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1913
The Commonwealth
Richmond, Virginia
901 Bank Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219
Original Property Opened in 1913
Historic Hotels of America member since 2023
Opened on November 5, 1913, when it was known as the Hotel Rueger, the Commonwealth Richmond has been Richmond, Virginia’s landmark hotel from its very beginning. In fact, the then-Hotel Rueger was declared “one of the finest hotels in the South” by the Richmond Times-Dispatch before it even made its debut. The elegant Classical Revival-style building has since gone on to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the city’s Main Street Banking Historic District. As the closest hotel to the Virginia State Capitol, The Commonwealth rests at the heart of one of the country’s hippest cities, just a short distance from some of Richmond’s must-see sights.
However, do not be mistaken by the hotel’s dignified exterior or political proximity. The Commonwealth is anything but buttoned-up, boasting hand-crafted furniture and colorful artwork by some of the area’s most talented artisans and artists in the hotel’s common areas and each of the spacious suites and studios. For a truly grand entrance, guests even set foot into their guestrooms through uniquely tattooed doors, a creative nod to Richmond being the number-three city in the United States with the most tattoos. Still, The Commonwealth stays true to its storied hospitality roots, offering gracious, personalized service and locally sourced bites and beverages at Rueger’s, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, just like the original eatery of the same name did back when it opened onsite in 1846.
Discover
- Be inspired by The Commonwealth’s creative spirit. The city of Richmond is home to a thriving art scene, from a kaleidoscope of vibrant street art dotted throughout the downtown area and beyond (more than 150 pieces in all!) to its average of 14.5 tattoo shops per 100,000 people, earning it the title of the third most-tattooed city in the country. The Commonwealth carries on that artistic tradition, with furnishings hand-crafted by area artisans, artworks created by local artists (including its own colorful murals), and doors to guestrooms decorated with unique, tattoo-inspired designs.
- Admire the building’s distinguished Classical Revival-style architecture. Also known as Neoclassical, the aesthetic pays homage to the grandeur of Greco-Roman details and is a favored design style for government buildings the world over, making it a fitting choice for a hotel located just across from the Virginia State Capitol.
- Trace the history of The Commonwealth from a bustling tavern to an iconic Richmond hotel. Opened on the corner of 9th and Bank Street by German immigrant Louis Rueger, Rueger’s tavern was a popular watering hole until the Civil War, when the building was seized by the Confederacy and used as the headquarters for the Commodore of the Confederate Navy, only to be destroyed in 1865. Later, Reuger returned from his forced retreat to his homeland and built his beloved saloon to be bigger and better than ever. He eventually opened the first iteration of the Hotel Reuger, a humble, three-story building with only 24 rooms, in 1901. His grandson, William, ultimately opened what would become The Commonwealth a little over ten years later.
Explore
- Delve into the Great Rebellion and its enduring legacy at the American Civil War Museum. Made up of three separate locations, including the former White House of the Confederacy, the American Civil War Museum not only serves as a repository of more than 120,000 artifacts from the period but also examines the conflict’s continuing impact. Lending further gravitas and a unique perspective to the museum is its location in the former capital of the Confederacy.
- Step into a piece of American history at St. John’s Church. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, this active church played host to the Second Virginia Convention in March of 1775, when it was then known as Henrico Parish Church. In attendance at the gathering were prominent Virginians like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Peyton Randolph, and Patrick Henry, who famously lit the spark of the Revolutionary War with his stirring words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Along with daily tours, St. John’s Church commemorates Patrick Henry’s immortal speech with occasional public reenactments featuring a cast of professional actors.
- Pay tribute to one of the greatest American authors at The Poe Museum. Consisting of three different buildings—including, most notably, the Old Stone House, the most historic residential building still standing in Richmond—the Edgar Allen Poe Museum commemorates the writer’s time in his hometown. (Interestingly, Poe himself never actually lived in the home. However, he did pass by it often throughout his teenage years as a member of the junior honor color guard tasked with escorting General Marquis de Lafayette around the city during the Revolutionary War.) Today, literary enthusiasts can peruse the museum’s collection of Poe artifacts, ephemera, and memorabilia, the largest of its kind in the world.
Experience
- Explore Richmond’s 400 years of history from the intricate, ironwork seat of a classic trolley. From the picturesque riverfront and iconic city landmarks to the headstones of the historic Hollywood Cemetery, trolley tours visit some of Richmond, Virginia’s most notable attractions, making it a must-do for history buffs. Best of all, as the trolleys are enclosed and air-conditioned, tours are run even if it rains. Alternatively, take a tour by Segway or e-bike instead for a more open-air view.
- Take in the beauty of Richmond’s beautiful cityscape during a thrilling guided whitewater rafting or inflatable kayaking adventure down the mighty James River. Once named Outdoor Magazine’s “Best River Town,” Richmond, Virginia, is the only major city in the country with Class III and IV whitewater rapids rushing through its downtown area. Tours are available in a variety of skill and thrill levels, with trips ranging from mild-mannered waves to more rough-and-tumble rapids.
- Set out on a merry quest in search of the city’s most interesting sights during a self-guided scavenger hunt. Perfect for travelers and locals, both young and old, these interactive adventures developed by Discover Richmond Tours visit well-known landmarks and hidden gems and share the fascinating stories behind them. Participants can solve the puzzles individually at their own pace or split up into small groups for a bit of friendly competition.
Taste
- Savor the history of The Commonwealth at Rueger’s, the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Named for the original eatery opened on the grounds by German immigrant Louis Rueger in 1846, Rueger’s puts a premium on locally sourced ingredients, just like its namesake those many years ago. Along with cozy Southern comfort food, Rueger’s carries on its commitment to offering an authentic Richmond experience by serving locally roasted coffee, locally brewed craft beers, and cocktails crafted with locally distilled moonshine. During a meal at Rueger’s, be sure to take a look at the restaurant’s gallery wall, which pays tribute to the former tavern’s storied past through photographs.
- Dig into the delicious culinary culture of Virginia’s capital city during a walking food tour. The best way to experience a place is through its food. Crisscrossing through some of Richmond’s most unique neighborhoods—from historic Church Hill to hip and modern enclaves like Carytown, Scott’s Addition, and the Arts District—Discover Richmond food tours open the doors of some of the city’s best restaurants, ensuring that participants go home full, happy, and inspired to learn more about this celebrated city.
- Toast to Virginia’s culinary history during a visit to the Belle Isle Moonshine distillery. Located less than a ten-minute drive from The Commonwealth (or a roughly 20-minute bus ride or 35-minute walk—safety first!), this local distillery seeks to tap into the rich tradition of moonshine, the country’s original clear spirit. For something closer to home, guests can also enjoy a taste at Rueger’s restaurant and bar. There, be sure to order the Old-Fashioned Moonshine, a spirited tribute to the “Mountain Dew,” a potent concoction served at Louis Rueger’s tavern that was once advertised in the March 8, 1868, edition of the Richmond Daily Dispatch.
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