Having stayed at Smithfield Station a few times with family, I always look forward to the southern way of life..and a Station Bloody Mary on the porch.
Last time we stayed in the bottom suite of the lighthouse. Â Adorable, but very little privacy and a murphy bed. Â But, it was nice to have company over and entertain with a kitchen suite and those amenities.
This time we stayed in the old inn. The room itself wasn't bad. Great light and corner view of the Pagan river. The stay overall was o.k., but I do have some complaints to note:
1) Cleaning service wasn't great. Â We informed the crew we were leaving at 10:30 am. Â We came back at 2 and the room wasn't clean. Cleaning service knocked on our door at 2:30 and when I said we were napping, but would be gone at 3:30...the lady replied "Oh I won't be here." Â So I guess because my room wasn't free for that brief period of one hour...we don't get clean sheets or towels?
2) The cleaning closet was across the hallway. Â After the cleaning lady told me she wouldn't be here, she proceeded, with the rest of the crew, to have a very loud, boisterous gossip hour outside the closet. Â There goes the above "nap."
3) There was no room safe. The New Yorker in me hesitated to leave my belongings behind for the day, but I had no choice.
4) My sister's room next door had a nice flat screen, but ours was an old school 19" tube TV. Â Seems like a quick, cheap upgrade well worth the expense, if you ask me.
5) No control over the thermostat. Â It was cold in our room. Â I called downstairs to ask them how to adjust and they told me "oh the 3rd floor is kinda silly - i'll have to have someone come up to adjust."
6) Station restaurant is always fun, but on Sunday they had a group of cyclist who came in and literally took over the deck. Â No regular patrons could get a table, let alone hotel guests. Â When a bunch of the tables went vacant, my husband and I put our things down and went in to ask the front desk if we could take a seat. Â The manager told me "there might be tables, but those tables need service which I don't have." Â So we retreated elsewhere and didn't come back until that night at 9:15 when we were told the bar was closed for the night. Â What do guests do after 9 pm on Memorial Day weekend!?
The hotel accommodations were decent but our balcony door would not lock. We called the front desk and were told that they could not do anything about it and that all the rooms might have the same problem even if we were moved to a different room. So we ended up moving two love seats in front of the door and hoped for the best. Also, we ordered a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries but the strawberries were old and subpar.
After leaving, I realized I had left a pair of earrings behind. It took me the better part of a day to get a hold of someone that wouldn't put me on hold for ten minutes or ask me to call back later. After finally giving my address to someone, they asked for a credit card number to charge the shipping to. They literally charged me $1 to put my earrings into two envelopes and pay for the $0.47 postage. The best part of the story is that my earrings were stolen and there was no way to get them reimbursed because the hotel didn't get delivery confirmation or insurance on them.
I would only recommend this place if your in a bind.
Wonderful, peaceful place with great customer service. Â
We stayed in the boardwalk rooms and had a great time. Â Rooms were newly decorated and very comfortable. Â A bigger bed would have been nice, but slept like a baby. Â
The entire town seemed very friendly and efficient. Â We got a $40 gift card for the restaurant - and it had good seafood. Â There's free breakfast and its like a holiday inn breakfast - eggs, bacon, waffles, cereals, few pastries, some fruit, coffee, and bagels, yogurt. Â The lady in there was super nice, helpful and super efficient.
We went antiquing on main street - check out the perspectives gift store- beautiful, well priced finds. Â We went to Bacon Castle - oldest brick building in N. America, Old St. Luke's church, a museum, watched a play at the little theater, and ate twice as Olde World Cafe. Â
Just loved this little place.
I bought a Groupon for a 2 night stay. Â Unfortunately my transmission blew on the way down and rather than arrive at 3 PM we finally came in (on foot) just after midnight. Â We spent the entire weekend considering/researching purchase of a used car to get home (as I had to be at work as soon as we were scheduled to be home) and trying to find a repair shop. Â Fortunately someone in the area returned a rental car early so we were able to rent that and we were able to push our car to the local mechanic although that was after we made several trips (on foot) to the car, etc and we were exhausted!
Smithfield is a very small town and everyone was extremely pleasant. Â We did go to a few of the shops within the station and the town and they were full of small town charm. Â I use a wheelchair and find many places claim to be accessible room but are not actually very friendly to wheelchairs at all. Â I was a little bit concerned during booking because I learned they only had one accessible room and it was hard to find available nights that could work with their schedule. Â The room and facility was great - plenty of handrails in the bathroom, room under the sink, and a roll-in shower with an integrated bench and hand-held shower head. Â It was actually one of the few accessible bathrooms I have used where taking a shower did not result in flooding the room! Â Also the bathroom didn't look like something out of a hospital... which seems to be common in many hotels. Â (There is no balcony or Jacuzzi tub in the accessible room though even though as there are in other rooms of that class.)
