Quirk Hotel

CONS: Quirk is branded as a «boutique hotel», and I was expecting such. The rooms are very sparse and offer no luxury. The amenities were poor including the shower (no bath?!?) and gym. I did not feel my money was well spent. I also did not appreciate the bartending staff in the lobby. It is obvious a lot of locals hangout at the bar lobby (because it’s so chic), and the bartenders cater to this clientele. This is very frustrating when you are paying $ 250 a night and being overlooked.
PROS: The lobby is fantastic and very chic. It is an impressive space. The location in downtown Richmond was also wonderful and very accessible.

I am a fan of boutique hotels so its nice to see one in Richmond. I always assume that when these kind of places open in a city it means the place is on the upswing. While it may be a form of gentrification that some people despise, I certainly prefer it to the sight of derelict buildings surrounded by panhandlers.
Anyway, this place is smartly decorated and unlike anything you find in a standard corporate hotel. Each room has a different look and feel while the bedding is as plush and comfy as any Marriott. The walk in shower is the best thing ever for a hotel. They should be mandatory in the building codes from now on.
The only problem I found was the lack of sound proofing. Thankfully we were far from the elevators but even then we could hear everything going on in the hallway. Hopefully this is something fixable.
Also, there was a huge society event taking place in the bar area which means we couldn’t enjoy a cocktail before heading out for the evening. That was just the luck of the draw but I was a little bummed I couldn’t sample the bar skills in the form of a martini or a negroni. Oh well, maybe next time.

Truly beautiful hotel. Rooms are beautiful as well. By absolutely zero soundproofing. From 11pm — 1am there was so much noise in the hallway that we didn’t sleep. My daughter, who is in college, said it was worse than being in her dorm. Noise started again at 8am (music playing?).
Wasn’t able to wash my hair the next morning. Shower was cold (I’ve seen that mentioned on other reviews).
Full review with details on Trip Advisor

Like this hotel a lot — comfortable, clean, quiet. Great food at Maple and Pine. Couple of suggestions for management — in the modern day seems a little lacking in foresight to not provide a larger workout facility but it does the job, also fresh towels would be nice (none this morning), wipes to clean the equipment (none to be found), a phone in space to call maintenance if you need them, mats so you can do floor exercises.

The only thing I don’t love about this hotel is the name. The neighborhood, the staff, the design, amenities, furnishings, shop, gallery, beds, showers, light, location, how welcoming they were to our two dogs… Everything is fantastic from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. And the fact that the restaurant Maple & Pine is one of the best hotel restaurants — ok one of the best restaurants period — we’ve ever eaten in, does’t hurt. If there is a Best New Restaurants of Richmond award they need to win it, and if they don’t win it I have got to try the place that does. Richmond was our halfway point between Brooklyn and Savannah, and we only stayed there to give the dogs a rest from the car. Now we can’t wait to go back at the end of winter!

Staying here now and thoroughly enjoying every aspect. If you want the old Virginia feel pay more and go to the Jefferson. If you want a contemporary, hip, industrial feel and look this is your place. The staff is perfect from the valet to the front desk. The room is large, high ceilings with a more than ample bathroom. Do you have lots of gadgets, fear not, either side of the bed has two conveniently located plugs and the desk even more (I hate places you have to search for a place to charge devices.). The coffee bar in the lobby is great and it seems the lobby and its bar is the new place to be in Richmond.
This is a very welcome alternative in Richmond and one you should go to.

Quirk, you have my heart! From the second you walk into the hotel, you just get a positive vibe. The staff are all so sweet and helpful, and it’s decorated so beautifully! I travel frequently, and I’m used to seeing the same boring carpeting and wall paper– what a pleasant surprise this gem is! This hotel is and absolute must

Stayed in one of their split level suites. The space is very nice, but the sitting room is minimalist almost to the point of being cold. Table lamp was outfitted with electrical plug that wouldn’t fit the sockets and was just left there unplugged. The space is still very nice, and the staff and service were first class. You can tell the hotel is still on its shakeout cruise, as fits and finishes still need attention, but I’d recommend it to any visitors to Richmond.

