Smyth-A Synchronized machine with a focus on attention to detail
August 5, 2025
Where To Eat At The Greenbriar
September 9, 2025
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Introduction
Our family visited The Greenbrier in July 2025 for a much-anticipated summer getaway. The moment you pass through the gatehouse, you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the elegance of the early 1900s. Looming ahead is the resort’s iconic, sprawling white façade—an entrance that manages to be both grand and welcoming.
Our private concierge, Michael, met us upon arrival and immediately whisked us away to the exclusive Windsor Club, personally managing every detail of our check-in. As a thoughtful touch, a Kids’ Adventure Pack awaited our children in their room—an instant hit and the perfect start to their stay. With our very full itinerary and dining reservations in hand, we set out to settle in.
Initially, there was a hiccup—our connecting rooms (booked months in advance) weren’t available. With a bit of persistence, the team graciously made the necessary arrangements, and we were soon unpacking in the space we had envisioned.
Surprisingly, the resort was nearly empty. We arrived just after the busy July 4th weekend and learned that the pace slows dramatically until the holiday season. If you’re searching for a serene summer hideaway, this might be your sweet spot.
That said, The Greenbrier is not what I’d call a “relaxing” vacation in the traditional sense. Much like Disney, every moment here is best planned well in advance—even a trip to the pool requires a reservation. For travelers who thrive on activity, it’s a dream. For my family, it was paradise: the kids couldn’t get enough of the endless activities, and the Old White golf course, ranked among the Top 100 in the country, kept the golfers in our group happily occupied. As for me, I would have welcomed a bit more unscheduled downtime to decompress from the pace of running my practice—but the smiles on everyone else’s faces made every busy moment worthwhile.
History
The current Greenbrier stands proudly on the historic site of the original Old White Hotel, which welcomed guests in the 1800s thanks to its convenient location along the railroad and the famed “healing” waters of the White Sulphur Springs. Visitors traveled from far and wide, drawn by both the ease of access and the allure of the springs’ restorative powers.
In 1922, the Old White was replaced with a grander vision—The Greenbrier—bringing expanded elegance, increased capacity, and an array of refined amenities to match the glamour of the era.
During the Cold War, the resort quietly embarked on one of its most fascinating chapters. An additional wing was added to the rear of the property, ostensibly to host larger conventions. In reality, this expansion concealed the construction of a top-secret nuclear fallout shelter, built to safeguard members of Congress in the event of an attack. Today, this once-classified bunker is open for guided tours, offering guests a rare glimpse into a hidden piece of American history.
In 2009, the property changed hands when CSX Railroad sold it to West Virginia’s own Senator Jim Justice, who remains the resort’s owner, continuing The Greenbrier’s legacy as a symbol of Southern hospitality and timeless luxury.
Resort Facility
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Every hotel has its own “thing,” and The Greenbrier’s identity leans heavily on the signature interior design style of Dorothy Draper. Think bold colors, unapologetically clashing prints, and oversized florals—an aesthetic the resort is nationally celebrated for. Personally? I don’t quite get the appeal. To me, it felt less like a curated design statement and more like my great-grandmother’s davenport had exploded across the room.
The resort’s age and financial history also show in ways that even Draper’s flamboyance can’t hide—frayed carpets, chipped tiles, sagging chairs in need of new upholstery, broken drapes, and pillows that have seen better decades. Instead of the timeless charm Dorothy likely intended, the effect comes off more “drab” than “dramatic.”
Accommodations were equally underwhelming. While the building’s historic nature is part of the appeal, the guest rooms felt tired, with bathrooms crying out for a facelift. Think outdated tile, bathtub-shower combos with clingy plastic curtains that wrap themselves around you mid-shower, and toiletries that were both underwhelming and never replenished. Perfectly livable? Yes. The luxury experience you expect from “America’s Hotel”? Not quite.
Climate control was another frustration. Like a budget motel, the wall-mounted AC unit had to run constantly—and noisily—just to keep the room at a passable temperature. We stayed in connecting rooms (one King, one with two Doubles), each with a writing desk and a couple of chairs. You can request a fridge for the week, but otherwise the “refreshment” options are limited to a mini bar stocked with eyebrow-raisingly overpriced items.
Now, let’s talk about what redeemed our stay: The Windsor Club. This is, without question, the crown jewel of The Greenbrier and the reason our rating edged up to three stars. Named after the infamous Duke of Windsor and his wife Wallis (yes, that Duke who abdicated the throne), the Windsor Club offers a private concierge wing with just 26 rooms, a dedicated attendant, and access to the exclusive Virginia Room Lounge. If you value convenience, privacy, and a touch of elegance, this is the only way to experience The Greenbrier.
The Windsor Club experience includes a secured private wing, limited guest access, and 24/7 availability of the Virginia Room and your personal concierge. Mornings begin with a charming three-part breakfast—perhaps yogurt with fresh fruit, a hot bite like chicken and biscuits or mini quiche, and a sweet pastry. At noon, a light lunch appears, followed by afternoon snacks at 4 p.m. From 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., the lounge offers an open bar stocked with wine, beer, and a selection of spirits with mixers.
In short: The Windsor Club delivers the exclusivity and thoughtful touches you expect from a luxury property—something I wish the rest of the resort mirrored more consistently.
Activities
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There is so much to do at The Greenbrier—truly, the endless activities are the reason to visit. Whether your idea of vacation bliss is teeing off on a championship golf course, hiking the Allegheny Mountains, indulging at the spa, or sending the kids off to camp for their own adventures, the resort offers something for every pace and personality.
Our itinerary was packed from the moment we arrived until the moment we checked out. Every day was a mix of new experiences—some relaxing, some adrenaline-filled, and some that made the kids wish we could stay “just one more week.”
The range of activities is so vast that it deserves its own spotlight, so rather than trying to cram them all in here, I’ve created a dedicated guide: [What to Do at The Greenbrier Resort]. In it, I break down the must-try experiences, insider tips, and even the activities worth booking months in advance (yes, it’s that kind of place).
Cuisine
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When it comes to dining at The Greenbrier, the food falls squarely in the “fine, but forgettable” category. There’s no shortage of options—several restaurants are scattered across the property—and I’ve detailed our full experience with each one in my separate post, [Where to Eat at The Greenbrier Resort]. But here’s the short version: most of our meals were just okay.
Service often felt lackluster, and while nothing we ate was outright bad, the quality, variety, and execution simply didn’t match the elevated standard the resort’s reputation promises. You won’t leave the table hungry, but you also won’t be telling your friends about a life-changing meal—unless, of course, you order the chicken wings at Slammin’ Sammy’s.
Those wings are in a category all their own—crispy, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. Honestly, they might be some of the best I’ve ever had. Pro tip: order them with the sauce on the side for an extra crunch factor. You’re welcome.
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Final Thoughts
If I had to sum up most of our Greenbrier experience in one word, it would be “fine.” The room? Fine. The food? Fine. The pool and spa? Also fine. Golf and activities aside, nothing consistently hit that wow factor you’d expect from a resort with this kind of reputation and history.
If you’re chasing excellence across every category, The Greenbrier might leave you wanting. But if your priorities are exclusivity, impeccable golf, and a schedule packed with things to do, a stay at the Windsor Club could absolutely deliver the experience you’re looking for.
That said, this resort clearly has a devoted following. Nearly everyone we met during our stay had been coming here for years—some for decades. There’s a certain magic in that kind of loyalty, and I can see how it might be easy to get hooked.
For us, we wouldn’t rule out a return visit, especially for the golf and the endless activities. But with so many other luxury destinations still waiting to be explored, The Greenbrier probably won’t be the very next one we book.
