I would like to extend to you my warmest welcome to the Bolling Wilson Hotel. I am delighted
that you have chosen to stay with us!
Our hotel, named to honor First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, is packed with wonderful history, breathtaking views, local charm and, of course, a great dining experience. Enjoy the hotel’s décor themed around the life of Edith Bolling Wilson…canaries, orchids, and bourbon! Each floor of guest rooms is unique in its design, furnishings, and photographs. You will come away with a different experience on each level.
Upon check-in, please allow us to take care of your dinner reservations at our onsite restaurant, Graze on Main. Our menu offers a variety of delicious southern cuisine favorites with a tasty urban flair! We are pleased to be awarded “Best of Virginia” by Virginia Living Magazine on several levels; Best Steakhouse, Best Seafood, Best Outdoor Dining Experience, Best Dessert Menu, and Best Creative Cocktail!
We encourage you to indulge in a refreshing cocktail in our “Canary” Lounge. You may also enjoy your drink on the veranda or patio to take in the local charm of Historic Main Street Wytheville as you unwind before dinner. And, please take advantage of the wonderful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on “The Perch” Rooftop Terrace. Enjoy the warmth of fire tables in the evenings and spectacular sunrises in the mornings overlooking Wytheville!
Visit the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum located directly across the street from the Hotel. Learn about this Pocahontas descendant who grew up to marry the 28th President of the United States – Woodrow Wilson. Explore Mrs. Wilson’s life and learn about her journey, From Wytheville to the White House.
Please allow our team of hospitality professionals to take great care of you during your stay. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Bolling Wilson Hotel and Historic Downtown Wytheville. Thank you for choosing to stay with us and we look forward to having you join us – again and again in the future!
CANARIES, ORCHIDS, AND BOURBON
Canaries
Grandmother Bolling lived with Edith’s family and brought with her twenty-six canaries! Young Edith was responsible for their care under the watchful eye of her grandmother.
In her autobiography, Mrs. Wilson writes, “Personally, the only real fun I ever got out of the canaries was when we would find a young one that had been crowded out of the nest on the floor of the cage awaiting burial.” Edith and her brother Will would put the little dead bird in a spool box for internment in the Bird Cemetery in the garden by the stable in their large back yard. The name and date of the death of the deceased bird would be written on a slab of marble
for the burial.
Orchids
The orchid was a favorite flower of Mrs. Wilson. Once President Wilson learned of Edith’s love of orchids, he gave her one every day of their courtship. The President is quoted as saying, “Usually the orchid wears the woman, but on the contrary with my dear Edith.”
Throughout her life, Mrs. Wilson enjoyed wearing an orchid corsage along with her signature pearls.
Bourbon
Mrs. Wilson enjoyed a sip of bourbon on occasion and was known to keep a glass of bourbon by her bedside…of course, for medicinal purposes only!
GRAZE ON MAIN
The restaurant in the Bolling Wilson Hotel is named GRAZE ON MAIN. The story behind the name centers on President and Mrs. Wilson keeping sheep grazing on the White House lawn during World War I freeing the gardeners for war-time duties. The sheep multiplied, were sheared and the wool, named “White House Wool,” was auctioned by the Red Cross raising
almost $100,000 for the war effort. First Lady Mrs. Wilson writes in her autobiography, My Memoir:
“So much unjust criticism of having sheep on the White House lawn has been circulated that I am glad to testify to the splendid service they rendered…. The sum from the 90 pounds of ‘White House Wool’ was nearly a hundred thousand dollars for the Red Cross; so, I feel the sheep need no apologies from me and certainly did their bit to help win the War.”
Locations
THE VERANDA
Please feel free to enjoy the Veranda on the front of the hotel at any time. Our comfortable seating offers both covered and uncovered options. In the evenings the Veranda features the warm lighting of candles and lanterns and is a most relaxing space to unwind.
Upon request, you may also enjoy spirits and appetizers on the Veranda during restaurant hours. The Veranda is a sought after wedding ceremony location and may be closed for periods during these events.
