The Greenbrier

My husband and I enjoyed a weekend getaway here. It was our third or fourth visit, but the first in 12 or 13 years. We arrived at what was surely their busiest arrival time - late Friday afternoon. We had just had an exhausting 9+ hour drive, but as soon as we turned into the property, we felt taken care of. From the guard at the gate to the valets, bellmen, Frank at the door, and the front desk staff, we got nothing short of the warmest possible welcome. My husband's golf clubs were whisked away so they would be ready for his Saturday round, and our luggage was carted off. We only had to wait about 5 minutes to check in to our lovely room in the north wing. After freshening up, we headed to the beautiful Lobby Bar for a relaxing drink, and by the time we got back to our room, our luggage had been delivered. The rest of our stay included dinner at the fabulous In-Fusion restaurant in the casino (wow is all I can say); spa treatments; dinner in the Main Dining Room; visits to the casino; a bunker tour (also wow); much more. I really enjoyed the hiking trails and all of the walking you get to do around this huge property. On Saturday alone, I walked more than 6 miles (including the 1 mile bunker tour)! Only downsides: * My husband wanted to play Texas Hold 'Em in the casino, but they only play if enough people sign up (and you have to ask to even find out about the sign-up list). We couldn't understand why they couldn't allocate one dealer to run a Hold 'Em table. I'm sure people would have shown up, especially when it was busy. * One of the reasons we like coming here is the dress code. It's nice to get away from untucked t-shirts, holey jeans, and ballcaps for a little while. But sadly it is not as strongly enforced as it once was. * It's very tough to get a spot by the pool during the summer months. We tried on Saturday afternoon but there were 17 people ahead of us on the waiting list. However, they did have space for us at the poolside restaurant. But the restaurant was so busy that it took almost 90 minutes to have our lunch. This was the one exception to the excellent service we're accustomed to at this beautiful place.

My husband and I stayed at the Greenbrier for our 20th anniversary. I had never been there before but I had always wanted to based on others' recommendations. I am so glad we did! From the minute we drove up to the resort, we were taken care of. The resort is lovely and luxurious but what stood out above any place I've ever been was the impeccable service. I've traveled quite a bit in my life, but this place is at the top for service in all areas. So let me gush about the wonderful greeting (and champagne!) at check in, the VIP reception where we felt like truly special by the management staff that attended, the staff at the restaurants were beyond incredible, helpful, friendly and fun! Everyone made a big deal about our anniversary, which made it extra-special. The pool was amazing, the tour of the grounds and bunker were fun and informative and did I mention fun! The bellmen and bartenders are quick with friendly conversation and a hello, how is your stay? at every turn. Thank you to the Greenbrier for an amazing time!

First time at the Greenbrier and history has been preserved well, even if that means not to stay with the times and modern conveniences. The old-school layout of the main hotel is bright, fancy, and hard to find a restroom. Anywhere. Everything is very spread apart across 11,000 acres, so lots of walking or ride in a shuttle, and they really need to slow all the drivers down, you must pay attention while walking, some don't slow down or stop. The customer service had no grey area. Some (most) employees are wonderful, the others are rude and plain mean. Including most room service personnel. Avoid room service at all costs, they do not like you! I mistakenly brought my 2 young kids, 1 + 3, and I feel that was frowned upon by most hotel workers. I really enjoyed the bunker tour, sporting clays, and most food was decent. If I ever come back, and it won't be on my dime, I will not be bringing the kids or ordering room service.

First and foremost the Greenbrier is a national monument. This hotel is steeped in US history from the very beginning in 1780s. If you and your family or company like outdoor activities, then this is your place. It has everything from mountain biking, golf, tennis and horseback riding to falconry, trout fly fishing and off road vehicle trips. This part of nearly untouched American is gorgeous. They have many onsite restaurants to choose from and in a week we did not get bored. There is a bowling alley, spa, salon, climbing wall, and multiple stores to even shop. And if that's not enough, a casino. Of course there is the famous bunker tour! After declassification in the 1990s, we now can see some "American secrets". All of the staff were outgoing, helpful and genuinely seemed to love their jobs. It was expensive but we felt it was worth the money and we didn't even need a passport. We decided to stay in the "Windsor club" area which is a separate and more dedicated area. The Windsor lounge (only available for those staying in this area) more than made up for the cost difference. Full bar, all for no extra charge ( not so for other hotel guests and with the least expensive drinks starting at $10-12 each that's a big saving over a week). Also breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert bites (more than enough for us that we didn't have to eat at any restaurant if we didn't want to, but we still did). The concerierge there attended to our every need. (Especially Kat!!!!) no request too large! They handled it all with style and grace!

It was a great place for a meeting or vacation! The hotel's decor is a reminder of a classical and elegant age in American architecture and reflects the history and beauty of West Virginia.The accommodations were very nice, and the hotel staff could not have been friendlier. I would highly recommend this property.