About The Area

Catfishing on the Lower James River in Virginia.
So where do you start??

I would recommend using a guide your first trip to the James River to get somewhat familiar with the river. I have even heard of guides from other areas that will use a guide the first time on the James. Being a tidal river, of course you have to keep tabs on the tide, the wind, shallows, and barges to mention just a few things. The barges and cargo ships can be unbelievable quiet to be as large as they are and can sneak up on you when you least expect them.

A good starting place is Chester , VA especially if you plan on an extended stay. As you can tell by the map below I-95 runs right through Chester and is about the mid point between Richmond and Petersburg. On route 10 (West Hundred Rd) is a central location for resturants and hotels. If you do a google search for either in Chester, VA. you will find many to choose from on West Hundred Rd.
Dinning in Chester & Richmond
Dinning in the Hopewell Area

Map to Chester, Va
Click on map for directions:
 

Lodging in Chester, VA

Reviews from Kayak

Hampton Inn Chester
12610 Chestnut Hill Rd
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 768-8888 Map

Hyatt Place Chester
13148 Kingston Ave
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 530-4600 Map

Comfort Inn
2100 W. Hundred Rd.
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 751-0000
We have stayed at this hotel and liked it....some reviews say they need improvement, but we had a good stay........
Map

Courtyard-Chester
2001 W Hundred Rd
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 414-1010---(804) 778-4463--Fax:(804) 414-1011 Map

Homewood Suites by Hilton
12810 Old Stage Road
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 751-0010 Map

Quality Inn
12711 Old Stage Road
Chester, VA 23836
(804) 796-5200 Map

Fairfield Inn
12400 Redwater Creek Rd
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 778-7500 Map

Holiday Inn Express Chester
1911 West Hundred Road
Chester, Virginia 23836
(804)751-0123----(888) 400-9714
We have stayed at this hotel and it was OK Map

Super 8 - Chester<
2421 Southland Drive
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 748-0050
(need improvement..no good reports) Map

Clarion Hotel
2401 West Hundred Road
Chester, VA 23831
(804) 748-6321 Map