Hotel History

The handsome brick edifice, dignified awning and uniformed staff await your arrival at the historic Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel. Old black and white photographs dotted around the lobby and hallways serve as a vivid reminder of the more humble days when the hotel was named Rueger's and stood just three stories high.

Established in 1846 by Louis Rueger, the hotel was primarily a bootlegging saloon that offered rooms for intoxicated clientele who were unable to drive their carriages home. During the Civil War, when Richmond fell to the Union Army, the warehouses along the James River were set ablaze to avoid their falling into enemy hands. The wind swept the flames up Ninth Street and Hotel Rueger was burned to the ground. The Capitol was unharmed by the fire. The hotel did not reopen its doors for almost 50 years when it was rebuilt as a 10-story structure in 1912. An eleventh floor was added in 1956.

It wasn't until 1982 that Developer Larry D. Silver saw the potential of the building and bought the hotel. He gutted the 123-room interior in order to create 59 luxurious one and two room suites. Only the small-scaled elevators were left intact to maintain the atmosphere of a small European Hotel.

In June 2000 the property joined New Castle Hotels portfolio of hotels and resorts and in July 2004, the hotel was purchased by Sandhu Management & Investments. Renovations are adding modern luxuries while retaining the historic charm of the hotel. Guests enjoy the privacy and comfort of spacious suites overlooking the State Capitol Park, which is filled with Southern Magnolia trees and roses. True Southern Hospitality lives at the corner of 9th and Bank Streets. Let us make your stay at the historic Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel memorable.