It was the off-season and things were rather quiet. Â We only saw one other guest during breakfast. Â At dinner the bar was crowded with locals but we were only one of three in the dining area. Â My "medium" was a "well done" Â but they were polite and efficient about providing a replacement. Â The second night, however, the person in the room next door had quite a cold and most of the night we heard his coughing so loud that it was hard to believe he was not in the room with to us. Â I don't think the insulation is great. Â We ended up accidentally checking out an hour late because the "spring forward" time change just happened to coincide with our departure and obviously the alarm clock in the room did not automatically update. Â (I completely take the blame for this; I should have been aware of the date.) Â When we were packing I could hear the cleaning staff talking about us on their walkie-talkes in the hallway. Â That certainly added some stress and a bit of an uncomfortable feeling to the check-out process.
Overall though I would consider going back to actually enjoy the stay rather than be stressed out with our transportation and another guest's illness. Â Their full rate is rather high - particularly since the accessible room is only available in a more expensive part of the complex - but they did add me to a mailing list and they've send out two promotions in the last three months or so.
Nice place, nice staff, nice location.
Pro's: Â In a laid back village, seeming almost off the map which was great for relaxation. Â Nice room (Lodge king w/balcony, everything in working order and above standard. Â Small balcony but adequate to relax in deck chair watching the marina. Â Restaurant was good with choices that were definitely not run of the mill. Â Close to historic Smithfield which is a really cute if not cool town - like stepping back in time. Â All members of staff were aces - friendly and competent. Â Close enough to Willamsburg/Norfolk/Virginia Beach if you're looking for a more active location.
Con's: Â I can't think of any. Â It is what it is, and it does it well.
Like other reviewers, I used the groupon deal to take my girlfriend away for a weekend birthday trip. Before leaving, I called the hotel at least 4 times to ask about local things to do (biking, kayaking, hiking, etc.) and they were extremely friendly and helpful, looking up information along with e-mailing me what they found.
The hotel itself was beautiful, we had a 2nd floor corner suite with a wrap-around balcony that gave a great view of the bay along with all of the boats that were tied up on the docks. The room was huge, very clean and came with deck furniture and a table for some relaxing cocktails looking out over the sunset at night.
As for the town itself, there really is not a lot to do, I would recommend walking around the trails across the street and exploring the "downtown" area, as there are some fun shops and a store that has good ice cream. If you are into antiques, there are several stores for that along with a few specialty shops, although I can't see spending more than a couple of hours in the town area. We actually drove to Newport News and went to an "archery range" at Wilcox Sporting Goods, which was really just a warehouse with some archery stuff set up, but it was a whole lot of fun if you are feeling adventurous. At night, we sat on the dock and had a few drinks while fishing, and caught a croaker, while some people on the boat next to the dock were constantly pulling in fish and having a party on the boat. Also, the continental brunch on Saturday was delicious.
All in all, I would highly recommend the trip to anyone looking for a relaxing weekend and the hotel staff and hotel itself was fantastic. I would not recommend Smithfield for someone looking to go party for the weekend, as it seems the only bar in town is in the hotel restaurant, but there is more than enough to do for a weekend trip.
Husband and I got a Groupon for 2 nights. We went over Thanksgiving--their Thanksgiving meal special was delicious! The only other meals we ate there were continental breakfast, and they have some pretty good waffles in the DIY waffle iron.
We stayed in a newly-renovated room, which looked different than the pictures on Smithefield's website. I was pleasantly surprised. The king-sized bed was very comfy, and the room and bathroom both were pretty big--much larger than a major chain hotel room.
The town itself doesn't have a lot going on, but Main street has those cute shops you go into and browse for a few minutes but don't buy anything because it's not really your style. Luckily, it's not far from Jamestown or Williamsburg, which is what we did.
My husband scored a great deal through Groupon for two nights at this charming inn, a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and a $40 voucher at the on-site restaurant all for $250! Â We decided to use our Groupon for Columbus Day weekend. Â It was a wonderful weekend get-away from where we live in busy Washington, DC...about a 4 hour drive away.
