We just spent two nights over the Thanksgiving day weekend (Fri the 28th and Sat the 29th) and the Westin Richmond was, once again, a very comfortable place for this family of four. (This trips marks our sixth visit to Richmond and our 4th stay at the Westin......so we're obviously fans of the place). While it is true that the hotel is a bit removed from downtown, we like the fact that it is quiet on the weekends; its location close to corporate offices of firms of Altria and Genworth Financial may feel a bit antiseptic to some but suits us just fine. (In fact we enjoy driving down Monument Avenue to the museums and shopping of Richmond as we enjoy gazing at all the lovely homes.)
The hotel has that spare, modern feel to it that is so typical of the Westin brand, and is quite new. During all four stays we have chosen the Club floor, which is located on the highest floor of the hotel, #7, and have really appreciated the executive lounge and its breakfasts, snacks and drinks during our stays....being able to run down the hall to get a quick cup of coffee and yoghurt in the morning is a huge benefit to a family (in fact we've often seen folks there in bathrobes and slippers, and small children have regularly shown up in their pajamas!)
During our recent visit we were once again charmed by the hotel's staff, who were extremely courteous throughout our stay. We loved the small touches of fresh, fruit-infused waters, apples, white tea-scented hand wipes, and lovely little breath mints that are available to guests as you pass through the lobby (which is bright and airy).
The rooms themselves are very comfortable and clean, and we invariably sleep well in those Heavenly Beds. Water pressure and temperature are great and we found our room, and bathroom, to be particularly clean during our most recent visit.
The gym is spacious and clean, with ample machines, towels, reading materials, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed my work-outs and during my three visits to the gym, was either there unaccompanied or joined by only one other guest.
I highly recommend the Westin Richmond for both business and leisure travelers -- it has many qualities that will be enjoyed by a wide variety of travelers and the many lovely little touches, and the warmth of the staff, more than compensate for its somewhat removed (from downtown) location.