The Omni Homestead Resort

I've been going here for over 25 years, and it's now a story of pay more and get less... We were there a few years back when it was a construction site, and yes the rooms are updated, but now they lack the charm that the previous rooms had. But the prices, of everything, are just absurd. And fees everywhere on top of the absurd prices. There's no value here, at least not mid-season. And for the price, there's not enough staff. Understaffed everywhere means you wait for everything and more mistakes happen. The people are very friendly, but so many people said "I'm new here." Some things gone over the years likely never to return: The Tower Bookstore (like decades ago) Lower Cascades golf course Snead's Tavern (closed, re-opened, closed again) even little things like the chaise lounges in the Library. and the small putting green next to the Old Course 1st tee. I used to get a warm feeling turning in and seeing the tower, but leaving here this year, I felt like I would probably never be going back... It used to be a very special place, now it's just an overpriced Omni. Maybe on a reasonable package deal I'll go back again.

Our room was old and tired and needed updating and we had to use an elevator that must have been put in when the hotel opened although the regular elevator was in the works for an upgrade. The remainder of the hotel was nice.

Visited the Homestead 20 years ago. Noted THEN that the rooms needed upgrading. Omni purchased the place and it appears they have invested little in rooms. Windows painted shut, old style pedestal sinks, no room for toiletries, limited outlets, and no usbs. We had booked connecting rooms as we were traveling with an invalid relative. They placed us in two separate rooms instead, but tried to charge us for connecting rooms when we checked out. Also tried to charge us for two vehicle parking. We had one vehicle. The bellhop told us we were in luck because we were in a room right across from the ice maker. Sign on the door said, "Ice Maker broken." From the looks of it, it has been broken for some time. Similar to other hotels that we used to frequent, The Grove Park Inn, in Asheville, and the Mt Washington Hotel in New Hampshire, it appears that when Omni buys a property they invest in high end boutiques, spas, and convention centers and not the rooms.

I was fortunate to enjoy three stays this summer. One was at one of the adjoining fractional ownership cottages, one was with a golfing group and one was a couple vacation. The hotel is beautiful. The public areas have been renovated and the grounds are lovely. Both hotel stays were in the newer rather than historic section of the hotel. The room was pretty but lacked working electrical outlets. On my second visit, I brought my own night light only to discover no plug at all in the doored area. The internet - supposed to be enhanced as a “select guest” benefit - was useless. I missed important messages. The other “benefit” was a single drink card per stay… most Omni’s provide one per day per guest for morning coffee but not here… Golf is wonderful and well staffed. Other activities are lacking. Several events (including video golf) listed in the weekly activity flyer did not exist and no apology was offered. There are clay tennis courts and beautiful new pickle ball courts but no lessons, clinics or socials. What a waste. There is no adult or lap pool. One must pay extra to use the spa pool and it is not for swimming, just soaking. Otherwise, join the diapers! In fact, the hotel’s emphasis on families has been a great success. Some days just dodging strollers was an activity and the “great hall” more daycare than relaxing. I highly recommend a stay if one can bring children or grandchildren. Adding some non golf options for adults - especially early in the week - would be nice. The spa is overpriced and mediocre. Thankfully there are local options for services. The food has improved greatly from past years. We ate at every venue. The traditional breakfast buffet was as opulent as ever but even the men were wearing coats to survive the icy room. The main dining room dinner has a new prix fixe format and is a must do - more than once. Pioneer Picnic has good sandwiches but for the same price, one can have a lunch or dinner with service in Jefferson’s bar. All three bills had errors.

Our room was a disappointment. No drawer space and the room layout was very difficult to negotiate. Our biggest disappointment was the food. Except for the Jefferson room, it was mediocre at best. The Audubon room breakfast Buffett was the most disappointing. Most of the offerings were cold and unappetizing. The grounds and golf course , however, were especially well maintained and the staff was exceptionally pleasant and helpful. Cuddos to Anthony Pusey for his excellent history tour.