Someone famous says «Love is in the details». Well, Quirk Hotel definitely loves their guests. I am a Richmond native however moved away but returned to check out the hotel and a few new foodie restaurants in town. The Lobby is light and airy, crisp and clean with beautiful pinks and greys on mostly a white or light washed wood floor. Very large windows wrapped the entire area; it is beautiful and very chic.
My guest and I were in love with the open feel of the restaurant/​lobby area and decided to ask about dinner reservations. They were highly recommended. We received a table for two at Maple and Pine at the earliest 9 p.m.
We made our way up to the room where our bags were waiting for us after a coffee and stroll in the shop and art gallery.
The doors to the hotel are glossy black; very cool, down the white hall with continued grey and pink accents.
Our room, modern, clean, comfortable, gorgeous large windows with black sheer and despite the fact that we were on top of the very busy Broad street just one floor up; quite quiet. We had all the amenities one might expect.
At 9 we went to dine; our reservation unfortunately was not noted, I said who I spoke with and the Host immediately apologized and asked that we have a drink at the bar while he made arrangements. He expected to have a table for us in less than ten minutes, despite the crowd.
We decided to order a bottle of red from a vineyard I knew of from Walla Walla, Washington; it was superb and they had a great selection of wines not extensively intimidating, just enough for variety. The cocktail menu appeared trendy and fun as well as the bar fare. Our bartender Kim asked if we would be dining; we said yes, she replied «You are in for a treat; I’ve worked in a few high end restaurants but never for a Chef as talented as ours.» Very impressive compliment for sure which led to higher expectations. I inquired about the cheddar cheese ice cream on the apple crisp, more curious than anything; well Kim offered a Meg Ryan/“When Harry Met Sally” type response. .. . The cheddar cheese ice cream had us at hello.
Just as the Host promised, we were seated after only two sips. We sat on this winding grey with white trim banquette; so comfy and elegant. We were promptly greeted by our server and asked her favorites. Not to anyone’s surprise they mirrored bartender Kim’s favorites. The Pekin Paradise Duck Breast, Grilled Plums, Quinoa, Ginger Dressing and Beef Hanger Steak, Variations of Broccoli, Bay Leaf Crumble. We ordered roasted Sunchokes for appetizer, the Hanger Steak and the Duck. The Sunchokes were incredible in a purée that I am embarrassed to say, I cannot recall. The Hanger Steak, cut like three filets and cooked perfectly medium rare with broccoli variations was to die for; the broccoli fried, steamed and pureed, YUM, the Hanger Steak had us wondering why the protein gets such a bad rap! The Duck was exceptional however the grilled plums with quinoa and a ginger dressing made me want to lick the plate.
We went to order the cheddar cheese ice cream with apple crisp and much to our disappointment, the were SOLD OUT for the evening since they are made fresh daily. I may have expressed my disappointment especially given Kim’s hard sell. Our server, whose name escapes me, knew that we were staying, found out when the ice cream would be ready in the morning and promised an 11 a.m. delivery. She also offered the chocolate hazelnut mousse as a peace offering. It was delightful, so much so, I wasn’t even aware of the hazelnut skin on my top front tooth; embarrassing when you compliment and shake the Executive Chef’s hand, but hey — he knows we enjoyed it and ate every last drop! What more of a compliment could a Chef want!?!
The next morning, I had an errand and returned to the room at 11:30, «is our ice cream here???» I inquired. «Better, look» Sitting on the desk, a beautiful little basket with fresh local fruits, chocolates and a lovely note from Emma, the F&B Manager. «Emma stated that the delivery of the ice cream would not do it justice so we were invited back for the entire dessert on the house.»
My friend and I planned to eat our next meal elsewhere but we were SO IMPRESSED with Maple and Pine we thought, why leave!!!
For lunch we enjoyed a Virginia Ham and Appalachian Cheese Sandwich, House BBQ Potato Chips; their version of a croque monsieur. Decadent and delicious as well as the Chicken Panini, Pepperoncini Marmalade, Asiago Cheese, Celery Root Slaw. It had a bit of a kick complimented nicely with the calm, cool Celery Root Slaw. Fantastic.
And now for the Cheddar Cheese Ice Cream with Apple Crisp; let’s just say it was a shame our bags were packed and the road was calling.
Well done Chef Dunlap, well done!
Applause to the entire talented team of Quirk!
It may have been our first visit however I dare say it will not be our last!
Thank you again!

