The Omni Homestead Resort

I've been to the Homestead many times since the early 1990s when I was a child. Of course, like many resorts across the country, some services and amenities have gone downhill or disappeared altogether. However, on our last visit, I actually noticed that some things have gotten better since our prior visit two years ago. Glad to see Omni trying to right the ship. Here are some highlights and lowlights. 1. The afternoon tea has returned to having actual teacups and saucers instead of disposable. Gone are the days of a full spread with sandwiches, but there is free cake, at least. 2. The piano player in the lobby remains. A huge part of the charm. 3. The room rates are reasonable compared to similar resorts around the country. A stay at the Homestead certainly isn't cheap, but our family is well traveled and we've seen and paid some eye-popping rates at other resort hotels. The ability to book two connecting rooms for under $1200 at the homestead on a holiday weekend is appreciated. 4. You can now book guaranteed connecting rooms online. This is such a plus for families. You have to pay a fee, but that's worth it to me for the guarantee. 5. All of the pools are enjoyable and well maintained. We did the historic warm pools with the kids, where you have to take a shuttle. We also did the adults-only spa, the indoor pool and the heated outdoor family pool. All enjoyable ways to spend a cold winters day. Glad the Homestead keeps investing in these spaces. 6. The decor of the rooms is colorful and charming. Glad the hotel resists the temptation to go beige and gray and modern. 7. The ski hill is still a lovely easy place for kids to learn to ski. Glad they are keeping this up. Cozy little lodge too. 8. It remains a really wonderful place to bring kids. We felt so comfortable with the babies and toddlers in our group. At the same time, the workers in the lobby did a good job of telling the more rambunctious kids to settle down so the adults could enjoy. Now for some areas I wish they would improve: 1. The lobby bar needs better quality wine. The sparkling wine they had by the glass was flat and cheap tasting. The red was also too close to cheap grocery store variety. I would have drank there more if the wine was better. 2. The arcade needs maintenance and a full time staff person behind the bar. Could be such an enjoyable space with more functional machines, better cleaning, more inviting lighting and decor, and a staff member to keep it all running smoothly. They can't close it, because it's really needed as an indoor amusement for kids. The Homestead has sadly closed its bowling alley. It now has a small duck pins area that was always malfunctioning as kids used it incorrectly. 3. Drink service at all the restaurants was painfully slow. Nice folks and they were trying, just seemed understaffed and inexperienced. 4. Would like to see one more pool table or perhaps a ping pong table. More indoor amusements could be nice, especially ones that don't need to be plugged in.

Let me start off by saying that the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs VA is absolutely beautiful and extremely well maintained. Our stay was wonderful! I would personally like to give gratitude to the staff. First, Christa that works in the Presidential Lounge in the Great Hall was incredibly knowledgeable, not just with her bartending skills, but with the resort as a whole. By our second day, she felt like a friend! Say hello to your fur babies from us Christa! And you should get that puppy!❤️. Second, Hailey from the Taproom in the Jefferson. Hailey was so friendly and easy to talk to. Also she is very knowledgeable and hardworking. She made us fantastic cocktails and advised us on all the delicious menu options. Third, the Serenity Spa staff. Amy has such a great and warm personality and is very funny! Can't wait to have some laughs with her again! Fourth, Chip at the Jefferson. What can I say...absolutely incredible waiter. We haven't enjoyed a meal like that in a while and it was all thanks to him for being so accommodating and kind ( since we did order just about everything on the menu!) Thank you Chip! And lastly, your Assistant Restaurant Manager, Matthew Robertson. Man does this guy know his stuff! He should get a promotion! Also, thanks to all the wonderful staff at the Omni Homestead. We can't wait to see you all again soon! Braedon Ballard and Josh Gray

Called to attempt to reschedule upcoming reservation this weekend due to the impending severe snow storm. Was told that they will not honor a cancellation despite the forecast and will keep the money since it is within the cancellation window without any flexibility. I will never plan on staying here ever given the customer service. They care more about short term profits and will lose a customer for life because of this.

The Omni is beautiful and fun for kids. The staff is friendly and helpful. It's like a low-key better version of the Greenbrier. I thought the outdoor pool and hot tub near the ice skating rink were amazing for kids. They absolutely loved it. The ski hill and lodge is the most darling little thing I have ever seen.

We have been to the Homestead many times. The property itself is overall great, pool elevator was out of service, no biggie. Large clean room, but we did have issues with a broken sofa bed that wouldn't lock flat and one instance of no hot water. The restaurants overall appeared to be understaffed on a very busy weekend. Our highlight was lunch at Woody's. Highly encourage the Cascades Gorge hike as an activity. Our guide Brian was so wonderful and engaging. Probably the most fun I have had at this property.