The inn is located on the waterfront, along the Pagan River in charming, historic Smithfield. Â The lobby entrance was a bit tricky for us to find since it's in the middle of several entrances of shops all in the same compound. Â Just look out for the sign 'lobby!'
Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Â The inn is family owned which is always a plus for me. Â It was a very quiet weekend, which was nice. Â We had a view of the water and sailboats from our cute, little patio on the 3rd floor.
The room itself was clean and spacious. Â We stayed in a part of the inn that was recently renovated. Â The king sized bed was very comfortable.
The room had a tv and access to free wifi...the right amenities if all you want to do is veg inside your room! Â The room also comes with a fridge and coffeemaker. Â And the bathroom is equipped with soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion from Bath and Body Works.
Location is supreme since you're a very quick drive from Main Street where Smithfield Ham Shoppe, museums, antique stores and other tourist spots can be found.
If we decide to visit Smithfield again, staying here again is definitely a possibility!
This place is such a relaxing & quiet getaway. Â We are big on Disney World and it sort of reminded us of staying at the Beach/Yacht Club Resort (minus the amusements). Â The pool is small but enjoyable and restaurant is very good. Â Complimentary breakfast every morning (except Sun) and only 30 mins from downtown. Â While sitting on balcony mid-summer we felt no misquitos!
I gave 4 stars because one night there was a foul odor blowing in off the Marina and made it hard to sit outside. Â Also there was road construction making a line of traffic in front of resort (neither was their fault)
However we will be back!
This restaurant is part of the Smithfield Station marina complex located on the outskirts of the town of Smithfield. The town itself is a charmingly (mostly) restored old 18th century port city on the banks of the Pagan River (tributary of the James), and is a wonderful day trip destination for Tidewater history buffs. This facility, however, is a typical marina restaurant --- complete with burgers, fried seafood, imitation she-crab soup, and lots of beer drinkers --- and really seems out of place within Smithfield.
Having said all that, the views of the tidal marsh and river from the outside deck are very nice, and, because the whole complex is a bit off the beaten path, the facility is a little more quiet than the average marina. The bar scene is typical marina, but pleasant. All the waitstaff we encountered were pleasant, and very helpful. Â Additionally, the complex contains a small hotel and several other retail shops, and is often used by local Tidewater boaters as a day trip destination away from the hubbub of Hampton Roads.
If you like the marina restaurant scene, you'll probably enjoy the Smithfield Station restaurant. But then, you'll know not to be demanding of food quality, preparation and presentation, anyway...
This is the place to go for Sunday brunch! Â Beautiful view of the marina and Pagan River. Â Clean facility. Â Casual and warm atmosphere. Â Friendly staff. Â Awesome omelette made to order with every possible topping including shrimp and CRAB! Â The fresh waffles made at the buffet line are also delicious! Â Wonderful! Â Wonderful! Â Wonderful! Â Yum...
Review Source:I like that this is a seemingly nice restaurant on the water yet it has a casual vibe about itself. Came here on a Sunday evening and decided to sit inside since it was still hot out. Their wine list is pretty pricey, considering its Smithfield, but had some very good options. The bread served on the table was a HIT. Soft, flaky, fresh, and not too crispy. Whenever a place has a swordfish on the menu, I'm all over it, so I ordered the swordfish (with avacado) for a nice touch and my friend ordered their sweet potato encrusted rockfish (their signature dish). Both dishes were insanely good and we just wish we had saved room for the lemon cheesecake! Maybe another time. Oh also they have a very expansive bar. I like to make people randomly order Henney on ice and to our surprise, they actually carried it. This is place is definitley a sure thing and we plan on returning soon.
Review Source:As a child, I would greatly anticipate our forays out to Smithfield Station. Â We lived in Williamsburg, and would take the Jamestown Ferry across the river. Â The ferry itself was super fun (bring a bag of bread crumbs for the gulls!) and then the drive through the scenic farmland was always spectacular. Â
But obviously the true highlight of the day was the delicious brunch at Smithfield Station. Â The view across the marina is spectacular, the service is outstanding, and the food speaks for itself. Â Over the years the menu has changed as the chefs have changed, but overall the quality is outstanding. Â As long as I can remember they've been ahead of the trend and provided locally caught fresh fish, meats, and local grown vegetables. Â I firmly believe this makes all the difference in the flavors of the dishes they prepare. Â
Smithfield Station is a supreme example of traditional Virginia coastline cuisine, served with the grace and elegance of hospitality that only the South can provide in a gorgeous waterfront setting. Â It's definitely a local's secret that more tourists should discover!
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