The Greenbrier Resort: A Luxury Getaway for Families

If you are ready for a luxurious mountain getaway, I have the perfect spot for you to visit! West Virginia's Greenbrier Resort is the ultimate luxury resort for families! It is located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. At just under 3 hours from Richmond, it is an easy drive even with little kids.

Opening in 1778, this resort is National Historic Landmark surrounded by Allegheny Mountains. The natural hot springs have even lured 27 of our presidents. The Greenbrier spans 11,000 acres with over 55 indoor & outdoor activities - dining, shopping, a spa, casino, and more. Our favorites are the indoor & outdoor pools, bowling alley, carriage rides, fishing tours & nightly movies! 

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The first thing you'll notice about The Greenbrier Resort is how very grand it is. Decorated in the iconic Dorothy Draper style, it has a very distinctive and elevated look. You'll find lots of color, dramatic contrasts, and florals that you won't find anywhere else in the world. I love all the decor!

Tips for Visiting The Greenbrier with Kids:

We have visited multiple times in the summer and in the winter with our kids. It is one of my go-to getaways in the in the winter because there’s so much to do inside. You never have to  brave the weather unless you want to. But I also love visiting in summer!

This guide specifically covers which rooms to stay in with kids, where to dine with kids at the resort, and the complimentary activities at The Greenbrier for families. More information on kid-friendly activities at The Greenbrier coming soon!

Where to Stay at The Greenbrier with Kids:

Traditional Rooms: We stayed in a Traditional Room many times as a family of 4. These rooms are about 250 square feet, and you have the option of one king bed or two double beds. Traditional rooms have the iconic Dorothy Draper decor, so they are bright and floral. You'll find wallpaper that matches the bedding and a lot of vivid hues.

Traditional Rooms are the best priced rooms in the resort, around $400-$500 per room depending on your dates.

One time we had a king bed and used two rollaway beds -- this was a tight squeeze when our children were under 5 years old. If we stay in the Traditional Rooms now, I book us with two double beds.

Deluxe Rooms: If I had to pick a favorite room style in The Greenbrier, this would be my favorite to book for families (without selecting a suite or cottage). Deluxe Rooms are larger than the Traditional Rooms - they are 400 square feet instead of 250 square feet.

The Deluxe Rooms were recently updated and the layouts were remodeled. The color palette is more subtle than the rest of the hotel. The colors are subtle and sophisticated. The extra space in this room is really noticeable in the bathroom - these are all marble with separate showers and baths. It's very luxurious and feels like a spa. You have the option of a king bed or two double beds.

Draper Suites: This is the largest room we've tried at The Greenbrier, and it's the largest single room at the resort. While it is considered one room, these suites actually have two, large separate spaces. It has an area for the beds and an area with a sofa and chairs, both with their own TVs too. There is no door between them though. These suites also have the option of one king bed or two queen beds. The living space also comes with a sleeper sofa, so the room can sleep up to 6 people and you could host a gathering of up to 12 guests.

Because of the size, it is really perfect for families. We were able to put the children to sleep, and the adults were still able to stay up. Having the option of two queen beds, instead of two double beds, was really nice as a family of four.

This was our room during my media visit in May 2024.

The Greenbrier Resort also has individual cottages for guests to stay in while at the resort. These cottages range from one bedroom to four bedrooms, and they all have their own kitchen in them.

Where to Eat with Kids at the Greenbrier:

As soon as you make your room reservations at The Greenbrier, you will want to make your dining reservations for breakfast and dinner. Otherwise, you may have to wait longer than you expected at The Main Dining Room or one of the dinner locations. For lunch, you do not need to make reservations. All of the restaurants have a Kids' Menu with activities on it plus your kiddo will get crayons too.

For Breakfast, my favorite thing to do is order in-room dining. We also enjoy dining in The Main Dining Room for the breakfast buffet.

In Room Dining: This is usually my go-to when we visit The Greenbrier. You can place your order the night before, post it on your door, and it will arrive when you want it too. This is really helpful with kids because mine are usually hungry as soon as they wake up. With in-room dining, you can enjoy your beautiful room and relax while you eat.

The Main Dining Room: We always have breakfast at least one time each visit in the Main Dining Room, and the breakfast buffet is a can't miss for us! The Main Dining Room is open from 7am-10:30am and 6pm-9pm.

*Dress Code: Exercise attire is not permitted. Resort attire is required. Dark, well-kept denim is permitted. Men's hats and caps are not permitted. For dinner, wear your finest! Men should wear a jacket and collared shirt.

For Lunch, I like to dine with my family at Draper's and Slammin' Sammys. If we visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we eat most lunches at Tree Tops on the pool deck!

Draper's: My family loves the southern-inspired menu at Draper's and the relaxed atmosphere. You can order items like Crab Louie, Chicken Pot Pie or fried green tomatoes. Our favorite things to order at Draper's are the sandwiches! Like all Greenbrier dining options, they have a kids menu that also has coloring activities on it.

*Dress Code: Casual attire. Men's hats and caps are not permitted.

