Imagine waking up on the lush campus of Virginia Tech, surrounded not just by intellectual wattage, but also rolling mountains, valleys, scenic trails and rivers.
Yes, we’re biased. But, we have to admit – this is quite the place.
Here’s why: besides being the only hotel on the campus of Virginia Tech and Blacksburg’s largest hotel and only conference center, we’re brimming with fascinating facts corner to corner.
Here are some fun facts and local gems that even some Blacksburg residents aren’t aware of.
After all, some secrets were meant to be shared.
1. We’re Not Exclusive to University Guests
Blacksburg residents, visitors, or just passing through – our property is open to everyone to enjoy all and any of our amenities. Here’s just some of the things you’ll discover: approachable, local dishes at Preston’s, local craft brews at Continental Divide lounge, free parking (plenty of open spots in the evening, too!) and some of the comfiest rooms you’ll find in the region.
2. The Wine Spectator Loves Our Wine List
Wine Spectator magazine continues to rank Preston’s robust wine list as one of 2000+ Award of Excellence winners, and the only one in New River Valley … for seven years in a row! Maybe it’s because we feature progressive labels from around the globe, from Chile to South Africa to Australia. Or, perhaps it’s because we thoroughly showcase Virginia’s deep-rooted history in wine, with glasses from Virginia wineries Chateau Morrisette to Prince Michele, from Barboursville to Horton Vineyards.
Browse the wine list, order a glass and you decide.
3. Hop on Our Free Shuttle
Our guests love our complimentary shuttle service that will take them anywhere in a 3-mile radius. Head to the other side of campus, explore downtown Blacksburg or browse through the shops at First and Main. Shuttle runs until 10 p.m.
4. We’re Ace at Local & Approachable Cuisine
Don’t let Preston’s white tablecloth service fool you. Brunch and dinner here are 100 percent approachable and family-friendly. Not to mention, made with ingredients sourced directly from farms across Virginia and seafood from Chesapeake Bay.
Some of our faves: Shrimp and Scallop Chowder – a plated dish which is actually a spin on “chowder” – with smoked pork belly, Yukon gold potatoes, parsnip velouté, and oven-roasted mirepoix and Shoots and Fruits Salad featuring roasted baby beets, wild berries, citrus supremes, micro basil, local honey, pistachio, pea and corn shoots.
There’s always room for you at the table.
5. We Pour Local
Everyone can see, we’re proud of our local winemakers and brewers! In addition to serving diverse Virginia wines, we love pouring craft beer from local breweries at Continental Divide lounge. Every season, we rotate our six local beers on draft, featuring Virginia craft brewers like Devil’s Backbone, Blue Mountain, Port City, Reaver Beach, Lost Rhino and Deschutes. Pair your beer with Wings the Continental Way, served with chili ginger sauce, kimchi and cucumber ranch or the popular Drillfield Burger with local Angus beef, bacon and onion jam, and brie on a brioche bun.
6. Sleeping, Dining, Drinking, Meeting
Whether staying for the night, or just for a nightcap, putting in some work, or working out, The Inn at Virginia Tech is the only full-service hotel in Blacksburg. What does that mean for you? We’re the only hotel in town where you’ll find everything under one roof: luxe accommodations, full-service restaurant, lounge, and services like a fitness center, local shuttle, concierge, and room service.
7. Our Executive Chef Has Cooked for Royalty
Executive Chef Scott Watson was one of the privileged chefs selected to cook for Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the Williamsburg Inn in 2007, while he served as sous chef at the nearby Williamsburg Lodge. He also had the incredible opportunity to prepare meals for President George H. W. Bush, President George W. Bush, the Department of Defense, multiple heads of states, diplomats, senators, and congressmen while working for some of the country’s most renowned resorts like Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont.
Check Out The Inn at Virginia Tech for Yourself >>
8. What Lies Beneath Blacksburg?
Impress friends and coworkers with this fun fact: Why is the bar named Continental Divide? Turns out, the Eastern Continental Divide (also known as the Appalachian Divide) runs right underneath Blacksburg! This invisible line bisects our valleys and ridgelines, designating which bodies of water flow into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
9. An Energetic Staff of Students
That server pouring your drink and the bellman helping you with your luggage? They are our country’s future hotel leaders. From the front desk to the restaurant, we have more than 100 enthusiastic Virginia Tech students on staff. Many of them hail from Virginia Tech’s undergraduate program in hospitality and tourism management, one of the highest rated hospitality programs in the country.
10. Hotel Roanoke is our Sister Property
Virginia Tech’s hotels include The Inn along with Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Both university hotels are managed and operated by Benchmark, a global hospitality company. Together, we’re excited to show the best of what Virginia has to offer! We’re proud to be part of Benchmark’s family of 80 other hotels, resorts, and conference centers stretching from North American to Japan to the Caribbean.
11. We’ve Got a Gorgeous Golf Connection
Besides a pretty amazing roster of hotels, our management company Benchmark also oversees the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech just a 20-minute drive from The Inn. This public access golf course, also called ‘The River’ by locals, has panoramic views of the New River and is home to Virginia Tech’s golf team. Check out our Stay and Play Packages if you want to tee off.
12. One of only 11 IACC-accredited Conference Centers in Virginia
The IACC (International Association of Conference Centers) is a consortium of venues around the globe. To be a member, our Skelton Conference Center had to pass stringent qualifications and a vigorous inspection process. This means meeting and event planners know they are booking a facility with truly top standards.
From a roaming free shuttle to sipping local craft beers, The Inn at Virginia Tech brims with fun facts and memorable experiences. Check in or check us out and see for yourself!
