HOT SPRINGS, Virginia— The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, celebrated its official grand reopening in late October to mark the completion of a $150-million-plus, property-wide renovation. Welcoming travelers since 1766, The Omni Homestead Resort is known as “America’s first resort” and offers historic hospitality and memorable experiences in a 2,300-acre setting within the Allegheny Mountains of southwestern Virginia.
The extensive renovation project began in October 2021 with the $4.6 million rehabilitation of the Warm Springs Pools, which reopened in December 2022. The full renovation encompasses 483 guest rooms, a brand-new 4,000-square-foot event pavilion, 72,000 square feet of meeting space, an array of fine and casual dining options and more.
“The completion of this extensive renovation is a monumental accomplishment for our resort team and a testament to our commitment to enhancing the guest experience for years to come,” says Mark Spadoni, managing director at The Omni Homestead Resort. “This grand reopening marks a new chapter for our property as we cultivate our offerings to welcome the modern traveler while maintaining the rich traditions that generations of loyal guests have come to expect.”
Throughout its 250-year history, The Homestead has served as an elegant retreat for captains of industry, foreign dignitaries and 23 U.S. presidents. From the grandeur of the Great Hall to the elevated comfort of each guest room, the restored property elevates its storied past while embracing a contemporary look and feel for modern travelers.
A Landmark Preserved
The resort’s Warm Springs Pools underwent a 14-month, $4.6 million rehabilitation process that preserved as much of the historic structure as possible. Fed by four natural warm springs, the 19th-century bathhouses have been sought after by travelers from around the world. The stone basin of the Gentlemen’s Bathhouse was constructed in 1761, making it the first spa structure in the country.
Throughout the intricate process of restoring the historic structures, Omni worked closely with 3North, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and Lionberger Construction to ensure the new structure adhered to The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Also among the resort’s most sought-after amenities is a spa with an adults-only Serenity Garden and two championship golf courses, including The Cascades. Seasonal attractions such as a ski area, equestrian center, shooting club, falconry and mountain biking trails provide elevated adventure for guests.
Rooms with a (New) View
Tailored comfort is the theme for the 483 newly renovated guest rooms. Each wing features a distinct color palette – pink, blue, lavender or green – that continues from the hallway corridors into the rooms. Floral patterns adorn the Shumacher Pyne Hollyhock bed skirts and draperies, along with Homestead-specific touches that complement the overall décor within the rooms, which were completed in July 2023.
From the room experience to the public areas, guests will find timeless embellishments throughout the property, including in the Great Hall. The traditional space now boasts custom-designed carpet inspired by the Allegheny Mountains and is accented with classic hardwood floors, elegant lighting and other whimsical, bold color touches.
Idyllic Event Venues and Modern Meeting Spaces
The Omni Homestead offers 12 distinct special-event venues, most notably, the 4,000-square-foot Old Course Pavilion that has capacity for 225 guests. The space offers views of the resort’s restored Tower and East and West Wings, along with a slate-clad roof, stained concrete floors, whitewash walls and full-height, operable window walls to create indoor-outdoor experiences.
The renovation also enhanced the resort’s meeting spaces, including The Crystal Room, which features sparkling crystal chandeliers, and the Empire Room, with original sconces. The Regency Ballroom was transformed with new finishes, and the Grand Ballroom was updated with textured wallcoverings and improved lighting for business meetings and banquets alike.
Significant updates to each of the existing 28 meeting rooms include refinished wood floors, new carpeting, furniture, wallcoverings, acoustic ceiling tiles, furniture and light fixtures with an architectural and functional focus.
First completed in 1923, the Theater also received a refresh, featuring a classic and distinguished look and feel. The multi-functional space offers a prohibition-style cocktail bar and convertible, dinner theater-style seating.
A New Era of Culinary Traditions
The resort offers a variety of food and beverage options, including the new Pioneer Picnic, a fast-casual dining experience featuring a wraparound porch that delivers mountain views. Martha’s Market, the property’s grab-and-go café, offers Stances Coffee and Homestead Creamery ice cream. The Presidential Lounge is a new speakeasy-style bar, while Jefferson’s Taproom and Restaurant, Rubino’s at The Cascades and the American Audubon Dining Room also feature refreshed designs.
For more information on The Omni Homestead Resort or to book, visit omnihotels.com.
