Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Quirk Hotel Charlottesville in Charlottesville, Virginia as the first boutique hotel with a focus on curated art to be imagined in the city’s historic downtown.
Charming 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, with its original location in Richmond, Va.
“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 alongside her husband, Ted. “Alongside the Quirk Gallery in Richmond, I am looking forward to also being the director of Quirk Gallery in Charlottesville, continuing to make art more accessible for guests across the Destination Hotels brand.”
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.
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.
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.
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. Quirk Hotel Charlottesville has something for all types of meetings, celebrations and group events, from the private dining room at The Pink Grouse to the rare art gallery space. 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.