GRAZE ON MAIN
THE PERCH ROOFTOP VENUE
The Perch, our rooftop venue, has the best views in and of the town! Located on the roof above the 4th floor of the hotel, the Perch has 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and wonderful views of downtown Wytheville. Open seasonally from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm, the Perch is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee, afternoon book reading or an evening cocktail by the fire tables.
AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANT
Graze on Main has been honored receiving the Best of Virginia Award by Virginia Living Magazine in several categories. For reservations or more information, press the Graze on Main button on your guest room phone or contact the front desk.
Graze on Main, our award-winning restaurant, is located on the first level of the hotel. The terrazzo floors, warm-colored woods, comfortable seating, cozy bar area, and patio dining
opportunity make for an enjoyable evening for one or many guests. The restaurant features new southern cuisine, house-made desserts and a variety of specialty spirits at reasonable prices. For groups of 12 or under, The Vault, our private dining area is also available upon request and availability.
PROVISIONS GIFT SHOPPE
The gift shop is located in the lobby behind the guest reception area. It is open 24 hours a day and offers snacks, beverages, toiletries, and features local artisans handcrafts as well as Bolling Wilson Hotel and Graze on Main memorabilia items.
The ice machine and on-demand coffee station is also offered in the gift shop. To request ice to be brought to your room, please contact the front desk.
GEORGE WYTHE BALLROOM, ATRIUM AND COURTYARD
Our historic George Wythe Ballroom offers an elegant space for any type function – meetings, reunions and wedding receptions. The terrazzo floors, high ceiling, ample lighting and modern media equipment make this versatile space the first choice for any event held in Wytheville.
The Atrium represents the main dining room in Graze on Main restaurant and can be utilized as a private dining space for up to 40 people. The Courtyard is the outdoor space on the side of Graze on Main which can be used as an open-air event space or be tented based on your preference. For more information, space rental rates and banquet menus, please contact the front desk
General Information
AIRPORTS
Roanoke Regional Airport: 79 Miles 5202 Aviation Dr. NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 | (540) 362-1999
Tri-Cities Regional Airport: 87 Miles 2525 Highway 75, Suite 301, Blountville, TN 37617 | (423) 325-6000
Beckley Raleigh County Memorial Airport: 76 Miles 176 Airport Circle, Beaver WV 25813 | (304) 255-0476
Greensboro Airport: 112.3 Miles 1000 A Ted Johnson Parkway, Greensboro NC 27409 | (336) 665-5600
Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 142 Miles 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy. Charlotte NC | (704) 359-4013
VENDING MACHINES
Beverages and snacks may be purchased from the Provisions Gift Shoppe located in the Main Lobby
Wake Up Call / Weather Forecast
Front Desk……………………. Dial 0
NEWSPAPERS
Complimentary USA Today newspapers may be found in the Main Lobby. Local newspapers are available across Main Street at Skeeter’s, World Famous Hot Dogs Restaurant.
RESERVATIONS
Please allow the hotel staff to confirm reservations for your next visit with us at the Front Desk.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
For same day service, Monday – Friday, please drop off dry cleaning and laundry at the front desk by 9 am. Laundry will be returned by 5 pm. Laundry bags and forms are provided in the guest room closet and at the front desk.
LOST AND FOUND
Please contact the front desk for articles that have been either lost or found. After 90 days, items are donated to a local homeless shelter.
FITNESS CENTER
While there is not a fitness center located on the property, the hotel offers a partnership with a local fitness center for your use. A pass may be obtained at the front desk. Downtown maps are available for walking or jogging in the area.
FAX MACHINE
There is no charge for incoming faxes. There is a minimal charge of $2.00 for outgoing faxes. The hotel fax number is (276) 625-6010.
CHILDREN 18 & UNDER
Children are always welcome at the hotel; however, we do ask that children be accompanied by an adult at all times
CHECK-OUT
Check-out time is 11:00 am. If your departure schedule does not coincide with our check-out time, please contact the front desk. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.
