Beyond the ordinary

Welcome to The Commonwealth Hotel – Your Gateway to Richmond, Virginia

At The Commonwealth, we’re more than just a place to stay—we're your home base for discovering the vibrant heart of downtown Richmond. From historic architecture to an emerging culinary scene, there’s no shortage of things to explore just steps from our front door.

Our story

Richmond Art & Culture, Right in the Hotel

Our walls tell stories. From tattoo-inspired art to cyanotypes of Capitol Square flora, The Commonwealth showcases local creativity in every corner. Explore lobby installations, hallway murals, and in-room curated collections that reflect the spirit of RVA.

Our history

Founded by German immigrant Louis Rueger in 1842, the original saloon and café evolved into one of Richmond’s most iconic hotels. After surviving war, fire, and change, the Rueger family opened the first Hotel Rueger in 1901, later replaced by a grand ten-story hotel in 1913. Known for its luxury and hospitality, the hotel was renamed the Hotel Raleigh in the 1950s and eventually transformed into spacious suites as the Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel in 1982. Today, as The Commonwealth, it stands as a beautifully restored historic landmark and a proud member of Historic Hotels of America.

Rueger’s – Est. 1846

Our signature restaurant and bar pays homage to the original Rueger’s that opened on this very site in 1846. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and Southern comfort food with a modern twist, Rueger’s is a true taste of Richmond.

Breakfast:
Mon–Fri: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Sat–Sun: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Dinner:
Sun–Thu: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Fri–Sat: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM

Sip on local craft beer, Belle Isle Moonshine cocktails, and freshly brewed Carytown Coffee.

Hotel Amenities

Fitness Center
Stay on track with your fitness goals in our 24/7 Fitness Center, featuring aerobic equipment, free weights, complimentary bottled water, and refreshing refrigerated towels.

Guest Laundry
Located on the 2nd floor, our Guest Laundry includes coin-operated machines, folding tables, and detergent available for purchase at The Mercantile.

Pet-Friendly Stays
We love dogs, and they love staying here! Our 2nd and 3rd floors are dog-friendly, and pups enjoy a welcome treat, plush dog beds (upon request), and a pet door hanger. Just across the street, Capitol Square offers green space for walks. ($100 pet fee applies; 40lb weight limit.)

Valet Parking
Enjoy valet parking with in/out privileges.

$37/night + tax (standard vehicles)
$42/night + tax (oversized vehicles, 6'5" max height)
Self-parking is not available.

The Mercantile – 24/7 Snacks & Essentials
Our front desk Mercantile is open 24/7, stocked with snacks, drinks, and breakfast items.

Local Attractions Just Steps Away

Capitol Square Park – Perfect for morning walks or dog outings
Virginia State Capitol – Historic tours and photo ops
The American Civil War Museum
Canal Walk & Riverfront
VMFA (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) – Just a short ride away
Broad Street & Shockoe Slip – Bustling with shops, galleries, and history

Staff Picks: Best Local Eats in Downtown Richmond

Mama J’s Kitchen – Soul-food heaven just blocks away
Perly’s – A quirky Jewish deli with modern twists
The Jasper – Craft cocktails and elevated bar bites in Carytown
Capital Ale House – Virginia’s Beer Authority with 46 taps, a fun beer garden, and live entertainment
Chicano’s Cocina Bar & Grill – Vibrant, authentic Mexican flavors, standout tacos, and great margaritas
Capitol Waffle Shop – Casual spot for sweet or savory waffles and $5 mimosas all day
Jo‑Jo’s Pizza – Downtown’s go-to for New York–style slices and hearty subs
Lillie Pearl – A New American dining gem blending Southern and West African influences; known for standout dishes like the smash‑ville fried chicken sandwich, obe ata braised lamb shank with jollof rice, short‑rib breakfast burrito, and inventive cocktails

I Prefer Hotel Rewards

Join the I Prefer loyalty program and enjoy perks like VIP rates, complimentary internet, early check-in/late check-out, and points toward free nights at 600+ hotels worldwide. Click the link below or ask one of out staff memeber on how to join today.

Learn more at iPrefer.com