Salamander Resort & Spa

The full details of what happened to us are below but here is the sumamry: The level of service, quality of the rooms, willingness of the staff to take responsibility for issues and rectify them, and overall experience was for below the 5 star standard and not even close to the $1,000.00/night cost. I would not recommend this place. Noisy rooms, bugs, multiple unauthorized and unexplained charges (in addition to the usual resort fees and incidentals), and overall unpleasant experience. The food and location are the only nice things, but not worth the stress and hassle. For those looking for a 5 star experience, the Salamander is not it. See below for details. The shower in our room didn't work our first night (12/12/25) after we got back from the pool and sauna, so we could not rinse off. I called and they agreed to look at it in the morning. The room Next to us was noisy all day which was fine except it woke me up at 12:40am, talking very loudly until 230am, couldn't sleep, poor sound proofing for the room. I have recordings of the nosie. We were upgraded from King to king with fireplace because of AMEX on night one which was nice. After discussing noise issues and the broken shower in the morning (12/13/25), I was informed the resort was at 97% capacity so we were downgraded to two small beds when we changed rooms. No offer to make up for the issue was made. Had to bring our own luggage down. My girlfriend I were celebrating her birthday and could not sleep in the same bed because of the size. Thete was a stink bug in new room. Potential mold in shower light fixture. I have photos of this and sent a separate email about it. After the room switch, on 12/13/25, Salamander billed me and unauthorized amount of 759.60 (I already paid $2,052.00 for 2 nights when I booked the room and $200 hold at check-in). When I called, they tried to explain it away, saying it was part of my package. I told them it was not and asked them to tell me exactly what the charge was for which they couldn't. Eventually they apologized and said it was an accident and would be refunded. It has not been refunded. I'm told it will be in 5-10 days. Another unauthorized charge of 207.74 was made and instantly refunded on 12/14. Yet they could not refund the $759.60 which is suspicious. We decided to checkout early because we sick of the place and just wanted to go home. I sent all of my feedback in an email and then spoke to the manager. While they were very apologetic, it felt very hollow. All they offered was to wave the 2 $39.00 valet fees and couple of meals. Considering my girlfriends birthday was pretty much ruined due to lack of sleep and stress, this didn't mean much. Not at all what we expected from a supposed 5 star hotel. We were still charged for a king estate even though we were downgraded to 2 smaller beds. It didn't feel like much of a solution to waive a few hundred dollars of food while they were still holding $959.70 of my money, promising it would be returned in 5-10 days.

My wife and I recently spent time at the Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, VA, and while there is no denying its beauty, couples should think carefully about what they want out of a romantic getaway before booking. This is a 3-star stay in a 5-star setting. It is stunning in many ways, but not ideal for every type of traveler. The Resort: Undeniably Beautiful There is no arguing that the Salamander is gorgeous. The grounds are picture-perfect. The rooms are clean, spacious, and truly stunning, with décor that feels luxurious and well thought out. From a purely aesthetic perspective, the Salamander is one of the most beautiful resorts in the DMV. The Spa: The Shining Star of the Salamander If the resort has one area that absolutely deserves its premium pricing, it is the spa. Yes, the services are expensive, but you get what you pay for. The spa staff are incredible, the amenities are top-tier, and everything is spotless, serene, and beautifully designed. It’s honestly hard to find a spa experience this good anywhere in the DMV. Dining at Harriman’s: Excellent Food with a Middleburg Mark-Up We also dined at Harriman’s, which delivered fantastic service, a charming ambiance, and extremely delicious food. However, guests should be aware that much of Middleburg carries a cost premium, and Harriman’s is no exception. The meal will be delicious, but you will also be paying a noticeable Middleburg upcharge. Comparable or better meals can be found elsewhere in central Virginia at roughly 70% of the cost. Where the Salamander Falls Short for Couples Here is where expectations matter. The Salamander is not a boutique, intimate, or romantic hideaway. It is: A place to see and be seen A hub for families, groups, corporate gatherings, and events A resort with a distinctly corporate feel, right down to branded throw pillows and blankets (Lexus logos, for example) Often busy and loud in the main lobby and common areas A property where you should not expect a personal welcome or small-inn touches When you check in, don’t expect the staff to recognize you or greet you with champagne. With the number of rooms they operate and the volume of guests moving through, you are essentially one of many...a number, not a name. If you’re paying top dollar hoping for personalized hospitality, this is not the place. You are paying for: Beautiful rooms Beautiful grounds Access to high-end amenities (spa, restaurant, activities) And to maybe run into a DC politican or celebrity passing through But outside the spa and restaurant, the resort does not deliver that intimate, “you’re our special guest” feeling that many couples seek. For Romance: Better Options for Less For couples searching for a romantic escape, I strongly recommend exploring the many exceptional boutique properties in central Virginia. Two that stand out: The Inn at Willow Grove Only about 25 guests on property at a time Staff knows who you are the moment you arrive Warm hospitality, champagne, bottled water on check-in Pastries delivered to your door each morning Gorgeous landscape and cozy cottages A spa that is lovely (though not as over-the-top as Salamander) A restaurant that rivals Salamander’s at half the price This is the type of place couples choose for peace, intimacy, and true getaway magic. The Inn at Little Washington Another extraordinary option for couples. Suite prices are comparable to The Salamander but the restaurant at The Inn is way more expensive because of the Michelin stars. The Salamander Resort & Spa is beautiful. Truly. The rooms impress, the grounds are lovely, Harriman’s is excellent, and the spa is arguably the best in the region. But before you book, ask yourself what you want from your stay. If you’re looking for an active, social, corporate, see-and-be-seen luxury resort with great amenities, the Salamander may be perfect for you. If you’re looking for romance, tranquility, and personalized hospitality, there are better, and often much more affordable options nearby.

Nice place to go to start your Christmas. The brunch was awesome. The gym was nice had a sauna. Rooms are clean. Beautiful "living room" with fireplaces. Complimentary car service to local vineyards.

We came as a family of 4 for a couple of days ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and Salamander didn’t disappoint. I had heard about it for years so it was finally time. My kids and I had had the riding lesson and it was lovely - the barn and the horses are visibly well cared here. The spa experience is the best I have had - the space, the pool, the amenities, etc. make for a true pampering experience. Food at Gold Cup was decent, but the comp for the kids with paying adults is a very nice touch. Harrimans for breakfast was delicious and had wonderful options - again, the comp meals for the kiddos was very appealing. The entire hotel staff is friendly, helpful and welcoming. We highly recommend and would absolutely come back!

My family and I had a wonderful experience for a 3-night getaway with a toddler. The resort is beyond family friendly - they comp kids meals, have great snacks available, and the staff are so gracious and helpful around little ones. There was a ton to do despite a cold snap - pool, visiting horses, hiking trails. My family found it so relaxing and happy.