For treats, my kids like to get ice cream at Draper's. When you check in, every child in your family will get a coupon card for one free ice cream at Draper's! Draper's is open 11am-4pm. Ice cream is available from 11am-9pm

Slammin' Sammy's: The casual, golf-themed restaurant overlooks the golf course. It also has billiards tables, foosball, and sports playing on all the TVS. This is such an easy place to dine with kids and sports lovers. You can find menu items like burgers, nachos, wings and all the America bar favorites!

*Dress Code: Resort attire is required. Dark, well-kept denim is permitted. Men's hats and caps are not permitted.

Tree Tops: If you visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you'll eat at Tree Tops a lot! Tree Tops is the casual cafe and bar at the outdoor pool. You can dine in the covered seating area or right by the pool in your lounge chairs. You can order sandwiches, burgers, and lots of kid-friendly options. Tree Tops also has a full bar, serving adult beverages, milkshakes and smoothies.

For Dinner, my favorite restaurant is The Forum with kids. We usually try different spots every night, but The Forum usually gets at least two visits during our trips.

The Forum: This Italian restaurant will make you feel like you're in Rome, or maybe in Disney's Lady and the Tramp (it has major Tony's vibes if you're familiar with this Magic Kingdom Restaurant!). You can order hand-tossed pizzas, delicious soups, and elegant pasta dishes. You can even order your pizzas to go!

Sam Snead's Tavern: This spacious dining room offers wood-fired favorites like fried chicken, oyster mushroom steak, lobster tails and more. The kitchen is open, so you can watch the chefs working! My kids love it because it also has fantastic views of the golf course and the golf-inspired decor.

Complimentary Activities for Guests at The Greenrbrier Resort:

The Daily Resort Fee covers all guests for morning coffee service in the Upper Lobby (6am-9am), Afternoon Tea and concert, historical tours, Children's VIP Bags, shuffleboard, fitness equipment, on-property transportation, hiking and meditation trails, nightly movies, and access to the indoor and outdoor pools. If you watch the candy makers, they will usually give kiddos a free sample too!

Children's VIP Bags: At check in, you will receive a complimentary Greenbrier backpack for all children on your reservation. These backpacks have a coupon for a kid's ice cream at Draper's, a $5 game card for the arcade, activities books and a water bottle. Adults can also get a complimentary glass of Champagne at check in!

The Indoor Pool: My children absolutely love this indoor pool. I love this option for early morning swims and when the weather outside isn't warm enough for swimming.

Afternoon Tea: Every day at 4:15, The Greenbrier hosts Southern Afternoon Tea with hot and cold tea options and an assortment of cookies and treats. There is also live music - either live piano or a band. Tea time ends at 5pm.

This is my children's favorite time of day at the resort, and they always talk about it! We even plan our daily activities around it.

Pro Tip: If you attend Afternoon Tea, you will probably not be hungry for dinner until 6 or 7pm. While my children are usually ready for dinner by 5, we can hold off our dinner reservations if we attend tea time!

The Movie Theatre: Every night at 7pm, the movie theatre plays a classic family movie. During our recent stay, the movies were Toy Story 4, A Bug's Life, and Lightyear. The theatre doesn't sell popcorn or treats, so make sure you grab some before you arrive.

You don't need a ticket or a reservation to watch a movie in the theatre, just show up at 7pm and pick your seat!

The Outdoor Pool: If you visit The Greenbrier between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the infinity pool is open! This is a zero entry pool that goes to 5 feet deep. There is also a baby pool with water spouts that is 1 foot deep.

Hiking and Biking Trails: The Greenbrier Resort spans over 10,000 acres, and there are plenty of beginner level trails around the property. The paths closest to the resort are paved -- we've used strollers and scooters on them.

The Playground: There is a playground, swings, sandbox and gazebo near the chapel. This is such a fun spot to have a picnic lunch or dinner or just let the children run around.

The resort also has a bowling alley and arcade. Children will receive a $5 arcade card in their Adventure Backpacks. While these are an additional cost, my children love going bowling and playing in the arcade.

More Tips & Tricks for Visiting The Greenbrier with Kids:

1. Sign up for e-news. You’ll receive discounts & package rates via email. 

2. In December & January, you can grab Tribute Rates for stays in February. Rooms start at $149. 

3. Take advantage of the freebies! Complimentary hot drinks are available in the lobby every morning, afternoon tea time is served from 4:15-5pm, and kids get a complimentary ice cream from Draper’s! 

4. The Deluxe Rooms are our favorite when traveling with kids. They are larger in size than the Gables & Traditional Rooms. They are also closer to the main lobby - less walking with littles! 

5. During Christmas, the resort is decked out in gorgeous decorations - over 300 Christmas trees, 120,000 lights & 1,000 pound chocolate display! Add Weekends with Santa to your bucket list - fireside stories, cookies & milk + breakfast with the Big Man himself! 

Looking for more easy getaways close to Richmond, Virginia? Check out my guide on The Best Virginia Getaways for Families.

Ready to visit the coast of North Carolina? Check out my guide on Visiting the Outer Banks with Kids.

For more things to do with kids around Virginia, follow our family on @thewestendmom on Instagram!

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