Fodor's Expert Review Mountain Lake
115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, Virginia, 24136, USA
The 1987 movie "Dirty Dancing" was filmed here, and the resort (Kellerman's in the movie) is still a popular summer getaway. Centered on the highest natural lake east of the Mississippi, accommodations range from spartan cottages to plush suites in a majestic sandstone hotel from 1930 (the resort itself predates the Civil War). You can also rent two-, three-, and four-bedroom cottages if you need more space for an extended stay. Atop the 4,000-foot Salt Pond Mountain, outdoor activities abound: you can hike, mountain bike, ride horses, swim, and boat within the 2,500-acre Mountain Lake Wilderness, which surrounds the hotel. The adjacent Jefferson National Forest offers even more recreation, including a segment of the Appalachian Trail. A 2012 renovation included a refurbishment of guestrooms and cottages and the addition of an aerial and zip-line adventure course.
PROS
- Gorgeous scenery
- Outdoor activities
CONS
- Crowded in summer
- Far from Blacksburg
- No pets
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Seasonal May–Oct., some weekends Nov.–Dec., No Meals, Closed Jan. and Feb., Meal plans available