The Homestead vs. Berkeley Springs, WV
Dec 18th, 2003 | 07:54 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
The Homestead vs. Berkeley Springs, WV
Could anyone compare/contrast The Homstead in Hot Springs, VA with The Country Inn in Berkeley Springs, WV? I am planning an annual mother/daughter weekend for the spring and being together is really the highlight of our trip. We may not need all the activities/pomp of The Homestead and would enjoy poking around a small town like Berkeley Springs. But we enjoy things a bit on the posh side. Thoughts? (Thank you.)
Dec 19th, 2003 | 10:29 PM
#3
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I haven't stayed at The Country Inn, but have eaten there. I believe it has recently changed ownership and name to The Inn and Spa of Berkeley Springs or something like that. I'd say "A little on the posh side" seemed to be a literally accurate description of it with every word of that phrase important to its accuracy--but on the other hand, don't expect anything approaching the size or luxury of the Homestead or Greenbrier--they are in another world entirely.
Certainly the Country Inn seems to be most upscale place I know of in the likeable but modest little town of Berkeley Springs. Overall, the town's atmosphere is down-to-earth rather than posh. I and many others like Berkeley Springs, and you and your daughter may too, but be aware that its unpretentious atmosphere and relatively low prices are a major part of its appeal, and I sense it might not be what you are looking for if The Homestead is within your means and tastes.
Perhaps the spa experience available in both these places (at substantially different levels of luxury)is critical to your choice. If not, and if you would like to explore an even smaller town, but with more upscale ambience, shopping and dining than Berkeley Springs, consider Washington, Va. (nicknamed "Little Washington".) This town also has, in my opinion, a more beautiful natural setting than Berkeley Springs,just east of the central portion of Shenandoah National Park. On the other hand, it is a shorter drive from "Big Washington" than either of the places you are considering.
The Inn at Little Washington has the most well reviewed restaurant and inn in the entire region (including DC.) It's super expensive, but if you are considering the Homestead or Greenbrier, you are already in that league. There are also a number of other well regarded inns and B&B's in town. See the towns web site for details on the town and descriptions and links to the various accommodations (http://www.town.washington.va.us/descriptions.shtml)
I don't know if you are familiar with the Napa Valley, but if you are, think of Berkeley Springs as Calistoga and Little Washington as St. Helena, and you will get the idea of the difference between them. (I guess that would make The Homestead into Auberge du Soliel, which is maybe too much of a cultural stretch, but then Virginia is not Northern California.)
Certainly the Country Inn seems to be most upscale place I know of in the likeable but modest little town of Berkeley Springs. Overall, the town's atmosphere is down-to-earth rather than posh. I and many others like Berkeley Springs, and you and your daughter may too, but be aware that its unpretentious atmosphere and relatively low prices are a major part of its appeal, and I sense it might not be what you are looking for if The Homestead is within your means and tastes.
Perhaps the spa experience available in both these places (at substantially different levels of luxury)is critical to your choice. If not, and if you would like to explore an even smaller town, but with more upscale ambience, shopping and dining than Berkeley Springs, consider Washington, Va. (nicknamed "Little Washington".) This town also has, in my opinion, a more beautiful natural setting than Berkeley Springs,just east of the central portion of Shenandoah National Park. On the other hand, it is a shorter drive from "Big Washington" than either of the places you are considering.
The Inn at Little Washington has the most well reviewed restaurant and inn in the entire region (including DC.) It's super expensive, but if you are considering the Homestead or Greenbrier, you are already in that league. There are also a number of other well regarded inns and B&B's in town. See the towns web site for details on the town and descriptions and links to the various accommodations (http://www.town.washington.va.us/descriptions.shtml)
I don't know if you are familiar with the Napa Valley, but if you are, think of Berkeley Springs as Calistoga and Little Washington as St. Helena, and you will get the idea of the difference between them. (I guess that would make The Homestead into Auberge du Soliel, which is maybe too much of a cultural stretch, but then Virginia is not Northern California.)
Jan 5th, 2004 | 07:47 AM
#4
Original Poster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
Thank you for your detailed response! The spa situation is most important to us so we are going ahead with Berkeley Springs. (We are staying at the Highlawn Inn, after all.) Your response put me at ease-an unpretentious Caligtoga-like spot is what I am hoping for. The Homestead may be within our means but I find that "luxury" settings can be a bit of a burden, frankly. (Ironic, isn't it?) And this is a casual trip.
