[badger74]

We just spent three nights at the hotel and had dinner at the restaurant. The rooms are very well done. We had a suite which included a large living room, a large bath with a very nice jetted tub and a separate shower. Two nice plasma TVs. Only problems were lack of room service and the noise from the trains at night. They will supply a machine that is supposed to kill the noise. I'd just stay on the west side of the building as far up and away as I could get. We were in a ground level room and had some issues with little critters finding their way in through the old stone walls and beams. I'd expect less problem with that on upper floors--next time. The service was OK overall--friendly but needs some training.

The restaurant is first class all the way. Pacing was leisurely but could be faster. Everything was good. Prices are on the high end for Lynchburg. Overall we still prefer the Millstone Tea Room in Sedalia for more inventive dishes and better value. While at Shoemakers we sat next to the owner of the Villa Kriselea on Rivermont. Interesting and very rich guy. He just bought the old Christ's College Building on Rivermont too. He was with Gary Case--a major local real estate guy. Had a good chat about development in Lynchburg.

Also ate at the Vines now next to Randolph College on Rivermont. It was just OK.

Overall we'll do both the hotel and Shoemakers again.

http://villaofkriselea.dulwich-manor.co ... selea.html

[Sly Fox]

Thanks for the insight, badger. The way you started the review I got the impression it wasn't a particularly enjoyable stay. Glad to hear it was worthy of another stay.

I need more details on Shoemakers. What did you and Mrs. Badger eat and what do you recommend as a result?

[rogers3]

Nice to hear a positive about the hotel- now if they could just pay their bills... and open the brewery! Nice to see you post here, badger; I've appreciated your insight elsewhere!

[badger74]

Had the crab cake app which is very good. Wife had the filet which was good and a side of onion rings which were great. I had a whole redfish which was a little work to eat--bones and all but very tasty and well seasoned. Great cheesecake for dessert. Also had the entree size crab cake the night before as takeout and it's softball size and nearly all crab--very good. Drinks were ample. With some wine it was about $140 plus tip so it's spendy. Crowd was well dressed and looked like the Burg upper crust. Lots of doctors and such. Very good service.

I forgot the Lobster Bisque. One of the best ever. Full of meat and flavor.

[Sly Fox]

Thanks for the details. That gives me a better idea of what to expect.

You can never go wrong with lobster bisque.

[blwall1416]

Overall we still prefer the Millstone Tea Room in Sedalia for more inventive dishes and better value.

Ding, ding, ding........WINNER.

My parents came up from North Carolina last weekend. My wife & I took them there. They absolutely loved the place (and my parents did not grow up on fine dinning dishes...they were more Golden Corral people). They didn't mind the prices because the atmosphere, food, & service were tremendous.

My wife & some chicken plate that had asparagus. The server told us it had just been picked that morning. That's fresh.

[jcmanson]

My wife & I took them there. They didn't mind the prices.

If you took them there, shouldn't you have paid

[blwall1416]

My wife & I took them there. They didn't mind the prices.

If you took them there, shouldn't you have paid

Ha, ha....we offered...even had the bill in our hand....Pops is fast though...took it away.

[jcmanson]

I'm glad dad's are like that

[LUconn]

never looked at the menu before. This place doesn't fool around

http://www.millstonetearoom.com/uploads ... Spring.pdf


and to compare it to shoemakers

http://www.shoemakersdining.com/./docum ... r_Menu.pdf

[Purple Haize]

Thanks for the details. That gives me a better idea of what to expect.

You can never go wrong with lobster bisque.

Get the Mac and Cheese side dish. TRUST me on this one!!!!

[Hold My Own]

Is the Pizza place open yet? Anyone try it?

[LUconn]

Is the Pizza place open yet? Anyone try it?

I keep going by it to see if it is. As of last week it wasn't. It seems like that sign has been out there for about 2 years. I keep wondering how they have the money for the space without bringing in any income but then I figure the city is so desperate to "revitalize" downtown I wouldn't be suprised if they were footing the bill.

[Hold My Own]

hey whats another Mill...after about 4 it all seems the same