A Simple Guide to The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia
From Dorothy Draper’s iconic interiors to afternoon tea, championship golf, and more than 250 years of history, here’s everything you need to know before visiting America’s Resort.
The Greenbrier Doesn’t Feel Like a Hotel. It Feels Like Stepping Into Another World.
Some places are beautiful.
Some places are luxurious.
And then there are places like The Greenbrier—places that feel like they belong to another era altogether.
Nestled among the Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, The Greenbrier has welcomed guests for more than two centuries. Long before you learn about its fascinating history, its famous underground bunker, or the legendary designer Dorothy Draper, you notice something different about it.
There are grand white columns wrapped in overflowing flower baskets. Sweeping verandas lined with rocking chairs. Crystal chandeliers hanging above boldly patterned carpets. Everywhere you look, there is color, character, and another beautiful room waiting around the corner.
I first visited The Greenbrier during a content shoot, but it didn’t take long for the resort itself to become the highlight of my trip. Between wandering its colorful hallways, riding golf carts across the sprawling property, and watching families who clearly return year after year, I quickly understood why so many people consider The Greenbrier more than just a resort.
It’s a tradition.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, a family vacation, or simply want to experience one of America’s most iconic resorts, here’s everything you need to know before your first visit.
The Greenbrier at a Glance
Quick Tips:
📍 Location: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Perfect For:
- Couples
- Girls’ weekends
- Families
- Golf trips
- Multigenerational vacations
Ideal Length of Stay: 2–3 nights
Known For:
- Dorothy Draper interiors
- Historic bunker tours
- Afternoon tea
- Championship golf
- Luxury spa
- Southern hospitality
A Brief History of The Greenbrier
Before becoming one of America’s most famous resorts, people traveled to White Sulphur Springs for its natural mineral springs, believing the waters had healing properties. Over time, what began as a small retreat grew into a grand resort that has welcomed presidents, celebrities, royalty, and generations of families.
During World War II, The Greenbrier even served as a military hospital before later becoming home to one of America’s most fascinating Cold War secrets—a massive underground bunker built to house Congress in the event of a nuclear attack.
Today, while the history remains an important part of the experience, perhaps no one has left a greater visual mark on The Greenbrier than legendary interior designer Dorothy Draper. Her fearless use of bold color, oversized florals, stripes, and dramatic patterns transformed the resort into the unmistakable icon visitors know today. Designer Carleton Varney later continued her vision, ensuring that The Greenbrier remains just as vibrant and unforgettable decades later.
First Impressions
Driving through the mountains of West Virginia already feels like an escape, but nothing quite prepares you for your first glimpse of The Greenbrier.
The bright white exterior rises above perfectly manicured lawns, its grand columns framing an expansive veranda overflowing with colorful flowers. It’s elegant without feeling stuffy, historic without feeling frozen in time.
Walking through the front doors feels almost cinematic.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the beauty—it was the sheer scale of the property.
We spent the day traveling between photography locations by golf cart and shuttle, visiting everything from the tennis courts to Kate’s Mountain Lodge. It wasn’t until then that I realized The Greenbrier isn’t simply one building. It’s an entire destination.
The second surprise was the design.
When most people think of timeless luxury, they picture soft neutrals and understated elegance. The Greenbrier completely challenges that idea.
Every room bursts with color, floral wallpaper, bold stripes, oversized prints, and dramatic chandeliers. By most design rules, it shouldn’t work.
Yet somehow…
it is one of the most elegant places I’ve ever been.
I’ve truly never seen anything like it.
Inside The Greenbrier
At The Greenbrier, more is more.
Florals meet stripes. Emerald green sits beside bubblegum pink. Black-and-white marble floors lead into rooms filled with oversized prints and sparkling crystal chandeliers.
Some may describe it as loud.
I would describe it as playful.
Every way you turn is something different and unique. Each room has its own personality and style, which makes you slow down to stop and admire every detail.
Dorothy Draper’s influence can be felt everywhere, but rather than feeling outdated, the interiors somehow remain timeless.
The Greenbrier doesn’t apologize for being bold.
That’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.
The Best Things to Do at The Greenbrier
One of the biggest surprises was realizing you could easily spend several days here without ever leaving the property.
Tour the Cold War Bunker
One of the most unique experiences at The Greenbrier.
Although I didn’t have time to take the famous Bunker Tour during my visit, my parents did—and it ended up being one of their favorite experiences at The Greenbrier.
They couldn’t stop talking about how fascinating it was. They said you would never imagine that beneath such an elegant, historic resort sits a massive Cold War-era bunker built to house the entire United States Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. Hidden for more than 30 years, the underground facility remained one of America’s best-kept secrets until it was publicly revealed in 1992. Today, guests can tour the bunker and learn the incredible story behind it.
Tip: If you’re interested in history at all, I’d make reservations for this before your trip. It seems to be one of the resort’s signature experiences.
Wander the Grounds
Some of my favorite moments happened simply walking around. The gardens, fountains, golf courses, and mountain views make the property feel peaceful no matter where you are.
