the homestead resort, virginia – taking the waters

The Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, is a historic hotel and resort that has been providing a great getaway experience for people for over 250 years! That also includes hosting 24 U.S. presidents! In fact the Homestead predates the United States of America by being in existence even before the Declaration of Independence was signed!

The resort is now owned by the Omni chain of hotels, and has changed quite a bit since it was first built and created in 1766 by a man called Thomas Bullitt, who was a land surveyor.

Our Experience at the Homestead

We experienced the Homestead for a birthday getaway weekend.  Though we only stayed one night, we got a good taste of what the Homestead had to offer, and we fitted a lot into the 2 days that we were there.

I am making a point to try to check out the historic hotels of America, that are scattered around all over the United States.  These hotels are usually quite amazing buildings, and the very walls whisper with stories and the ghosts of past guests.

The Homestead is no exception to that – it has a long history, has seen so much change in the United States and the world, and is set in a very beautiful area of Virginia – almost into West Virginia.  It is based in the Allegheny Mountains, which are breathtakingly beautiful.

There is really something for everyone at the Homestead. You can golf, you can ski, you can go horseback riding, take a carriage ride in the grounds, play some outdoor games, go to the spa, and you can also ‘take the waters’ which is a big part of staying at the Homestead.

Taking the Waters

The Homestead isn’t home to the famous hot springs in that area, but it is close by – about a 15 or so minute shuttle bus ride away.

The Hot Springs are natural mineral springs, that really inspired a property to be built here in the first place.  Today there are 2 such hot springs – large circular pools, each covered by a domed roof that is cutaway in the center to provide a look at the stars and sky.

The original hot springs was just for males, with a separate springs for women added just over 100 years ago.  Nowadays people drift between the two, but you can have a women only experience if you want to at certain times.

The Rooms at the Homestead

The Homestead has some 483 guest rooms, split between several wings.  There are also 5 president’s suites – that are named after the presidents who stayed in them.

The entire resort got an upgrade fairly recently, and that included the guest rooms. Our room was at the very top of the building.  It was small, but really not too small – there was plenty of room to walk around.  The king sized bed was extremely comfortable, and the decor was neutral and historically-themed.

Food and Drink at the Homestead

The Lobby bar is a small bustling bar in the main foyer of the hotel.  There are a few tables scattered around the front of the bar, and a larger room at the back that seats far more people.  The bar itself is actually much larger than you are first led to believe.

The bar staff are extremely knowledgeable about all kinds of drink concoctions.