The Very Best Hotel Getaway - The Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

Before you consider a weekend getaway at the same old Holiday Inn or Econo-Lodge consider a real treat. Consider staying at one of the very finest hotels in this country. Consider staying at The Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

The Greenbrier is a truly first class, five star resort. It is a place where one can be pampered, entertained, and awed by first class service from arrival until departure and leave you wondering why you have not been there before.

Tucked in between mountains and the Greenbrier river the Greenbrier has been entertaining and pleasing guests since 1778, but don't let the date fool you, this is one of the most modern, up to date and beautifully maintained hotels in the world.

One arrives at the lovely and welcoming portico where truly gracious bellmen greet you as if you were a permanent guest. Valet parking is available, but not required as there are many nearby parking lots rimmed by evergreen firs.

The check in desk is equally welcoming and the check in procedure is simple and fast. Before you realize you are guided through the beautifully decorated lobbies and into the spacious hallways which are decorated with the traditional rhododendron wall covering.

A variety of room choices are available ranging from the one or two bed basic rooms to junior and luxury suites. Regardless of choice the rooms are spacious and lovely and offer every convenience including internet access, mini bars, walk in closets, immaculate bathrooms, guest robes, bed turndown service and a personal safe for valuables.

The room decor is colorful and welcoming. Large windows allow the room to be filled with light and provide spectacular views of the beautiful surrounding mountains.

The hotel offers an almost endless list of daily activities which include: golf on several magnificent courses, tennis on either outdoor or indoor courts, horseback riding, skeet shooting, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, horse drawn carriage rides (during snow days these become horse drawn sleigh rides), a complete workout facility with a range of exercise equipment, bowling, a women's health spa which provides a range of health and beauty treatments and massages, cross country driving school, a falconry demonstration, hiking tails, ballroom dancing classes, cooking classes with renown chefs, and nightly first run movies.

A relatively new attraction is found in the Bunker Tour, in which guests can now tour the Cold War Bunker constructed beneath a mountain adjoining the Greenbrier. This massive bunker was constructed to provide shelter and refuge for members of congress in the event of a nuclear attack on Washington. Under a huge dome of solid rock current members of the Senate and House would have shared a self sufficient protective world including dormitories, cafeterias, medical offices, a gym, meeting facilities, a library, a television studio, and all the comforts of home. The bunker was stocked with sufficient food, fuel and supplies to house congress for up to 60 days.

In between activities the hotel offers hotel tours in which the interesting history of the hotel is presented. Morning coffee is served in the lobby and afternoon tea and sweets are served in the afternoon. At 9:00 pm hot chocolate and sweets are served in the main lobby by the fireplace. During holidays entertainment is scheduled during the afternoon tea and nightly hot chocolate service.

Dining at the Greenbrier is a happy adventure.

Breakfast is served in the Main Dining Room and begins with your choice of several newspapers and offers a wide variety of choices from simple hot and cold cereals, to a wonderful variety of fresh fruits and juices, hot breads and freshly baked muffins, eggs (any style), omelets, Benedicts, Virginia ham, smoked sausages, fresh trout, potatoes, corned beef hash, French toast, pancakes, etc. Every item is cooked fresh and delivered hot and tasty to your table.

Lunch is available in Draper's café. The café is named after Dorothy Draper, world famous designer, who completely redecorated the Greenbrier and is largely responsible for its' unique and beautiful décor. Lunch at Draper's offers a wide variety of delicious items ranging from a spicy Greenbrier chili, to wonderful sandwiches (fried green tomato BLT is a favorite), to fried chicken and chicken potpie.

It would be remiss to not mention Draper's fabulous desserts which include homemade cakes and pies and wonderful ice cream creations. The Draper's banana split is unmatched.

Dinner is served in the Main Dining room beneath lovely crystal chandeliers and with the enjoyment of violin and piano offerings throughout the course of the evening. A wide variety of chef creations are available nightly. The rotation includes a delicious rib eye steak, mountain trout, leg of lamb, veal shank, beef tenderloin, and several choices of seafood.

A full dessert menu offers many tempting and delicious favorites, including the famous (and must be tried) Greenbrier bread pudding.

Needless to say, if you want to be pampered (even just once in your life) the Greenbrier is the place for you. It is beautiful world consisting of first class facilities and first class service.

I would especially recommend staying during the holidays, as the decorations at the hotel are unsurpassed.