The Omni Homestead Resort
While the U.S. is home to a handful of amenity-packed hotels, few compare to The Omni Homestead Resort — which just so happens to be the country’s oldest! Now a National Historic Landmark, this expansive property has hosted 23 U.S. presidents throughout its 250-plus-year history. A recent $150 million renovation helped bring the resort into the present day while retaining its Old World charm. Ahead, our full review of this one-of-a-kind historic haunt in Hot Springs, Virginia.
What You Need to Know
The Look of The Omni Homestead Resort
Flanked by the Allegheny Mountains, the 2,000-plus-acre Omni Homestead Resort is characterized by its striking Colonial Revival-style exterior. The distinct aesthetic, which oozes elegance and historic charm, continues inside, including in public areas such as the Great Hall. As the beating heart of the property, this sophisticated space boasts bespoke carpeting inspired by the surrounding flora and fauna, soaring ceilings, towering white pillars, roaring fireplaces, hardwood floors, and bold pops of colors and patterns in the form of upholstered chairs and sofas. The 10 bars and restaurants have a similarly timeless look and feel, including the upscale American Audubon Dining Room, with its crisp white interiors, dazzling chandeliers, and domed ceiling, and the aptly named, 1920s-era Theater 1923 — a cocktail bar/screening room/entertainment venue equipped with sofas, lounge chairs, side tables, and a wooden bar area — that regularly hosts wine tastings.
Recently renovated rooms and suites — there are 483 of them total — are spread out across five wings, each of which has its own distinct color palette (think: pinks, blues, greens, and lavenders). Rooms are all outfitted with rich fabrics and furnishings, cozy reading nooks, plush linens, and distinct framed prints documenting the resort’s lengthy history. The suites are especially spectacular, and, depending on the category, are outfitted with private sun porches, in-unit fireplaces, separate living rooms, and pedestal tubs. We’d be remiss not to mention the five two-bedroom Presidents Suites that boast 1,500 square feet each and are specifically designed after the U.S. presidents for which they’re named (Madison, McKinley, Taft, Wilson, and Eisenhower).
The Vibe at The Omni Homestead Resort
The vibe here is like a refined summer camp thanks to ample amenities and activities galore. For example, there’s a 60,000-square-foot spa (which is equipped with an adults-only Serenity Garden complete with poolside cabanas, a Finnish-style sauna, and river reflexology walk); historic hot springs (more on that later); an equestrian center for horseback riding; two championship golf courses; and a water park equipped with slides, a lazy river, and a water play zone. Hiking, mini-golf, skeet shooting, fly fishing, biking, carriage rides, kayaking, tennis, and archery are available, too, as are winter activities like ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding.