green (0.1 miles)
• Davidson Park (0.1 miles)
• Lexington Historic District (0.2 miles)
• Lexington Recreation & Parks (0.4 miles)
• Jordan's Point (0.9 miles)
• Rockbridge Parks & Rec Department (1.7 miles)
• Ben Salem Wayside (3.6 miles)

Physicians

• Lexington Family Practice (0.1 miles)
• Carilion Clinic General Surgery - Lexington (0.3 miles)
• Carilion Clinic Aortic Center (0.4 miles)
• Rockbridge Pediatrics (0.4 miles)
• Blue Ridge Cancer Care - Lexington (0.5 miles)
• Carilion Clinic Cardiology - Lexington (0.5 miles)
• Blue Ridge Dermatology PC (0.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Bierer's Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Lex Care Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Rockbridge Pharmacy (0.1 miles)
• Lexington Prescription Center (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Lexington Prescription Center (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Trinity United Methodist Church (0.1 miles)
• W&L Hillel (0.1 miles)
• St Paul's Anglican Church (0.1 miles)
• R E Lee Memorial Episcopal Church (0.1 miles)
• Gospel Way Church of God in Christ (0.1 miles)
• Manly Memorial Baptist Church (0.2 miles)
• Lee Chapel and Museum (0.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital (0.4 miles)

Cafes

• The Lexington Pancake House (0.4 miles)
• Lexington Coffee Roasters (4.5 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.9 miles)