Greenbrier Resort Hotel : Luxury Hotel in West Virginia
ByBrenda Bentley Pruitt
Springtime at The Greenbrier Resort Hotel, White Springs, West Virginia.
I was able to meet up with the dapper Carlton Varney, who is the longtime Designer/ Curator, for the luxury Greenbrier Resort Hotel, located amid the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. He bought the design business of Dorothy Draper in 1960, who was named the “most influential tastemaker of America”. She was the first to turn the Greenbrier property into a designer look of vibrant color, flora patterns and bold contrasts, that is still carried on by Varney and his team.
I could not help from thinking about how Varney has that look that I have talked about for sometime (looking like your home decor). It is clear, he has decorated his body with flair using vibrant and bold colors like the hotel design. Notice, the creative handkerchief around his neck, red glasses, and the loafers with red sox. The next time I see him, hopefully he will have his Lookers Eyewear around his neck.The grand staircase is the first thing you see as you enter. The public seating areas are at the top of the staircase and the registration desk is down one floor. The custom entrances carpet sets the color format throughout the hotel. A very clever idea!Everywhere you look, there are seating areas. This grouping is in front of the registration desk where champagne or tea is served upon arrival.The main hallway seems to go on forever. As you walk along, there are seating areas on either side that can be used for conversation, reading, cards or whatever you chose to do to relax.This is an interesting seating area just off the main hall. The use of extra wide stripes makes this area interesting. The Greenbrier Resort Hotel has many antiques and fine art through out the property. Can you picture yourself relaxing here?Another relaxing area, also off the main walk way is a little quieter in design, but the theme of vibrant colors, floral patterns and bold contrasts are front and center for this property.Everyday, the Greenbrier Resort Hotel serves tea and sweets for their guest. The servers still dress in the tradition black and white uniforms of long ago.During the 4:00 pm Tea, the guest are entertained by a beautifully performed waltz. It was truly preformed to perfection. Because of their attention to details, Greenbrier has entertained celebrities, royalty and presidents, who come to enjoy one of the finest resorts in the world.
Varney says, “Some designers have decorating projects with a beginning and an end. And then there’s Greenbrier, which has been a decorating and design project for me and my staff for over 42 years, one that will never be finished.”
The Greenbrier Resort Hotel can accommodations 910 guest. There are hotel rooms, cottages and guest houses to select from. All of this is on 11,000 acres.
Oh! Want to bring your pet, no problem. Pets are permitted in designated cottages for $250 non-refundable per pet per number of bedrooms in a cottage. There is a break for 2 pets ($350). But you might want to leave Fido at home! Greenbrier is truly an elegant and charming property. Put it on your bucket list!
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