The Omni Homestead is an elegant, grand dame resort. Actually, it's the oldest resort in America,…read moretracing roots to before the Declaration of Independence! However, the main building was completely destroyed in a fire and rebuilt in brick just after 1900 - so the facilities have a great blend of history and modern sensibilities. What I loved: * great valet and bell services. You are pampered right from arrival. * omni select guest benefits. We received a room upgrade, plus a welcome amenity mix * beautiful manicured grounds. We enjoyed walking around and seeing the families making s'mores and kids rolling down the grass hill. * spectacular banquet facilities for amazing weddings. * fun front porch traditions. What wasn't as great * extra charges add up. Valet parking, daily resort fees, charge for hiking (guide required) and adult pool (but family pool free) * small bathroom, with only a shower. * limited accommodation for late checkout. Luckily, our select guest status allowed our request to be accommodated, but before I mentioned that, the request was denied with such quickness that it seemed routine to do so. If you are looking for a luxury family resort vacation is southwestern Virginia, or love historic properties, you'll likely love the Homestead. If you prefer a more modern experience without add on expenses, it may not be right.

We went to the Omni this past weekend for an anniversary and thought it would be a romantic…read morelocation with the scenery and hot springs. Yet, we found that the hotel was significantly overpriced, poorly serviced, and much more geared towards kids than couples. The Service Nearly every interaction we had with the front desk felt like we were inconveniencing them. From the moment we walked in, my partner and I walked up to the front desk with two employees. The one briefly looked up at us and then returned to what she was doing. We stood there for a bit before I asked if there was someone who would be able to assist us for check-in. The next morning, we walked by and that same employee was leaning up against the wall staring up at the ceiling - it looked like she would rather be anywhere else than working at that front desk. It was not a helpful, four star experience in any way. The final straw for us was when we were checking out, and one of the Room Controllers (seems like a supervisor role) Patrick, was called over to try to help us with a question we had about a charge we saw on our bill. When asking if he could help us understand the activity fee listed that wasn't clear what it was connected to, he said he could look into it more but it would take over an hour to do. When we pushed if that was actually the case, he said "do you know how many people have stayed at this hotel over the past weekend," in reference to the number of tickets he would have to go through in order to answer our basic questions. Seems hard to believe a resort like this couldn't tell you what a charge on your bill is - and of course that wasn't the case. Turns out theres is a drop down that provides all the details. We weren't trying to nickel and dime here, just understand a charge that was not clearly tied to an activity. After he realized there was a drop-down and it would not take an hour to answer our question, he became significantly more friendly. Cleanliness Our room had stains on several surfaces, most noticeably on the pillows. The tub was also significantly rusted around the drain and there were two long hairs on the shower wall from previous guests that we found before using the shower. Food The food in Jefferson's was bad, especially at the price. I had eaten here before and did not remember it being so terrible. I would consider it the most overpriced meal we've had. We ordered an 8 oz steak, lobster tail, wedge salad, and spoon bread. The steak was 1) not 8 oz and 2) not cooked to order, the lobster was rubbery, the salad was soaked in dressing, and the bread brought with our meal appeared stale as if it had been sitting out for hours if not days. The Fees Everything includes an extra fee. We were fine with the cost of it, but the additional charges aren't an inconsequential amount and honestly it's clear that the fees are just a way to show a lower price when you're booking things. The one that really stood out to us was the spa "service fee" which was 22%, and which part of it went to the massage therapist - but the front desk at the spa couldn't tell us how much. We were told that this specifically was not a tip, and were expected to tip on top of the 22% fee. To make matters worse, our "50 minute massage" was not 50 minutes - we have texts we spent before and after the service from the room that shows it was closer to 45 minutes. To be clear, we were on time and completed the paperwork well before the start time - so it was not a matter of us being late to the appointment. Activities A quick note - our experience with all restaurant staff, interns, seasonal workers, and especially those leading activities was very good. Archery was fantastic, the hot springs were peaceful and unique, and the hike had a very knowledgeable guide. The guides for Archery (the intern from Virginia Tech and Ahmet) were incredibly helpful and friendly. Our activities were not without frustration though - when we showed up to our 9am archery reservation, we were met by the intern who said her boss was not here so we couldn't get into the building. So we stood out in the rain until management showed up to unlock the door. We would recommend part of our 20% activity fee on top of the cost of the activity go toward cutting an extra key so future guests don't have to wait in the rain.

