The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA
The Omni Homestead Resort is one of the best luxury resort destinations in Virginia. The Omni Homestead Resort is a National Historic Landmark and makes the perfect place to visit for Virginia residents or travelers from near and far.
Located in the scenic Allegheny Mountains of Hot Springs, Virginia this resort is perfect for adults or families looking for rest and relaxation or for on-the-go outdoor adventures. The southern charm of the massive front porch with endless rocking chairs welcomes guests as you drive in.
The unparalleled hospitality of the staff makes the Omni Homestead a memorable experience that will have guests making a return trip to this Omni resort before they are even home. In 2016, The Omni Homestead Resort celebrated 250 years as America's first resort.
The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA
Guests will drive up to the resort and feel the warmth and southern charm at The Omni Homestead Resort. If you think beautiful luxury accommodations boast rich fabrics and furnishings fit for world leaders its because they are! 23 U.S. presidents have stayed at the Omni Homestead Resort since the 18th century. From historic golf courses to a relaxing spa, hot springs, and endless indoor and outdoor activities that change year-round, you will never want to leave this mountain resort escape in Hot Springs, Virginia. Read more to find out why the Omni Homestead Resort has to be on your list of must book trips!
History of The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA
In 1766, The Homestead was opened and named in honor of the Homesteaders who built the resort and bathhouses. The first inhabitants of the area were the Native Americans, who used the waters to rejuvenate themselves on their many trips through the area. Captain Thomas Bullitt, Charles and Andrew Lewis were members of the militia and surveyors during the French and Indian War. They were told of the many healing qualities of the waters in the area. So, in 1764, at the end of the war, Capt. Bullitt and the Lewis brothers paid 30 shillings for 300 acres which contained seven natural mineral springs. Capt. Bullitt moved his militia company and their families to the area. Within two years, the land was cleared, and an 18-room wooden hotel was completed. Ownership passed to a prominent doctor who was very interested in spa therapies in 1832.
In 1881, a prominent lawyer came to do some research as the railroad was looking to expand the lines into the area. Mr. Ingalls, the lawyer, came upon the resort J. P. Morgan and many other investors came to an agreement to purchase The Homestead and build a spur into the Hot Springs area.
Many U.S. Presidents and influential people were Homestead guests. William Howard Taft spent 1908 at the Homestead, working and relaxing before the final campaign push, as did outgoing President Theodore Roosevelt, for a short period of time. Many other presidents have stayed at the Homestead over the years. While staying at the Homestead Resort, guests will love playing chess, relaxing, and reading a book in the renovated Washington library. George Washington and Capt. Bullitt were great friends and one of my very favorite places on the resort property, and this space is named in honor of him.
Built in the late 1800's the Rubino family built a house and stables a few miles down the road from his friends the Bullitt's at the Homestead. This property is now the Cascades pro shop and Rubino's restaurant. History buffs will love visiting this 4-star resort to tour one of the most stunning historic hotels in the United States. Since the early years, the Homestead Resort structure has changed and grown, and ownership has changed but it is still the beautiful space that families and visitors have loved since 1766.
What Activities are Available for Guests while on Homestead Resort Property?
Guests will enjoy rocking on the expansive front porch of the Omni Homestead with a beverage, listening to live music in the grand lobby, or playing games on the lawn in the evening. There are also plenty of indoor activities available at the Omni Homestead Resort, including the spa, indoor pool and dining options at our Hot Springs restaurants. Guests will want to be sure to come back to the lobby for afternoon social tea and cookies every afternoon for live music. The outdoors offers year-round adventure at The Omni Homestead Resort in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia.
From warm-weather activities such as horseback riding to snowy adventures on the ski slopes, there’s always something exciting to do. Fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, wagon and carriage rides and smores, and the world-famous clay shooting club awaits guests who want to get outside and adventure.
Winter months, when the Allegheny Mountains are blanketed in white, is the perfect time to embark on snowy getaway to The Omni Homestead ski Resort. With winter activities like the ski area, snowboarding, tubing, mini snowmobiles, ice skating and a host of other activities, there are lots of ways to enjoy the winter season. Visiting in the winter is a great time to enjoy a spa filled day to recharge.
The Omni Homestead Resort is the perfect family place to ski together. Younger guests will like the game room filled with arcade video games and duckpin bowling! My boys did not want to stop playing air hockey! The indoor pool and theatre await guests as well.