Go to the Pool
The indoor pool at the Greenbrier is perfect for lounging or swimming in any weather! If its a rainy day outside, the pool is the perfect way to spend your day. Bring a book, swim a few laps, and doze off and take a nap.
Go to the Iconic Greenbrier Spa
Although I did not get to experience the spa on this trip, it is one of The Greenbrier’s most iconic experiences and one I’d add to the list. The Greenbrier is known as a wellness destination and the classic spa experience would be the perfect addition to add to your stay. I wish I had more time to squeeze this in!
Visit the Shops
I loved browsing the boutique shops, especially the candy store. Don’t skip an iced coffee while you’re exploring—it was surprisingly one of my favorite little treats of the day.
Mail a Letter
One of my favorite hidden details.
Throughout the resort you’ll find functioning mail chutes that guests can still use today. There’s something charming about writing a postcard or letter from a place with so much history.
Visit the Chapel
The Greenbrier’s chapel is absolutely beautiful. Originally built so the owner’s daughter could be married on the property, it features stunning stained-glass windows and offers a peaceful place to step away from the activity of the resort.
Play Outside
Whether you’re interested in golf, pickleball, tennis, biking, swimming, or simply relaxing by the pool, there are activities for every type of traveler.
Check out the Doll House
From a distance, I spotted what looked like something straight out of a fairy tale—a tiny cottage tucked among the trees. I later learned it’s called The Doll House, a charming little garden shop where guests can browse whimsical fairy garden décor or even create their own miniature garden. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s one of those delightful little details that makes wandering The Greenbrier so much fun.
Visit at Christmas
I can’t wait to return to the Greenbrier during the holidays. I hear the decorations are incredible. I’d love to finally stay at the Greenbrier during the holidays for a festive weekend or even a one night’s stay and enjoy a show at Cafe Carlton and performance from the talented Greenbrier Entertainers.
Where to Eat
Draper’s Cafe
Discover soulful flavor and a vibrant-retro atmosphere at Draper’s.
Named after legendary interior designer Dorothy Draper, the restaurant reflects the same colorful, elegant style found throughout the resort. It feels polished without being intimidating, making it perfect whether you’re celebrating something special or simply enjoying a nice evening during your trip.
I loved how lively the dining room felt. It’s the kind of place where people linger over dinner, dressed up just enough to match the atmosphere of the resort.
I’d definitely make reservations in advance, especially during busy travel seasons.
Coffee & Sweet Treats
One of my favorite little surprises was how much I enjoyed simply stopping for coffee throughout the day.
The iced coffee from one of the resort cafés was genuinely excellent, and the cupcakes were just as memorable. Sometimes it’s those small moments—a coffee while wandering the halls or a cupcake after dinner—that become some of your favorite memories.
Check out more dining options at the Greenbrier.
What to Wear at The Greenbrier
One thing I appreciated about The Greenbrier is that people genuinely dressed for the occasion.
Not because anyone had to—but because the resort itself makes you want to.
By day, think polished sundresses, linen separates, tailored shorts, comfortable sandals, or crisp white sneakers.
Dinner is the perfect excuse to wear the dress you’ve been saving.
And don’t forget comfortable walking shoes.
The property is much larger than it appears.
Is The Greenbrier Worth It?
Absolutely.
The Greenbrier isn’t simply a hotel.
It’s an experience.
You don’t come here only to sleep in a beautiful room. You come to slow down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and amenities. Wandering the hallways, soaking up the sun on the veranda, dressing up for dinner, learning about American history, and watch golfers tee off in the morning fog while families begin another day of vacation traditions.
Summer was breathtaking.
The mountains were impossibly green, flowers bloomed around every corner, mornings were cool and misty, and there was a timeless Americana feeling throughout the property.
I can only imagine how magical Christmas must be.
The resort transforms for the holidays with decorations, performances, festive traditions, and what I imagine feels like stepping inside a classic Christmas movie.
It’s already on my list to experience someday.
Add Lewisburg to Your Trip
If you’re visiting The Greenbrier, I highly recommend stopping through and visiting Lewisburg.
My mom and I actually stayed at the Thomas Rose Inn, a beautifully restored boutique inn built in 1804, before heading to the resort the following morning. Lewisburg’s walkable downtown, locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and historic charm make it the perfect complement to a Greenbrier getaway.
Tips for Your Stay
- Reserve dining and activities well in advance.
- Leave time to simply wander—you’ll discover some of your favorite places unexpectedly.
- Bring comfortable shoes.
- Pack at least one dressier outfit.
- Wake up early one morning to photograph the property before it gets busy.
- Stay in Lewisburg before or after your visit.
- Check the seasonal calendar before booking—Christmas especially looks spectacular.
All in All
The Greenbrier is a one of a kind hotel. It is both grand and welcoming, elegant yet playful, historic yet full of life.
More than anything, what stayed with me wasn’t the famous design or fascinating history.
It was watching generations of families returning to the same front porch, taking the same photographs, greeting familiar staff, and creating traditions that had clearly been passed down for years.
That’s when I realized The Greenbrier isn’t simply somewhere people visit.
It’s somewhere people come back to.
And after just one stay, I completely understand why.