A wonderful experience…read more Room: The room was spotlessly clean, providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for our stay. The inn was beautifully decorated for the holidays, which added to the festive ambiance. Service: The staff was exceptionally friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. We were able to check in early and didn't have to do anything when checking out. Other: The continental breakfast in the morning was a nice touch, offering a variety of options to start the day. Best of all, it's just a stone's throw from the Warm Springs, making it a perfect location for those looking to enjoy the area without the price tag of the Omni. Highly recommend this charming spot!

We have stayed here several times and always have a nice experience. The rooms we have stayed in…read moreour always clean and comfortable.The breakfast was fabulous and Elizabeth was so friendly each morning., We also had a delicious dinner in the restaurant and I am glad Ava suggested we make a reservation as they were busy. My only negative was at check out on Friday July 31st. The lady working the front desk was too busy looking at her phone to even speak. I gave her the key and said we enjoyed our stay, and she did not even look up. I know this is not your standard customer service. Visitors remember the welcome and the goodbye. She needs to put down her phone and say goodbye , thank you for staying with us. Lynn H.

Both Tammy and Dave went out of their was to make us welcome. The inn is uniquely decorated and…read morecomfortable. The breakfast was delicious. It's located in a beautiful spot, surrounded by scenic landscapes. We definitely will return!

The inn keeper acted unfairly following our stay this week, retroactively charging our credit card…read morefor things that she was REALLY was not supposed to -- and without any warning whatsoever even though I contacted her to let her proactively to make sure everything was as it should be. She knows what she's done, and she knows how to fix it. Let's see if she does so. It's really too bad also - there was so much lost potential as a result of this poor communication and unfriendly customer service - mostly just at the very end, which tainted the whole experience. I really wanted it to go a different way because I am a supporter of small businesses in general and believe I was a thoughtful guest; my approach was to be forthright and honest and correct a situation, while hers was to take advantage of the situation and profit off of it, just in case, and without saying anything up front. She not only initiated an unauthorized charge, but acted in poor faith in the way that she did it behind the back of her customers, creating a bad taste from the overall experience. Travelers Tip: Tread lightly with these bureaucratic "Karen" hosts.

Our first stay in a bed and breakfast...and what an amazing visit! Huge room, great prices…read more(especially compared with The Homestead) and luxurious accommodations. And staying with Innkeepers Richard and Liz felt like a familiar visit to grandma and grandpa's house. Liz told our son to call him Meemaw (and he talked about her the whole drive home). Of note, our son is 3 years old and we all survived without TV and without the need for a "regular" hotel. If you want a quiet, cozy place to stay in a beautiful historic home. This place is for you!

Absolutely wonderful. Just stayed here for a delightful night and was totally taken by the charm…read moreand beauty of this memorable bed and breakfast and by the warmth and hospitality of Richard and Luz, who've owned this home and operated it as a b&b for 25 and 24 years respectively. We had a HUGE room with a king bed and private bath. Great breakfast on lovely china with discriminating guests. You can stay here and still partake of the Homestead's golf and other activities. You'll be richer and wiser for doing so.

Driving 5 hours to stay here was worth every minute on the road. This delightful Bnb in the middle…read moreof seeming nowhere was an absolute DELIGHT. Coming here was absolute happenstance, just looking up if there was a hot spring in Virginia and there was. And I found this amazing Bed and breakfast that was affordable, comfortable, and dog friendly. Our entire stay felt like something out of a story book. A babbling brook in the back, a delightful square to explore, flowers, fields, breakfast with fresh juice fruit and coffee delivered to our room every morning. Bathing under the stars and sleeping under them too. What an amazing long weekend. Bear our border collie was welcomed with open arms, he was so comfortable the entire stay. He enjoyed the accommodations and romping in the fields (and drinking from the creek, I wouldn't recommend doing that yourself.) Our whole stay was stunning. I truly came in with an open mind and they blew my mind. What a hidden treasure.

I visited this location for a yoga retreat. The room was cozy and comfortable. The restaurant on…read moresite was amazing! The grounds are beautiful. The hotel staff went above and beyond to make sure we felt welcome. I am looking forward to returning next year!

