Robert E Lee Building in Lexington, VA

Pros

• The rooms were spacious, clean, well lit and recently updated.
• Parking on site is free.
• Rocca is an amazing restaurant, with nice rooms and great hospitality.
• The hotel is gorgeous, with super comfy beds and beautiful rooms.
• The location is fantastic, in the heart of Lexington.
• The staff are friendly and helpful, and breakfast is excellent.
• Historic preservation at its finest.
• The shower is beautifully redone with nice fixtures.

Cons

• They would not recommend the hotel.
• The front desk staff were rude and unhelpful, and early check-in inquiries went unanswered.
• The hotel failed to meet expectations; the rooms were small and lacked historic charm.
• Guests felt unwelcome, as if no one wanted them there.
• For the price, the hotel was not worth it; accommodations were basic and the mattresses uncomfortable.
• The walls were thin and noise from neighbors or a live band disrupted sleep.
• There were maintenance shortcomings, like no fridge or outlets by the bed, AC issues, and a broken shower rod.
• The Rocca staff, especially the bartender, ignored guests and displayed a poor attitude.

Review

This community is best suited for history enthusiasts and couples who want a central, historic base for exploring Lexington, with easy access to downtown, VMI, and W&L. It suits guests who value the ambience of a restored era, the on-site Rocca restaurant, and the convenience of free parking, breakfast included, and a location that invites strolling to shops and landmarks. It is not the right pick for travelers who insist on modern, uniformly high-end comforts from the moment they walk in, or for families that require reliable in-room refrigerators, microwaves, or consistently quiet accommodations.

Those considering alternatives will likely be weighing service consistency and in-room practicality against history and charm. Families with young kids or travelers who rely on in-room conveniences should evaluate other Lexington options, such as The Georges, where service perceptions and room quality tend to trend more positively, albeit at a higher price. Guests who place a premium on predictable front-desk reliability, quieter rooms, and better overall noise control may find value in stepping up to a property with steadier service standards and more traditional hotel amenities.

On the upside, the location and historic character frequently emerge as the strongest draws. The property sits in the heart of Lexington, offering walkability to the town's core, with easy access to historical sites and universities. Rooms that have been updated in places offer comfortable bedding and a sense of spaciousness, and the on-site Rocca restaurant provides a convenient dining option that many guests appreciate. Free parking near the historic core remains a practical plus, helping to offset some of the concerns about value and service.

The most persistent drawbacks center on service and sound. Front-desk interactions can feel brusque or unaccommodating, with several guests reporting difficulty obtaining timely responses to inquiries and inconsistent courtesy. Noise is a frequent complaint - thin walls and nearby live music or bar activity can disrupt sleep, even for those who choose quieter setups. In-room practicality also lags in places: no refrigerators or microwaves in standard rooms, shower designs without doors, and small TVs or limited outlets near the bed. AC issues and older infrastructure on occasion contribute to uncomfortable nights, underscoring a disconnect between historic charm and modern comfort.

These pros and cons seldom balance perfectly, but they point to a practical reality: the hotel excels as a historic anchor and a social hub, especially when visitors plan around the inevitable quirks. Guests who accept occasional service frictions and come prepared for variable room features can enjoy the locale, the breakfast, and the on-site dining as meaningful offsets to the weaker areas. For others, particularly those sensitive to noise, or those needing reliable, fridge-equipped rooms with consistently courteous service, the advantages may not overcome the drawbacks, and alternatives with stronger day-to-day execution will deliver more predictable value.

In booking decisions, aim for proactive problem-solving rather than reactive accommodations. Request a room away from bands or bar activity when possible, and specify needs such as a functioning air conditioner, a room with a shower door, and access to outlets by the bed. If in-room refrigeration or microwaving is essential, confirm availability or plan to store and heat items off-site. Be clear about check-in expectations and early or late demands, and consider how branding changes or restaurant shifts could color the experience during the stay. With thoughtful selection, the experience can be rewarding for those who prize location and history; for others, a more modern, consistently serviced option may be the wiser, more economical route.

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)