The Greenbrier

My parents wanted to celebrate their 50th at The Greenbrier and set up a weekend stay and various activities for the family. We had a great time, but I would not stay at this hotel of my own accord. The booking was done nearly a year in advance and the rooms were supposed to be adjacent because we had a few kids in tow and didn't want to disturb anyone. The hotel did not deliver on this and the rooms were spread out. No big deal. right? It turns out that the walls in this building are paper thin. You can hear every conversation on the entire floor. The couple in the adjacent room woke us up at least a dozen times late at night (it was like they were right there in the bed with us, yuck), but at 4:00 in the afternoon my four year old got fussy and they started violently pounding on the walls and a shouting match ensued. On top of horrific neighbors, the HVAC system sounds like the apocalypse when it cycles on and off every five minutes. Add to this the constant pounding on doors all day long from various staffers that reverberates thru the entire floor. My daughter and I hardly slept all weekend. The first time we turned on the tub we got a big blast of brown sludge. It cleared eventually but I would suggest avoiding the tap water. Everything in the hotel is a throwback to bygone days. If this is your thing (or you are a golfer) maybe you'll like this place. As for me, there is no way I would consider this a five star establishment- maybe it was many years ago, but I just don't see it. The strange thing about the place is that it was nearly empty and there was very little staff on a weekend that was supposed to be busy due to various sports events. I got the impression that the current management is putting on a show while letting the place rot. That said, the grounds outside the hotel are beautiful, Sam Snead's is decent, the kids enjoyed the Adventure Zone, and despite the trainwreck inside I still had a great time with the family. I would not stay here again though.

What a huge hotel!! Gracious accommodations with very pretty grounds!! Staff were helpful and friendly. The Bunker Tour was an interesting snapshot of Cold War era history. We ate at Slammin' Sammy's for dinner . . . Burgers were excellent. They do not offer some of the local beer from Lewisburg, which is a shame.

First off, I have no clue why I haven't visited here before now. What was I thinking!? My husband and I stayed four nights as an anniversary celebration. Staying at The Greenbrier is truly like stepping back in time. The decor is just amazing- take time to walk throughout the interior. And, yes, the bunker tour is most certainly worth your time and money. Our arrival was seamless- they were busy as it was Labor Day weekend, but we were greeted, bags collected and car valeted in a matter of minutes. We loved the deluxe room (not too fru fru, as some may call the decor in other rooms)- spacious bathroom, beautiful view overlooking the front entrance and friendly housekeeping. We thoroughly enjoyed each and every meal (minus Drapers for lunch which was a little lacking in service). Dinner reservations were made in advance for Sam Snead's, The Main Dining Room, The Forum and Prime 44 West. Each meal was exactly as advertised and the staff were attentive, though not overbearing. We were treated with an anniversary dessert on more than one occasion and really appreciate that thoughtful gesture. You don't get that type service just anywhere. We also ordered room service for breakfast on two mornings- prompt delivery, quick set up and delicious food. The spa is top notch. I absolutely loved the Wei to Wellness treatment (it's a 2 hour service, so book in advance if you are really interested). Women's locker/dressing area was roomy and nicely decorated. Steam room and sauna are available, though note there is not a whirlpool or cold plunge area like in some spas (I didn't greatly miss this; just wanted to point it out). Outdoor pool area is nice with a lovely view overlooking the golf course. Food & beverage service is definitely slow. One of the few cons that we encountered during our stay. We visited the casino each of our four nights. Both the table games and slots were great. They really could have had more tables open on Labor Day, but we still had fun. The bar in the casino area was very attentive and the 10 o'clock champagne toast is a nice, signature touch. There were lots of families staying on property, so even though the resort has a formal vibe it's definitely a place for all ages. If you have the chance, take the trip!

I've been here twice, both times for conferences, as I would never come here on my own volition, and I really don't understand why this is the conference planners' choice of venue. Admittedly, I don't golf, so I can't speak to these facilities. But the hotel itself is old and tired. Carpet is well warm, with a centuries old stench, and the rooms are well worn and outdated with the same old stench. The walls and ceilings are paper thin - you can hear everything happening in the hallway and on top of your room. The air con is disturbingly loud, but if I didn't turn it out, the room immediately became stuffy. We dined at Drapers, the Dining Room, and Kate's Mountain Lodge and each place is over priced with bland, creative food choices. I think I could get better soup and salad at Panera, for 1/3 the price. As for the world class fitness center, there was nothing world class about it. It consisted of a hallway overlooking the tennis courts - I think 3-4 elliptical machines, 3-4 treadmills, and 2-3 exercise bikes. I didn't use the outdoor pool, but I did stop by. This actually was impressive looking and the area was huge, but it was too cold to us the pool in September anyway. Overall, if you must go you can survive but you don't be impressed. Would never otherwise recommend anyone go there for any other reason. Prices are on par with lovely resorts, such as the Broadmoor, which is 10 times nicer.

I liked the hotel, but it is huge! I wished the lobby's/entrances would have been named. They all look the same. I got there at night and the next day in daylight I has no idea where I parked my car. I did not enjoy the rooms on the 7th floor, very small. The mattress needs to be replaced. There is a indent where people lay to watch TV which is off to the side vs. in front of you. The decor is very interesting, I get the whole time period thing. Loved the pictures of the past. The food was very good and the housekeeping staff did a good job as well. After I checked out I was charged $40 for in-room beverage service, a bottle of wine that I did not drink. I had to call and ask what the charge was for and they did remove it. It was an ok stay not on my dime, not sure I would pay those rates, I really like today's modern luxury better.