The Greenbrier is a historic luxury resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Widely regarded as one of America’s premier resort hotels, it has welcomed presidents, royalty, business leaders, entertainers, and generations of travelers seeking the region’s celebrated mineral springs and mountain scenery. Set amid more than 11,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains, the resort combines more than two centuries of hospitality with golf, outdoor recreation, fine dining, and one of the nation’s most significant collections of historic resort architecture.
Today, The Greenbrier serves as both an internationally recognized destination resort and one of West Virginia’s best-known landmarks, drawing visitors from across the United States and abroad.
History
The history of The Greenbrier traces to the late eighteenth century, when settlers discovered the area’s naturally occurring sulfur springs. Local residents believed the mineral waters possessed therapeutic qualities, attracting visitors who traveled long distances to “take the waters” during the summer months.
By the early nineteenth century, guest accommodations had been established around the springs, beginning a hospitality tradition that would continue for more than 240 years. The property evolved through a succession of inns and hotels before assuming the name The Greenbrier in the nineteenth century.
The resort quickly became one of the South’s leading vacation destinations. Wealthy families from Virginia, the Carolinas, Washington, D.C., and other eastern cities escaped summer heat by traveling into the mountains of what is now West Virginia.
The original hotel buildings were destroyed by fire several times throughout the nineteenth century, but each was rebuilt larger than before. The current Main Building opened in 1913, reflecting the resort’s continued growth as one of America’s premier luxury destinations.
World War II
The Greenbrier played an important role during World War II.
Following the United States’ entry into the war, the federal government leased the property. Initially, it served as an internment center for Axis diplomats and their families awaiting repatriation. Shortly afterward, the resort was converted into Ashford General Hospital, where thousands of wounded American soldiers received treatment and rehabilitation before returning home.
Following extensive renovations, the hotel reopened to civilian guests in 1948.
Cold War Congressional Bunker
One of The Greenbrier’s most remarkable chapters remained secret for more than three decades.
Beginning in the late 1950s, the federal government constructed a massive underground emergency relocation facility beneath the resort. Built in secrecy during the height of the Cold War, the bunker was designed to house the entire United States Congress in the event of nuclear war.
The classified complex included dormitories, meeting chambers for both the House of Representatives and Senate, communications facilities, medical services, power generation, and extensive supplies intended to allow the legislative branch to continue operating after a national emergency.
The existence of the bunker remained unknown to the public until 1992, when it was revealed by The Washington Post. Shortly afterward, the facility was decommissioned by the federal government.
Today, guided tours of the former bunker rank among the resort’s most popular attractions.
Architecture and Design
The Greenbrier encompasses more than 700 guest rooms, suites, and estate homes spread across an expansive resort campus.
Much of the resort’s distinctive appearance reflects renovations undertaken during the mid-twentieth century by renowned interior designer Dorothy Draper. Her bold use of color, oversized floral patterns, black-and-white floors, and dramatic public spaces transformed The Greenbrier into one of the most recognizable hotel interiors in America.
The property blends Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival, and traditional resort architecture while preserving many historic structures and landscaped gardens developed over successive generations.
Several buildings contribute to the property’s designation as a National Historic Landmark.
Accommodations
Guests may choose from traditional hotel rooms, luxury suites, cottages, and private estate homes.
Many accommodations feature period furnishings, mountain views, fireplaces, or balconies while incorporating modern amenities expected of a luxury resort. Estate homes provide additional space for extended family gatherings, corporate retreats, and special events.
Recreation
The Greenbrier offers one of the broadest collections of recreational activities at any American resort.
Popular activities include:
Championship golf courses
The Greenbrier Spa
Tennis and pickleball
Falconry
Sporting clays
Archery
Horseback riding
Off-road driving experiences
Fly fishing
Hiking
Mountain biking
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
Bowling
Casino gaming
Seasonal holiday events
The surrounding Allegheny Mountains also provide convenient access to state parks, scenic drives, trout streams, and outdoor recreation throughout southeastern West Virginia.
Golf
Golf has long formed a centerpiece of The Greenbrier experience.
The resort features multiple championship courses that have hosted numerous professional tournaments, including PGA Tour and LIV Golf events. The historic Old White Course, originally designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and later restored by renowned golf architect Keith Foster, remains among the nation’s best-known resort golf courses.
Generations of golfers have traveled to White Sulphur Springs specifically to play the resort’s courses.
Dining
The Greenbrier operates numerous restaurants, lounges, and specialty dining venues ranging from elegant fine dining to casual cafés.
Traditional afternoon tea, classic Southern cuisine, steak, seafood, and seasonal Appalachian ingredients all play important roles in the resort’s culinary program.
Entertainment and Events
Throughout the year The Greenbrier hosts concerts, culinary festivals, holiday celebrations, sporting events, business conferences, weddings, and charitable galas.
Its convention facilities make it one of the largest meeting destinations in Appalachia.
Ownership
The Greenbrier has operated under several owners during its long history.
In 2009, West Virginia businessman and coal executive Jim Justice acquired the resort following bankruptcy proceedings. Significant restoration and capital improvements followed, returning many historic areas to their original grandeur while expanding recreational amenities and event facilities.
Justice later became governor of West Virginia and was elected to the United States Senate, though ownership of the resort remains associated with his family’s business interests.
Visiting
The Greenbrier is located in White Sulphur Springs, approximately 60 miles east of Beckley and about 65 miles west of Lexington, Virginia, along Interstate 64.
The resort is served by Greenbrier Valley Airport in nearby Lewisburg, Amtrak’s Cardinal route at White Sulphur Springs, and interstate highways connecting visitors from Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Pittsburgh, and the Ohio Valley.
Although overnight accommodations are the primary experience, many attractions—including bunker tours, restaurants, golf, shopping, and selected seasonal events—are also available to day visitors with advance reservations.
Legacy
For more than two centuries, The Greenbrier has shaped West Virginia’s tourism industry and introduced millions of visitors to the state’s mountains, mineral springs, and hospitality. It has welcomed more than two dozen U.S. presidents, members of foreign royal families, world leaders, celebrated athletes, entertainers, and countless families seeking recreation in the Allegheny Highlands.
Combining historic architecture, nationally significant Cold War history, championship golf, luxury accommodations, and enduring Appalachian traditions, The Greenbrier remains one of the most iconic resorts in the United States and an enduring symbol of West Virginia tourism.
See White Sulphur Springs (WV) Hotels for further information on The Greenbrier and other local hotels.
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