Quirk Hotel Charlottesville Opens with Art and Style
The Destination Hotels boutique property joins its sister hotel in Richmond in paying tribute to local culture, history and arts with unexpected twists
March 10, 2020
Hyatt Hotels Corporation celebrated the opening of Quirk Hotel Charlottesville in Charlottesville, Virginia as the first boutique hotel with a focus on curated art to be located in the city’s historic downtown. Fun and distinctive by nature, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville delivers a warm sense of approachability and playfulness that appeals to curious travelers of all ages seeking a sense of belonging, and is the second rendition of the Quirk Hotel concept within the Destination Hotels collection.
“After opening Quirk Hotel Richmond in September 2015, we are excited to bring to life our gallery concept and beautiful hotel amenities into a new, charming Virginia city,” said Kate Ukrop, co-owner of Quirk Hotel Charlottesville.
A true to place destination where independent travelers can make their experience their own, the hotel features a new signature dining concept, a laid-back rooftop bar, an indoor lobby lounge, two spacious ballrooms, an in-house art gallery and two historic homes surrounding the property with added amenities.
Art + Gallery
Creating a novel space where guests can genuinely embrace new people, places and culture, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville features original works of contemporary art by renowned artists. Adding unexpected surprises to every nook and cranny, the artwork is speckled throughout the entire property, some of which can be purchased at Quirk Gallery. The locally curated, bi-level gallery, features local, regional and national artists, and serves as a gathering place for artist talks, classes and openings, as well as private events. Above the gallery, the retail shop provides a curated selection of artisan gifts and hosts seasonal trunk shows and art workshops.
Design + History
The concept for Quirk Hotel Charlottesville stemmed from the desire to use art and history as central design elements to spark curiosity and conversation. This vision was realized by building a main hotel around two street-facing homes that date back to the 19th century. Incorporating the historic red and beige brick homes at 501 West Main St. and 503 Main St., respectively, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville embodies the Quirk Hotel reputation for “uncommon accommodations.”
Designed by national architecture and interior design studio ARCHITECTUREFIRM, the 80-room hotel showcases a minimalist, contemporary design, elevated by gold accents. Each guestroom has a signature look including original artwork throughout, floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Charlottesville, mini bars with locally sourced goods, and custom headboards designed especially for Quirk Hotel Charlottesville.
In juxtaposition to the contemporary art and design inside the main property building, the two 19th century historic farm homes resemble art relics of Charlottesville’s years past. Plans for the Vernacular style Red Brick House include a quaint café and an expansive barrel aged spirits bar, set to open in late April. The Federal style Beige Brick House is home to Laurie Nicole’s upscale beauty salon on the main floor, while the upstairs will be repurposed into a private room and loft suite.
Restaurants + Bars
The Pink Grouse is Quirk Hotel Charlottesville’s all-day, 65-seat signature restaurant, featuring the hyper-seasonal cuisine within view of an exposition kitchen. The restaurant provides a private dining room surrounded by a stocked wine wall and an open-air courtyard for warmer months. Dinner service emphasizes roasted and braised family-style dishes, alongside local produce, small plates and house-made pastas.
The Lobby Bar is the grand centerpiece as guests enter into the hotel, offering a playful cocktail menu with unique takes on classic beverages, as well as creative mocktails using house-made shrubs and elixirs. The wine list features local bottles from Charlottesville’s grape growing neighbors, encouraging exploration of the nearby wine country. The impressively long bar also delivers the Love & Happiness hour in the city, bringing locals and guests together for impromptu mingling over daily specials of light bites, classic cocktails, and local beers and wines.
Quirk Rooftop, set to open April 20, will be a casual, all-day space with city views, rustic Italian fare with a menu of thin crust pizzas, oven-fired vegetables, baked pastas, charcuterie and domestic cheeses and a curated cocktail program with locally sourced craft beer, sophisticated wine choices. Throughout the year, the rooftop’s outdoor firepits will serve as the backdrop to seasonal programming such as al fresco movies, rooftop igloos and a “DIY” Aperol Spritz bar.
Quirk Café at ground floor is set to open soon with coffee as the focal point. Quirk Café will also be home to a selection of local goods to take home, from Quirk house blend coffee to Virginia peanuts, and a rotating selection of pickled goods and homemade sauces.
Bobboo, the intimate cigar bar will feature an expansive selection of barrel aged spirits from around the world, including private reserve and locally distilled whiskies, alongside a variety of cigars that can be enjoyed on the porch.
Meetings + Events
Quirk Hotel Charlottesville offers 11,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, with an eclectic mix of venues, high-tech wireless service and state-of-the-art conference equipment. During warmer months, groups can choose from the Rooftop, an al fresco film screening pavilion and the bi-level, plant-adorned side yard space. Perfect for group accommodations or an intimate private party, a private room and loft suite will be available in the Beige Brick House.