COPY SERVICE
Copy service is available at the front desk. The first 10 pages are free and each additional page 10 cents per copy.
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
American Express, Discover, Master Card, and Visa.
UPON ARRIVAL
Refer to the back of the guest room door to locate fire exits, staircases, alarm pull stations, and fire extinguishers on your floor. Please find the “OFF” switch on the air conditioner in your room. In case of fire, turning the air conditioning unit off will prevent smoke from being drawn into your room.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
A complimentary breakfast is offered to all of our guests. Breakfast is served 6:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Graze on Main.
COFFEE SERVICE
We offer in-room coffee service and feature a one-cup Keurig Brewer. This can be found inside the top cabinet of the dresser in your room. The brewer offers its own tray, coffee condiments and is complete with regular and decaf coffee and options for tea. If you prefer, you will find complimentary coffee on demand in the Provisions Gift Shoppe.
HOUSEKEEPING
Housekeeping service is provided daily. Should you require additional services or amenities, please contact the front desk. Housekeeping services will be provided unless the Do Not Disturb sign is placed on your outside doorknob. We only honor a Do Not Disturb sign for 2 consecutive days. On the 3rd day, we will enter the room as a part of the security and sanitation of our property.
ICE
The ice machine and ice containers are located in the Provisions Gift Shoppe in the Main Lobby. To have ice delivered to your room, please contact the front desk.
INTERNET
Wi-Fi and hardwired data ports are provided in all rooms. The data ports are located on the desk and on the top of each nightstand.
IN-ROOM FEATURES
For your convenience, we have provided within your guest room television with remote control and featuring DirecTV Residential service, iron and ironing board, Keurig coffee maker, hairdryer, and clock radio. If you have any questions regarding the operation of these items or with your heating or air conditioning unit, please contact the front desk for instructions.
MAIL AND PACKAGES (OUTGOING)
Available couriers: UPS; FEDEX; USPS. Letters for outgoing mail may be left at the front desk.
SAFE DEPOSIT BOX
Please do not leave money and valuables lying about your room. Complimentary safes are located in the closet of your guest rooms. Enter your personal 4 digit passcode to lock and unlock the safe. Under state law, the hotel cannot be held responsible for personal or financial items left unsecured in your guest room.
TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
The hotel is committed to providing accessible facilities for travelers with disabilities. If you encounter barriers during your stay, please contact the front desk for assistance. When
requesting advanced reservations in the future, accessible rooms can be reserved to meet your individual needs.
CRIBS AND ROLLAWAY BEDS
Due to the historic nature of our building, the hotel does not supply cribs or rollaway beds as space does not allow either to be safely in your room. A Pack-n-Play can be set up in your room upon request and availability.
MAIL AND MESSAGES
The flashing light on your telephone signals a message or mail. To retrieve a message, please contact the front desk.
EMERGENCY
In the event of a personal emergency medical or otherwise, you may press the emergencybutton on your guest room phone or contact the front desk for assistance.
Details
AUTOMOBILE RENTAL AGENCIES
Enterprise Car Rental:0.25 Miles 1100 E. Main Street, Wytheville 24382-3310 | (276) 223-0785
Hotel History
The Bolling Wilson Hotel was originally built in 1927 as the George Wythe Hotel where it operated until the mid-1970s. At that time, it was touted as a fireproof building due to its solid construction, which was important as so many small towns had experienced fires which demolished many of their service facilities. When the property first opened, rooms rented for $1.50 for a single and $2.50 for a double.
How things have changed! There have been many weddings and celebrations held in the old George Wythe Hotel some 40 years ago. Since its closure as a hotel in the 1970’s, the building has enjoyed numerous lives as a bank. When the last bank moved and the building became available, it was purchased in 2010 by Bill and Farron Smith, local Wytheville residents.
