The Omni Homestead Resort

Yes we had a lovely stay. It was very relaxing and a very nice getaway for Mother’s Day. We really enjoyed the spa, mini golf, dried wreath making and the private hot springs. We also had a wonderful dinner on Sunday night at Jefferson’s. The food and service was amazing. Our only constructive feedback would be that for the price of the resort and excursions some of the service was subpar. Specifically in the buffet style restaurant. There were 3 separate occasions where we were sat and didn’t receive drinks we ordered but were charged anyways and then had to get them removed from the bill and then another occasion where we received champagne that we didn’t order at all but were charged for it regardless etc. Not huge things but still a bit strange for an upscale resort like the Omni Homestead. I was also sick twice after eating the smoked salmon (once at the Buffett and once after the afternoon tea) I assume it was just left out too long or something.

For what this hotel is pretending to be and the price of the room, I was expecting much better experience and to be more modern. Shower feels from the 70s with a disgusting curtain, mattress was terrible and I could feel the springs, one of the window blinds was broken, the sink was draining super slow, sound isolation was terrible and we could hear so many mechanical noise and guest walking in the corridor, the door was shaking and rattling every time someone closed their door, the lighting in the room was poor, and there were more things. In addition, although the price was high, it did not include anything, not even breakfast. Everything was for additional money, except for the indoor pool which was big but too cold, and it took about 10 minutes walking to get to it, using a few different corridors, 2 elevators, and walking in what felt like a maze. I paid more than $1100 for 2 nights (2 adulds+one kid) and for that we got a basic room and that's about it. I should have gone to a basic chain hotel, for a quarter of the price, at least I would have had breakfast...

Not typically resort people, but we had a voucher and were excited to give it a try. From the time of arrival to departure we were treated like friends/family. Food and service at Woody's, Audubon Dining Room, Martha's Market, and Jefferson's was fantastic (wish I could remember everyone's name so I could give them all a shout-out, but we interacted with so many :) ) Anthony did a wonderful job sharing the history of the place. So much space that it never felt crowded. Two favorite places were the library and the "front porch" with the rocking chairs and table warmers. Husband had a great day golfing and I enjoyed hiking a trail, reading, and wandering the grounds. Didn't get to enjoy the spa, but it looked lovely from a distance :) Felt like we were in the middle of nowhere, but there is a grocery store, gas station, etc. nearby if needed. Room was clean and quiet and had everything we needed. Would definitely return!

The highlight of our stay at the Homestead was the Cascades Gorge tour with Brian as our master naturalist tour guide. I learned so much about the local plants, pointing out some rare ones I've never seen before the history of the gorge and Appalachian mountains, and he was just an amazing tour guide making the whole hike fun and informational. If you're looking for an activity to do, this hike was worth every penny! You'll see a ton of birds, flowers, scenery, waterfalls, and hear a ton of fun facts and a sprinkling of dad jokes to keep you laughing and enjoying nature.

Loved our time at The Homestead. It’s been years since we got away from the kids since they are very young, but while grandparents held the for we go get away for a magical getaway and the Homestead made our trip truly memorable.