University of Virginia Library

HOTEL ROANOKE

Among the various factors which contribute to the
advertisement of a city, and the favor with which it is
regarded by the public generally, the advantages
possessed in the character of its hotel facilities is of
high importance.

In this respect, the city of Roanoke can claim the
distinction of having, in the Hotel Roanoke, an institution

which ranks among the best in the land, and
which has been identified with the progress of the city
throughout its entire history.

This famous resort was opened in October, 1882, and
the building at that time consisted of from forty-five
to fifty rooms, comprising what is now known as the
east wing of the hotel.

In 1890 it was enlarged to its present size and now
contains ninety-four rooms.

On July 1st, 1898, a large portion of the new structure
was destroyed by fire, and the same was rebuilt,
and reopened in March, 1899.

The building is situated on an eminence from which
can be viewed the city, as well as a large part of the
Roanoke Valley for miles around, being the center of
a panoramic display of unusual beauty.

The general appearance of the property suggests the
private domain of some large landed proprietor, rather
than a hotel. The knoll upon which it stands is laid
out as a park of ten acres, with broad, well-kept walks
and driveways, with fountains always playing and
myriads of flowers in bloom, with graceful hemlock
hedges and rows of dwarf shrubs; with numerous
trees, whose verdure shades from the dense green of
the magnolia to the lustrous, shining whiteness of the
silver maple, as the constant breeze plays with the
foliage.

The building itself is a fine specimen of Queen Anne
architecture, with broad piazzas and splendid halls.
Everything within suggests roomy comfort and delights
the artistic eye. A sun parlor, glass walled, faces the
city and is decorated with potted plants, and furnished
with all the requisites of a perfect lounging place.

It contains a smoking room for men and a reception
room for ladies.

The parlor, which is beautifully decorated and
exquisitely furnished, has been of great service for
social affairs, receptions and other functions; its rare
beauty and convenience being one of the striking
features of the hotel.

The hotel throughout is equipped with every requisite
for the comfort and convenience of guests. The sleeping
apartments are large and are furnished tastefully,
and are comfortable in all respects. There are a
number of bath rooms, which are modern and sanitary
in every particular.

The kitchen arrangements are unsurpassed by those
of any hotel in the South, and the facilities are adequate
to take care of four hundred guests; as this department
of the hotel was recently enlarged and modernized in
all essentials, looking to the ultimate building of a
large addition to the present structure.

The hotel is renowned for its excellent table, as
discriminating care is exercised in the purchase of the
best supplies obtainable, while a first-class chef attends
to the preparation.

The business is conducted by Fred E. Foster, the
proprietor of Hotel Roanoke, who has been identified
with handling high-grade resorts for health and pleasure
seekers for many years. His first connection with the
hotel business in Virginia was in 1887, when he had
charge of the hotels and eating rooms at the stations
on the line of the Norfolk & Western Railroad, among
which were the Hotel Roanoke, Bluefield Inn, at
Bluefield, West Virginia, Maple Shade Inn, at Pulaski,
Virginia, and the Radford Inn, at Radford, Virginia.

After remaining in the employ of the company for
about five years, he resigned, and the company afterwards
handled the hotels itself.

ENTRANCE FROM NORFOLK & WESTERN STATION

On March 10th, 1902, Mr. Foster returned to
Roanoke and leased the Hotel Roanoke, which he
has conducted since that date.

He has devoted unceasing care and attention to
perfecting every detail of the business, in order to
make the hotel an ideal summer resort and stopping
place, and has attained eminent success in his endeavors.
Under his management the name of the Hotel Roanoke
has been a synonym for comfort and hospitality, and
its popularity is attested by the continuous patronage
it receives from an appreciative and discriminating
public.