A Weekend at America's Resort: The Greenbrier

We enjoyed a weekend at The Greenbrier this July! This resort boasts all sorts of on-site dining and activities, and an outdoor infinity-edge pool. Golf is another huge asset to this resort, as there are three courses and dining options right off the courses. Ultimately, the decor, grounds, and history of the resort are the reasons we enjoyed it! We also enjoyed a slow weekend where everything was in one spot: the pool, the grounds, and dining. The hotel staff were always respectful and tried to make sure to get you anything you needed (outside of reservations when they were booked up!)

A weekend here can get pricey if you do not watch your wallet! I recommend that you self-park and take advantage of the free coffee bar in the morning, the 4 p.m. afternoon tea service with snacks, and the 10 p.m. Champagne toast, including a free glass. This resort is heavy on the fees, so if that is something that bothers you, maybe just come for a day visit to see the resort. Portions are large, so you can easily split lunches. The Greenbrier Gourmet is a cafe that offers coffee and some cheaper breakfast items if you do not want to pay for a large breakfast in the Main Dining Room.

I highly recommend booking the Bunker tour and Prime 44 West in advance to get the best times for your weekend! Prime 44 West was very good, and the lobster mashed potatoes were amazing! The Bunker tour is a must and is very popular. You cannot access the grounds without a tour scheduled or a hotel reservation.

Overall, we enjoyed our weekend thoroughly!

Additional tips

• Take advantage of happy hour at Twisted Oaks Bar in the casino from 5–6 p.m.

• Grab a pool chair early on the weekends if the outdoor pool is in your plans. They do fill up.

• Get the lobster mashed potatoes at 44 Prime West, and definitely make a reservation.

• The Main Dining Room breakfast was very good. You can walk in.

• Honorable mention: Slammin' Sammy's. We ate here for dinner one night. It's a walk-in, bar-type restaurant at the golf club. It serves many of the same dishes as Sam Snead's but does not require a reservation if you want more flexibility in your day. JJ's Sports Bar is another flexible option with less expensive dinner choices.

• Bring your fancy clothes! Men cannot get into the casino after 7 p.m. without a sports coat. Many other hotel guests dress very nicely.

• The Bunker tour is very neat for those who like history! You cannot have your phone during this tour. You can book this tour without staying at the hotel. Wear comfortable shoes.

• If you are interested in any other activity (falconry, horseback riding, carriage rides), reserve in advance and then cancel at least 24 hours before if you change your mind. Concierges are on-site, but many activities book up.

• Self-park to save $35 a day.

• Make sure to walk all through the hotel! All the rooms are decorated differently, and even the ladies' bathrooms are decorated differently.

• The 600-pound crystal chandelier from the 1939 set of “Gone with the Wind” hangs in the Upper Lobby Bar. This bar was our favorite!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our West Virginia page.