The Greenbrier

West Virginia
United States

The Experience

If you’re fascinated by the marriage of history and hospitality, the Greenbrier is the place. Covering 6,500 acres of scenic West Virginia, this classic American resort epitomizes full service. Upon first contact with the Greenbrier’s “living room” (aka the lobby), the design concepts of Dorothy Draper ring brilliant—the bright colors, floral designs and historic paintings are carefully choreographed. In addition to having an ambitious list of activities for all ages, there's the Culinary Arts Center—and golf. (Sam Snead was the resort’s first golf pro emeritus.) At every step, the drama continues to unfold at this National Historic Landmark.

The Rooms

There are 802 guestrooms, 33 suites and 96 guest cottages, with 63 guestrooms in the main building renovated by Carleton Varney. They sport the Draper look with a twist of Varney’s contemporary touch. The guesthouses have been meticulously restored and are a fine fit for families and friends; the largest feature seven bedrooms.

The Service

From your first sip of a mint julep to your venture in to the Main Dining Room, the meaning of genuine Southern hospitality emerges. What an outsider would think of as obsequious service is a standard and the staff here obviously take pride in dishing it out. This gracious attitude prevails—and it’s easy to get used to.

The Highlights

To finish the recipe for a stress-free vacation, is The Greenbrier Spa offers 40,000 square feet of bliss. Their serious spa menu is a book in itself, with more than 75 ways to rejuvenate and revitalize. The healing qualities of this historical spa have been recognized since 1778, and it's one of the few American spas focused on authentic spa waters (freshly drawn from the White Sulphur Springs and Alvon Springs). This is the closest you’ll come to experiencing traditional European spa therapy in such a luxurious setting in this corner of the South.

 

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