Executive Education - Plan Your Stay
Plan Your Stay
Transformational learning with top-ranked faculty, delivered at beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities with world-class hospitality.
Darden offers a #1 ranked education experience in Charlottesville and the Washington, D.C. area. When you come for an in-person program, we want you to be ready for your learning experience and take advantage of everything our historic locations have to offer.
Our commitment to hospitality is unparalleled. Participants in Charlottesville will stay at our new The Forum Hotel operated by Kimpton, located on Darden Grounds.
Before Your Arrive
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Prep your team for your absence - coordinate coverage for priorities, set expectations that you'll be away and turn on your out-of-office message. We know that important issues can pop up, but we encourage you to take this time to invest in yourself.
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Complete your pre-work - complete assigned readings for the first day and explore the learning portal to find the schedule, assignments and the class discussion board.
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Connect with the Program Manager - He/she will connect you with the learning portal, provide logistics for your stay and travel, and can discuss any special requests.
Read Six Tips to Make the Most of Your Darden Experience on our blog or check out our FAQ for additional insights.
"I appreciated how the faculty would flow and adapt the lesson based on the classroom discussion and the background of the people in the room. Everyone is present and participating, and it creates an engaging environment."
What to Expect During Your Program
Immersive & Active Learning
Darden's case method and experiential approach puts you in the center of the learning, as you explore real-world business challenges and solutions to apply to your own role and organization.
Connecting with Faculty & Peers
From classroom discussions to conversations over dinner, you will network with your classmates and the faculty throughout your program and beyond. Participants make lifelong connections, coming together for reunions, celebrating each other's achievements on social media and returning to Darden together for programs and events.
Unparalleled Hospitality
The not-so-secret key to Darden's welcoming environment is the world-class service and hospitality. We provide a variety of amenities to make your visit enjoyable, including scenic event and reflection spaces, fitness centers, and more. The noted favorite among our participants are the chef-prepared meals and refreshments served each day.
Full-Service Support
Your Program Manager and support team will be with you every step of the way during your Darden experience. Prior to the program, they'll reach out to make sure you have access to your pre-work, provide travel/lodging details, confirm any dietary restrictions and set you up for success. While you are here, they'll help with anything you need.
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Charlottesville
UVA Darden's picturesque Grounds in Charlottesville provide an ideal environment for learning and reflection away from daily distractions. Our renovated classrooms, learning team spaces, and scenic outdoor gathering and working spaces have been recently augmented by the opening of Darden's new The Forum Hotel by Kimpton on Grounds.
The Forum features state-of-the-art classrooms, as well as botanical gardens and a five-acre arboretum with walking trails that connect The Forum to UVA.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ride Mountains, Charlottesville and the University of Virginia offer plenty of history and culture to explore, including:
- UVA's Historical Grounds - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the University of Virginia is one of the country's top public universities and home to the UVA Academical Village, which honors Thomas Jefferson's vision for cross-disciplinary exchange where students and faculty can learn from each other.
- Vibrant Food & Drink Scene - from a variety of cuisines to craft breweries and vineyards, there is something for everyone's taste and mood.
- Presidential Homes - Thomas Jefferson's famous Monticello, James Madison's Montpelier and James Monroe's Highland estates are all within a few miles of Charlottesville.
For more ideas, check out our blog post on Five Great Ways to Experience Charlottesville While at Darden.
Staying at The Forum Hotel
As a program participant, you'll be provided lodging at The Forum Hotel, located at the entrance to Darden Grounds. You'll stay in comfort in one of the hotel's 198 spacious rooms and enjoy the many amenities, including morning coffee and tea service, evening social hour, a modern fitness center, comfortable gathering spaces and the lively arboretum and botanical gardens.
In addition to the meals included during your program, you'll also have access to the on-property dining options - Birch & Bloom, a modern steakhouse with regional influences, and The Good Sport, a craft beer bar with local brews and familiar tavern fare.
If you register within 30 days of your program start date, accommodations at The Forum Hotel cannot be guaranteed. Alternate lodging would be provided. We encourage you to register early to reserve your spot!
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Washington, D.C. Area
Located on the top two floors of a high-rise in the heart of Rosslyn, VA, UVA Darden DC Metro Grounds provide a cosmopolitan setting for professionals who want to learn and explore in the bustling city, at the intersection of business, public policy and leadership.
You'll enjoy sweeping views of the nation's capital from Darden's state-of-the-art facility, which features flat and tiered classrooms, meeting and board rooms, event space — including access to a stunning rooftop terrace, and onsite catering. Take a virtual tour to see more!
You'll also have direct access to award-winning Freedom Park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and various retail shops and restaurants.
The proximity to our nation's capital also provides opportunities to:
- Take in iconic Washington, D.C. sites, monuments, and museums
- Enjoy fine dining along the Potomac River
- Explore cultural locales and experiences
Check out our Plan a Visit page to learn more about recommended accommodations and restaurants for your visit.
UVA Darden's picturesque Grounds in Charlottesville provide an ideal environment for learning and reflection away from daily distractions. Our renovated classrooms, learning team spaces, and scenic outdoor gathering and working spaces have been recently augmented by the opening of Darden's new The Forum Hotel by Kimpton on Grounds.
The Forum features state-of-the-art classrooms, as well as botanical gardens and a five-acre arboretum with walking trails that connect The Forum to UVA.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ride Mountains, Charlottesville and the University of Virginia offer plenty of history and culture to explore, including:
- UVA's Historical Grounds - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the University of Virginia is one of the country's top public universities and home to the UVA Academical Village, which honors Thomas Jefferson's vision for cross-disciplinary exchange where students and faculty can learn from each other.
- Vibrant Food & Drink Scene - from a variety of cuisines to craft breweries and vineyards, there is something for everyone's taste and mood.
- Presidential Homes - Thomas Jefferson's famous Monticello, James Madison's Montpelier and James Monroe's Highland estates are all within a few miles of Charlottesville.
For more ideas, check out our blog post on Five Great Ways to Experience Charlottesville While at Darden.
Staying at The Forum Hotel
As a program participant, you'll be provided lodging at The Forum Hotel, located at the entrance to Darden Grounds. You'll stay in comfort in one of the hotel's 198 spacious rooms and enjoy the many amenities, including morning coffee and tea service, evening social hour, a modern fitness center, comfortable gathering spaces and the lively arboretum and botanical gardens.
In addition to the meals included during your program, you'll also have access to the on-property dining options - Birch & Bloom, a modern steakhouse with regional influences, and The Good Sport, a craft beer bar with local brews and familiar tavern fare.
If you register within 30 days of your program start date, accommodations at The Forum Hotel cannot be guaranteed. Alternate lodging would be provided. We encourage you to register early to reserve your spot!
Located on the top two floors of a high-rise in the heart of Rosslyn, VA, UVA Darden DC Metro Grounds provide a cosmopolitan setting for professionals who want to learn and explore in the bustling city, at the intersection of business, public policy and leadership.
You'll enjoy sweeping views of the nation's capital from Darden's state-of-the-art facility, which features flat and tiered classrooms, meeting and board rooms, event space — including access to a stunning rooftop terrace, and onsite catering. Take a virtual tour to see more!
You'll also have direct access to award-winning Freedom Park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and various retail shops and restaurants.
The proximity to our nation's capital also provides opportunities to:
- Take in iconic Washington, D.C. sites, monuments, and museums
- Enjoy fine dining along the Potomac River
- Explore cultural locales and experiences
Check out our Plan a Visit page to learn more about recommended accommodations and restaurants for your visit.
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