Bill Smith, born and raised in nearby Pulaski, Virginia, had long admired the building and wished to see it brought back to its original grandeur in a more modern way. He was emboldened by an old postcard of the George Wythe Hotel in 1931 that was found by a visitor. The postcard message read, “Wytheville hasn’t changed in 20 years. They need someone to come here and wake them up and put this place on the map!” And, that is exactly what he aimed to do…wake up Downtown Wytheville.
When considering the design of the property and its accouterments, there seemed to be no better choice than to pay homage to Wytheville’s most prominent citizen, Edith Bolling Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson. First Lady Mrs. Wilson, a direct descendant of Pocahontas, was born and raised across the street from the hotel in a commercial building with the Bolling Family Home located above the storefronts.
Edith Bolling Wilson had a fascinating life full of intrigue, fun, and fancy! The building where she was born houses the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum. The street-level museum features interesting artifacts about her life From Wytheville to The White House, while the upper level of the building offers a glimpse of her birthplace and childhood home where the family lived from 1866 to 1899.
Edith Bolling Wilson’s last visit to Wytheville was in 1960 when she returned to dedicate stained-glass windows at St. John’s Episcopal Church. On that visit, she stayed at this hotel and visited her childhood home – the home that shaped her life and prepared her for the challenges she would face as First Lady. The following year in 1961, Edith Bolling Wilson passed away at the age of 89.
Utilizing the historic nature of the hotel building and adding a cosmopolitan feel through interior design, the Bolling Wilson Hotel offers an elegant addition to Downtown Wytheville’s Main Street area. Featuring design elements that tell the story of First Lady Mrs. Wilson’s life, visitors will truly enjoy learning fun facts about Edith Bolling Wilson and the hotel named to honor her as First Lady.
Visit the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum and tour the Bolling Home located at 145 E. Main Street in Wytheville to learn more about First Lady Mrs. Wilson.
Safety Tips
IN CASE OF FIRE
- Stay calm.
- Pull the nearest fire alarm.
- If possible, close doors around the fire area.
- Phone the operator.
- Exit from the building (if at all possible) .
- Take your room key with you.
IF YOU CANNOT LEAVE YOUR ROOM
- Dial “0”. If unavailable, call the fire Department -9 + 911″.
- Shut off the air conditioner.
- Wedge a wet towel under the door and around the doors and vents.
- Remove drapes from windows
Check to see if there is smoke outside the window: If there is no smoke outside and the window may be opened by breaking the window, hang a sheet or light colored material outside. This will signal your location, letting firefighters know that the room is still occupied. Keep part of the sheet inside the window, wet with water.
- Fill the bathtub or sink with cold water for firefighting. Use a container to keep water available to quickly moisten the wet clothes that are keeping the smoke out.
- Stay low and continue fire fighting until help arrives.
SMOKE
If your room is filled with smoke, fold a wet towel into a triangle and tie it over your nose and mouth. Get on your hands and knees (or stomach) and crawl to the door. Feel the knob, if hot, do not open. If cool, open slowly. Take your room key. If the hallway is filled with smoke, stay next to the wall and count the doors as you crawl to the exit staircase. Walk down the exit staircase. If the staircase begins to fill with smoke, return to your room.
IN CASE OF TORNADOES OR SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
If the need arises and the town’s Civil Defense Sirens are activated, the hotel will in turn activate the Hotel’s Fire Alarm System to warn you that immediate evacuation to the lower level will be mandatory. Employees will be stationed throughout the Hotel for your assistance. The Hotel will
do its best to notify you when the sirens are sounded either by phone or door to door.
Security Procedures
DOUBLE LOCKS AND LATCHES
For additional security, utilize the deadbolt lock provided on your door upon entering. This will prevent the door from being opened by a regular room key. As an additional precaution, please secure the safety latch.
KEYS
Please safeguard your key. Be sure to leave it with the front desk upon your departure. Do not leave your key in your room. Do not give your key to others.
ADMITTANCE
Do not admit persons to your room without first making an identification. If there is any doubt about the person’s identity, please contact the front desk.
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