The Greenbrier

An outstanding golf weekend with my brother and our boys. We’ll be back!

We have visited the Greenbrier five times over the past several years, including a multi-generational family visit with an 80-year-old and a child as young as five, and two Dorothy Draper Design Weekends. We keep coming back because of the fascinating history of the place, amazing interior design, gorgeous natural surroundings, and top-notch resort staff. This most recent visit was our favorite in many ways, as our 11-year-old daughter was old enough to take part in the bunker tour and beginner falconry lesson. We stayed in a Windsor Club room, which is a very convenient, quiet location and offers wonderful extra amenities like a dedicated concierge and drinks and snacks throughout the day. If you or your travel companions have never been, I encourage you to learn a bit about the history of the Greenbrier prior to your arrival. This is a historic hotel with an interior color palette designed to evoke the abundance and hope of a post-WWII America. A monochromatic and predictable chain hotel it is not, but who needs another one of those? One of my favorite things to do is just walk around and see the different design elements and furnishings throughout the public spaces. It is kept up as much as I think one could such an old building, but the quirks and imperfections that remain are part of its charms. There is also a dress code, so it is not the best choice for travelers who want to relax in their comfy home clothes in public spaces. It's fun to step out of our everyday lives and into a little glamour anyway! I'll continue to recommend a visit to the Greenbrier to anyone who loves joyful interiors, history (be it train, US government, interior design, military, or many more aspects), unexpected amenities, or breathtaking views. I hear some people like to golf there, as well...

I have been going to The Greenbrier since the 90’s. Some of my favorite memories are there with my family and friends. We try to go at least once a year. I’m really sad to say the each year for the past several, things have continued to disappoint. It’s advertised as a 5 star resort…and it was for years. But not now. A lot of the shops are closed or have empty shelves. They used to be dripping with things to look at and buy. Afternoon tea is something I’ve attended for years, and now my grandkids beg every day to go. It’s always been served with Greenbrier china or at least plain white china. This year, throw away cups like Starbucks or a Marriott. Room service was always served like an elegant restaurant. Not now, left in the room to set up ourselves, and not even Greenbrier china there…throw away cups. I have never received a room service or restaurant order that wasn’t right. This time, out of 8 room service orders, 3 were wrong. If not for my grandkids, we would not have gone there this year. We would have gone to The Homestead or another resort that would give us a resort stay. The history of The Greenbrier is incredible, and I’ve always felt like I was, “going home”, when we pull through the front gate. It no longer feels that way and I am so sad about it. I’m hopeful with the new investors, things will turn around. At least I hope so. I will probably give it one more try just for my grandkids, but if things don’t seem to be turning around in a year or so, I’m afraid I’ll start making my family’s memories elsewhere…and that really saddens me.

A whole lot of “eh” - the physical plant feels… tired. The colors are an assault on your eyes, all day, all night. The Casino is fun, the bars and cocktail program were lackluster, the food was stratospherically overpriced relative to the quality. Portion sizes were bordering on obscene, arguably, responsible for earning WV its reputation for obesity. Restaurants were hit or miss. Some pretty good, some I wish I could forget. The grounds were, by far, the star of the show. Lots to do. Carriage ride was a delight. Bowling was fun. Bunker/(fallout shelter) was worth it. But if you cannot nail the food, what else matters? It’s not like there’s never off property worth dining. Will NOT be returning. One and done. You failed us.

Approaching the Greenbriar it takes your breath away. It looks in all its majesty, a Grand Dame. When you enter , the dizzying display of colors and patterns seem so out of character for this hotel. I understand the feelings after WW2 after being in dread and depression following a horrific war. But— it’s the gaudiest hotel I’ve ever seen. The interior is so worn out and everything in our room needs to be thrown out. Food was okay except for the breakfast. The staff is very good. I feel for them as they know daily that this infrastructure is rotting around them. Totally not worth the money. If you are a golfer , you are in heaven. The bunkers were interesting .They are living off the history factor.