Outdoor Activities at the Homestead Resort
Guests will love the lawn games available no matter your age. Cricket, Jenga, badminton, horseshoes and corn hole are a great way to take in the fresh air and enjoy fun games with new friends! Adventure seekers will love soaring through the sky on the Red Tail Racer and Ridge Runner Zip Line Canopy Tour.
During this two and a half-hour expedition spanning more than 4,000 feet, fly through the treetops on nine zip lines for an exhilarating experience with views of five mountains. Families will enjoy the two-acre water park, Allegheny Springs, which is fed by the waters from our natural springs. Kids will have so much fun and spend all day on the two 100-foot water slides and 400-foot lazy river.
My children loved the water play zone and sandy beach, while the large family outdoor pool is ideal for everyone to cool off. A cozy hot tub awaits! Miniature golf is such a fun outdoor activity for families as well.
Golf at the Homestead Resort
There are two golf courses available at Omni Homestead resort. The Cascades course is absolutely beautifully maintained and nationally ranked and home to championship golf tournaments. Guests can also Tee off on the Old Course, home of the nation's oldest first tee in continuous use. The course, which debuted in 1892 as a 6-hole course, boasts updates by William S. Flynn and Donald Ross. Abundant fairway contouring gives most shots a side hill, uphill, or downhill lie to smallish greens, making approach shots interesting.
Full-service Spa activities will relax and recharge you with abundant options in various price points and spa body treatments and options. The adults-only serenity garden is beautiful and relaxing and guests can buy passes to stay all day.
Dining at the Omni Homestead Resort
There are both formal and casual restaurants at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. The restaurants offer attentive, friendly service for a taste of Virginia in classic settings. Dress codes are strongly followed and information on specific dress code at various dining options can be found here.
There are 7 dining options at Omni Homestead Resort and guests can also have in room dining experience options as well. Poolside lunch and dining options at Alleghany Springs in the warm summer months are perfect. Adults will enjoy beverages at the Lobby Bar and the Virginia Wine Experience too! Look at the dining options and menu ahead of time to make reservations for the elegant dining room for high end buffet breakfasts, delicious lunches on the go at Martha's Market, Jefferson Taproom.
Guests can also walk off resort down the street to the historical district on Sam Snead's highway next door to Sam Sneads, ice cream and sandwiches, and Bacova brewery for pizza and sandwiches.
Cost of Staying at the Omni Homestead Resort.
The Cost of staying at the Omni Homestead Resort varies based on the number of guests in your party. Guests can check for best available rate for any of the 483 rooms based on the time of year they are visiting. Guests can expect to begin accommodations and pricing of the Authentic Southern style room accommodations at any of the classic guest rooms. Rooms have either one king bed, one queen bed or two double bed options and offer a limited view of the resort grounds. The lowest rate typically is around 500 dollars on average.
Traditional rooms are 170-220 square feet. Rooms can range to president’s suites as large as 1500 square feet depending on number of guests in your party and price range. You can see more details of the room we stayed in during our visit on this blog post and find more details to help determinate which room is best.
No matter which room hotel guests' book, you can expect comfortable down pillows and comfortable featherbeds invite guests to relax because all rooms feature deluxe bedding. In traditional Virginia decor style, the flat screen plasma televisions and complimentary wireless internet access in every room provide the comforts and conveniences of home. Check rates and be sure to sign up for emails so you do not miss the savings and packages available to earn free nights.
Closest Airport to Omni Homestead Resort
If you are traveling to the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA by plane the nearest airport is the Roanoke Regional Airport. Roundtrip airport shuttle / Transportation Service to and from the Roanoke Regional Airport, surrounding airports and Amtrak can be arranged by calling The Omni Homestead Resort Activities Department at (800) 838-1766, option 3. Fees apply and advanced reservations are required. Guests can also fly into the Richmond Airport and enjoy the beautiful drive. Transportation Service to and from the Roanoke Regional Airport, surrounding airports and Amtrak can be arranged by calling The Omni Homestead Resort Activities Department at (800) 838-1766, option 3. Fees apply and advanced reservations are required.
In 2022 following an extensive, $4.6 million rehabilitation to the Warm Springs Pools that just reopened in Dec 2022, many parts of the historic Homestead Resort were reopened. Even if you have traveled to the Homestead Resort previously, plan a return trip in the coming years and see the magnificent progress that is happening to restore the Omni Homestead and ensure it can withstand another 250 plus years of visitors to this unforgettable Virginia resort destination.
You will absolutely fall in love with this beautiful historic resort nestled into the mountains and want to return to experience the ambiance of the Omni Homestead resort time and time again. No matter your age or interests there is something for everyone at the Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia.
