The Greenbrier Resort
Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, you’ll find one of America’s most historically significant hotels – The Greenbrier Resort. It’s located in White Sulphur Springs, in an area that was once home to American Natives who recognized the healing properties of local spring waters.
This luxurious hotel was established in 1854 and was originally known as The White Sulphur Springs Hotel, or “Old White.” During the Civil War, the hotel took turns serving as a headquarters for both the Union and the Confederacy, and also functioned as a hospital. In 1913, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company acquired the Greenbrier Resort and transformed it into a luxurious destination that continues to provide an exceptional experience to visitors today. (1)
Twenty-three U.S. Presidents have stayed at the Greenbrier along with many other famous people such as Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson, who were good friends with the owner of the Hotel . Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco were also frequent guests of the hotel at one time. The list of diplomats, royalty, and hollywood stars who have stayed in the hotel over its long, storied history is pretty extensive. So, why don’t I take you on a journey to see what all the fuss was about?
A Celebration to Remember
It was one of our best friend’s birthday, and our tight-knit troupe planned to drive the 4.5 hours from Baltimore and meet up to celebrate at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Whenever we are together, there are always days of laughter and fun. Great friends are a true treasure in life, and I couldn’t think of better company for a “time travel adventure” to a historic part of the country.
We booked a Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO) house just one mile from the Greenbrier Hotel. I will not give you the address, but please just splurge and stay at the Hotel itself instead. The Greenbrier offers a very generous 20% discount for military and other enticing packages for discounts as well. The house we stayed in was charming, but to be honest it’s cleaning standards could have been better. As a result, we spent most of our time hanging out in the Greenbrier.
Dorothy Draper Décor
If I had to describe the décor of this hotel, I would say it’s Bold and Beautiful, but officially it is called “Modern Baroque“. The truth of the matter is, the hotel décor is just exceptionally extravagant. The famous New York City interior designer Dorothy Draper has left her signature style in every nook and cranny of this hotel.
Prepare to be amazed by the unconventional yet stunning color and design combinations that she covered the property with. Those iconic black and white checkered floors? They owe their fame to Draper’s innovative touch!
Prime 44 West
For our first evening, we dined at Prime 44 West located in the Greenbrier Hotel. Hands down, this was one of the best steakhouses I have ever eaten at! The menu had Wagyu trio, three one-ounce filets of this incredible cut of Japanese black cow. Delicious times ten and I highly recommend you try it if you have never tasted this amazing cut of beef!
Did I mention the crusted blue cheese sauce over the filets was absolutely mouthwatering? The French onion soup is also incredibly delicious, among the best I have ever tasted.
The Forum
The Forum is a delicious place to find authentic Italian fare. We thought the food was very impressive, which is high praise coming from a group of seasoned world travelers such as us. We ordered pizzas, chicken piccata, and caprice salad, all of which were super delicious.
Slammin Sammy’s
One of the Greenbrier staff members recommended we take the gorgeous walk out of the East entrance of the hotel to Slammin Sammy’s for cocktails and a light lunch. It was lovely to sit and take in cocktails and bites with a gorgeous view overlooking the West Virginian mountains, river, and the golf course. A more formal restaurant right next door which was not opened but came highly recommended was Sam Sneades. We were not able to dine there, but will have to try that one next time.
The Lobby Bar
The Lobby Bar located off to the right of the entrance into the Greenbrier was probably our favorite place to hang out. It’s a very intimate space, and great for people watching. The drinks are a bit pricey but they do not skimp on the liquor. Cool Fact: the chandelier hanging in the room is from the movie Gone With the Wind. How cool is that!?
The Greenbrier Spa
Yes, we definitely had a ladies spa day, even though the prices were a bit on the higher side for my budget. The spa is lovely, and the services come with a steam room, sauna, and access to the pool even if you are not staying in the hotel. The spa is very proud of the mineral water that flows through the hotel, as it’s said to have healing properties.
Shhhh! …Theres a Secret Bunker!
This bunker was classified “Secret” for over three decades. In the wake of the Cold War, the bunker was constructed so that the Congress and Senate would have a place to survive a nuclear emergency. Most of the Greenbrier staff never knew of its existence until 1992, when The Washington Post had enough facts to break the story of the bunker’s existence. Check out the article that broke the Secret here: “The Ultimate Congressional Hideaway.”
Officially the bunker is no longer designated under Congressional control and was turned back over to the Greenbrier Hotel in 1995. We took a tour of the bunker, which took about an hour and a half. The tickets are $48.00 per person unless you are active duty military, in which case they are free. The tour is well worth it, and all of us ladies really enjoyed it. Check out the video below for more information about the bunker.
And Now for your History DEEP DIVE!!
During World War Two, the Greenbrier Hotel was purchased for $3.3 million by the U.S. Government to become an Army hospital known as Ashford General Hospital. Initially, the Resort became a “prison” for diplomats from Japan, Germany, and Italy in 1942. In November of that same year, the hospital would house just over two thousand American Veterans with a total of 24,148 patients over four years of its service. (2)
The Ashford Hospital was a beautiful place for Veterans to get well. During their stay, they could use all the facilities, including the golf course. General Dwight D. Eisenhower would be a notable patient at the military hospital and spent much time getting better on the golf course. The grounds are a whopping 7,000 acres which required a lot of upkeep, so the U.S. Government utilized one thousand German prisoners of war to keep the grounds manicured. (3)
Uncle Sam would end up closing the hospital in 1946, selling it back to the original owners the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway Company. (2) The history of this hotel is so fascinating, and who knows what other secrets it’s walls could tell. It is an experience of a time past that you will never forget- and a destination you’ll definitely want to add to your bucket list.
Sources
(1). https://www.britannica.com/place/White-Sulphur-Springs
(3). https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/the-greenbrier-goes-to-war.htm