This only pertains to the lobby and restaurant as I have not stayed overnight in the hotel. Space is wide open and noisy, no sense of comfort or coziness. There’s a cheap feel to the interior and the stark white walls give no sense of warmth or welcome.
Ate lunch there and was told, on a Saturday afternoon, they’d «run out» of ground beef for a burger. This was one of four entrees on the menu. Had a greasy chicken Panini. Obviously the chef has no feeling for food or food appearance on the plate … a pale Panini served on a white plate with pale gray noodle slaw, about as appealing as a colonoscopy. Prices are high and service is what has become the standard Richmond ballet of buffoonery. See no need to ever return.

This is a review of the restaurant, Maple and Vine, which is inside the hotel. When I called to make the reservation, I asked for 6.30pm. Apparently, 6.15 and 6.45 were available, not 6.30. So I picked 6.15 and told them that it was for our anniversary. We were seated at a two top which was in a row of four tables, not particularly romantic but the place is very open (and somewhat noisy as it appeared to still be happy hour). We were given water and my husband asked for a glass of unsweetened tea. We both chose a glass of white wine. We had to remind the staff of the tea request, which came without a spoon. I asked about the diver scallop (all scallops are harvested this way) and was told it came with lime juice and cilantro, somewhat like ceviche. My husband chose the chestnut soup. The scallop was pretty bland and could have done with a lot more lime and cilantro. The soup had a good taste but was somewhat cold. My main course was lamb. There were two very small pieces, a few pickled blueberries and a smear of hummus. My husband chose pork loin, again, pretty small pieces. As each of these entrees were over $ 34, the portion size was somewhat disappointing. I used my fork to eat the scallop ($ 12) and had to ask for another. Somehow, my husband’s iced tea spoon was removed, and the replacement was actually a desert spoon. We asked for the check. No mention of the fact that it was our anniversary and when I asked if this was usual, the server was most apologetic and went off to find the manager. We decided not to wait, and the manager caught up with us at the door. He was most apologetic. He offered to buy us a drink on our next visit and I said we really didn’t drink that much. Desert? We were already ready to leave.
Some of these issues may have to do with the restaurant not being open that long, however, I do expect a little better service when paying $ 110 for a meal. (The manager has offered to make an adjustment on our bill)

3 cheers for Quirk Hotel! Richmond’s first boutique hotel did it right. They made great decisions in décor that makes you feel like you are in a one-​of-​a-​kind place. The space is a breath of fresh air and my new go-​to for coffee/​meetings. This is a very different Richmond experience. I’m confident that when friends and family stay here they’ll be impressed and delighted. And I look forward to raising a glass at the rooftop bar, when it opens.
It is their first week, but I did notice a few things needing attention: 1) The music needs to up-​level. The 80s/​90s pop soundtrack messed with the whole vibe. If Quirk wants to align with being a boutique hotel, the music needs to be thought about. It’s everywhere. It’s part of the decoration. As it stands now, it’s clashing. 2) More healthy breakfast options. This seemingly minor detail speaks volumes to me. On our second visit, the only veggie to be had, besides home fries, was some broccoli in an omelette. A sauteed wilted green as a side, a green smoothie, and fresh juice are all ways to meet a growing healthy-​minded Richmond – not to mention visitors to our city. Also, identifying the locally sourced ingredients and letting folks know what’s organic or not is not a trend – but important info a lot of people want to know. And 3) I hope they are in the midst of hiring a hospitality consultant. Richmond is notorious for slow and unprofessional service (sorry, it’s true!), and while smiles were everywhere, they don’t take the place of attentive, professional, confident service.
It’s because Quirk Hotel has so much going for it, these 3 things stood out to me. I gave it 4 stars because of what it’s doing right. I want it to be 5 stars though – for myself, and for visitors to see Richmond as a modern city.