I want to preface this review by saying that we did not stay overnight in a room at The Greenbrier,…read morebut we did spend most of the day there, and I'm glad we did. When you pull in, you will be greeted by security at the front gate. We advised them we were there for the bunker tour and to do some shopping and they gave us a parking pass and directions to the best place to park. The resort is iconic, huge and pristine. We walked our dog around the grounds and up to the main building. Unfortunately, even though they say that the resort is dog friendly, there are some areas where dogs are not allowed. So I waited outside while my husband spoke to someone at the front desk about reserving a spot for the bunker tour. When he returned, I went inside while he stayed out front with our pup. When you walk in the decor hits you all at once and, if you are a Fallout fan like I am, everything just feels so familiar and comfortable. The bold, eccentric colors and patterns, the chandeliers and unique furniture... It's all there. I wandered through the shops which are upscale and fun to browse, even if you're just looking. I bought some giant macarons which were priced incredibly reasonably and really enjoyed them. All of the staff I encountered were friendly and helpful, and even without reservations, we were able to get tickets to the bunker tour. Be advised that they made it very clear to us that getting tickets "day of" is not the standard experience, so I do recommend reserving tickets if you want to do the tour. The vault tour itself is probably closer to four stars, but it's definitely a must. Knowing there was a fully built secret congressional bunker hidden underneath this glamorous resort for decades is wild. You walk through the old dorm rooms and meeting areas and see how it was all set up so long ago. You're not allowed to take any photographs, but I did read some basic information before coming. Still, reading about it and seeing it are two totally different things. It cost well over $100 for the two of us to do the tour and that is before tip so it definitely isn't cheap. It would have also been nice to have more seating, especially for things like watching the video, etc. My feet hurt a little after the tour from standing so long on the hard concrete floors of the bunker. The only reason that we did not end up spending the night is that we really wanted to be inside some of the main buildings and although they do offer dog friendly accommodations, they are only located within certain cottages kind of on the edges or outskirts of the property. There is also a $250 fee for dogs so we decided at the time that it would not be worth it for us, however, full disclosure: we regret that decision. We definitely should have spent the night. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me and if I ever get the chance to come back here I will definitely get a room and stay as long as I can, soaking up the ambiance and anemoia.

Dorothy Draper began transforming the Greenbrier in 1946 after it had been used as a military…read morehospital, and it appears the updates have been minimal, if nonexistent, since! Slouchy couches, stained carpet pulling away from the walls. The cheapest daily rack rate on a weekday is a whopping $400+/night, not including all their BS fees: $49 daily resort fee per room and 9.75% Historic Preservation Fund, 6% sales tax. SO NOT WORTH IT! Seriously, I get keeping the iconic Draper theme, but you gotta upkeep everything to warrant that price! I stayed here for 3 nights for a conference, and had multiple interactions with staff from calling to make reservations for activities, the bunker tour, dinner at the main dining room, bowling and the conference room facilities. Customer service ranged here from very nice, cheerful and helpful to unaccommodating, aloof, and just plain rude. When asked questions about the facility or amenities, the staff would often give me blank stares or just shrug and say they didn't know. I was checked in by a trainee who did not give any direction on how to get to my room in the BOONIES (Copeland Hills) and we drove around aimlessly until we gave up and went back to valet to get directions. When I asked if I could be in the main hotel with my coworker at check in, another snooty employee (senior or the trainer, I dunno) blatantly said "no, your group is assigned to the cottages", which was 100% a lie because my coworker simultaneously checked in with another trainee and was given a room in the main hotel. The next day, a second coworker was also given a room in the main hotel. They both complained their rooms were creepy feeling, dirty and in need of some major renovations. So I guess depending on how you look at it, I had it better since my cottage in the boonies wasn't as old and was in pretty good shape. The wait staff at the conference was too efficient! I left my untouched dessert literally for a few minutes at my seat and when I returned it was gone! My fiancé did the bunker tour and the bourbon tasting. He was the only one at the bourbon tasting at 5:00pm and no one showed up for the 6:00pm either. At the end, he was given a non itemized bill for $88 (the base price was $65) and then he tipped on top of the $88 thinking that was the base rate! Clearly the astronomical service fees were already embedded in there. Throughout our stay, we wondered where everyone was. Despite being reservation only, the main dining room was at best 25% full when we were there on a Friday night. Everywhere we went: basically empty. The many random sitting rooms, the restaurants, the casino, the bowling alley, indoor pool, the bars. The only activity that had a decent amount of people was the bunker tour. There were many private events we saw set up everywhere though, and our conference alone was about 300. So maybe that's their thing. My coworkers had mini fridges in their room in the main hotel, my room in the cottages did not. My coworker called room service for ice (there are no self service ice machines) and it was delivered 2 hours later when she was sleeping. The room service delivery fee is $5 for the main hotel, but $20 for my cottage in the boonies. Why do I have to pay 4x in delivery fees when I asked to be in the main hotel to begin with? Ridiculous. The Greenbrier is old and busted and riding on the "historic" factor to draw in guests. If I stayed here for leisure and paid for this out of my own pocket, I would be even more pissed.

