Summary: The 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards recognised a record number of Virginia properties with Four- and Five-Star ratings, elevating the state's reputation for luxury hotels, spas and experiential hospitality.

Virginia Forbes Star Awards results for 2026 show the state emerging as a serious player in global luxury hospitality. Properties across Middleburg, Richmond, Alexandria and beyond secured Four- and Five-Star distinctions, reflecting a broader shift toward high-end, experience-driven travel in the Old Dominion.

Forbes Star Awards 2026: Virginia’s Standouts

Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Awards — often called the "Oscars" of the travel world — are decided through anonymous inspections that measure more than 900 objective standards. The latest update highlights Virginia’s growing strength in personalized service and luxury offerings.

  • Salamander Collection (Middleburg) continued to lead Virginia’s luxury sector
  • The Jefferson Hotel (Richmond) remained a top-ranked historic property
  • Several hotels across Alexandria, Charlottesville and Richmond earned Four- and Five-Star ratings

Service and the Human Element

Forbes inspectors emphasised that the awards reward more than physical attributes: they look for staff who anticipate and personalise the guest journey. That focus on hospitality has become a defining trait of Virginia’s luxury properties.

"intuitive service"

Wellness and Five-Star Spas Shine

Virginia’s wellness offerings were prominent in the 2026 list. Spa at Salamander and the Spa at Keswick Hall each retained Five-Star status, underlining the state’s growing reputation for high-quality restorative experiences.

Guests enjoying a serene spa treatment at a Virginia luxury resort, illustrating the state's luxury spa offerings
Virginia's luxury spas and hotels, such as those in Middleburg and Keswick, were recognised in the 2026 Forbes Star Awards

Urban Boutique Appeal: The Alexandria Effect

Alexandria properties that combine city convenience with neighbourhood charm received praise. The Lorien Hotel & Spa, among others, was singled out for striking a balance between metropolitan service and a local, intimate feel.

Economic analysts note the real-world impact of Forbes recognition. Fairfax County reports that a Forbes Five-Star rating can lift a property's international booking rate by up to 20%, reinforcing Northern Virginia’s role as a gateway for affluent travellers entering via Dulles International.

"human touch"

"culture of care"

Sustainability, Local Sourcing and Meaningful Luxury

The 2026 list also rewarded properties integrating sustainability and local supply chains. The Inn at Little Washington continues to lead with both a Forbes Five-Star rating and a Michelin Green Star, showcasing farm-to-table dining and close ties to regional producers.

A New Invitation to Explore Virginia

With multiple Four- and Five-Star properties across the state, Virginia is extending an invitation to travellers seeking heritage combined with refined, modern hospitality. From mountain spas to city hotels, the state is pitching itself as a destination for discerning guests.

Why this matters: Forbes recognition can translate into higher international demand, investment in luxury infrastructure, and greater visibility for local suppliers and artisans. For travellers, it means more options for elevated stays and wellness experiences backed by independent inspection standards.