Pinkies out! The formal Classic Afternoon Tea in the Homestead's beautiful Audubon Dining Room is…read moredifferent from it's "complimentary" (for resort guests) social tea hour. Reservations are required for the tea hour which runs on Friday and Saturday from 3-4pm. Its runs about $55 per person and is worth it for the lovely experience of tiers of treats, live piano music, and impeccable service. The menu had about a dozen tea options and listed the items on each tier. We both chose the same unique pear raspberry green tea. The blueberry-lemon and raspberry-white chocolate scones were fantastic! The standouts of the tea. Not to mention, the house-made profiteroles stuffed with blueberry pastry cream, various macarons, hand made artsy caramels, and liqueur-infused chocolates. The finger sandwiches were the typical salmon with dill and cucumber. It was not over the top with extra frills, but for those who love a traditional afternoon tea, this totally hit the spot.

We had an excellent experience on this visit. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Exercise room…read moreis one of the best that I have ever seen at a hotel if this type. Cool yo see all the memorabilia from this hotel's previously life as a school, including old auditorium seats, the wooden gym floor in the "ballroom", old gym score board in the gym. Will be interested to see if they can find more to fill up some of the blank wall spaces but also loved that they featured local artists and school arts. Rooftop area was nice. Excited to see what they do when it opens as a bar. We will back again!

I have traveled a lot in my life, both for business, and for pleasure with my family. From the…read moreBanff Springs Hotel and Grand Hotel in Saltsjobaden, Sweden, to the La Quinta in Chattanooga,TN, and lots of places in between. This hotel is one of the most unusual, and hi tech places I have ever stayed. Having been in the commercial products for construction industry I pay attention to how buildings are designed and built. The owner and the architect did not cut corners when they refurbished this old school. It was a serendipitous experience. The VARSITY restaurant was excellent! If you hate crowds and are waiting to take a chance on something very different, when in White Sulfur Springs, this place might be perfect for you!

Absolute trash hotel. The management here literally stole $150 from me. On top it of that; after…read morethey stole the money, they had the nerve to lie to me and blame Expedia and Hiltons hotel policy for stealing my money. The fact is the general manager and manager of this hotel have zero honor and will literally steal your money to meet their hotels quota. Hope it was worth the $150. I gave the management multiple opportunities to do the right thing. Do not trust this hotel with anything. If any business is willing to steal from you and then lie to you, there is nothing they are not willing to do. I stay at hotels over 100 days a year and never has something like this happened. Gross.

Wonderful stay! I was really pleased with my choice and would definitely recommend the Hampton Inn…read moreLexington-Historic District. The service was great, a nice greeting when I checked in and the staff was friendly throughout the stay. Special shout out to Ginny at the front desk for her stellar service. The location is inviting, and my king bed & room with outside entry was spacious and clean. The room had all the Hampton amenities including a nice size TV, microwave, mini fridge, iron and full size ironing board, and a coffee maker. The bed was comfortable, and the room had a nice lounge chair. There was plenty of parking, and my room was in the back of the hotel (by the cabin) and the area was quiet and relaxing. The property has a lot of charm, especially the historic Cabin built in the mid-1700s, it catches the attention and is used as a special events space. The main house, Col Alto, is a beautiful Georgian-style brick home dating back to 1827. Both are rich in history and make the stay even more unique. I would absolutely stay here again and hear the historic rooms with bath tubs are the rooms to reserve. I was most pleased with the Kind bed & room.