The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, is one of America's most storied grand hotels, in continuous operation since 1778 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The current Georgian Revival main building dates to 1913 and is renowned for its bold interior design — the work of Dorothy Draper and later Carleton Varney — featuring vivid floral wallpapers, signature black-and-white floors, and color schemes that remain as distinctive today as when they were introduced in the 1940s. The resort spreads across 11,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains, encompassing five championship golf courses including the Old White TPC, a full-service spa using natural sulfur spring waters, a casino, bowling alleys, falconry, shooting sports, and 36 holes of championship tennis. The Greenbrier Bunker — a Cold War-era facility built secretly beneath the resort to shelter the U.S. Congress in the event of nuclear war — operated for 30 years before being declassified in 1992; daily tours now take visitors through the blast-door entrances, decontamination chambers, and congressional rooms hidden under the West Virginia Wing. Resort restaurants range from the formal Main Dining Room, where resort attire is required, to casual golf clubhouse fare. Day visitors can book the guided bunker tour ($35 per person), which does not require an overnight reservation. The resort hosts the PGA Tour's Greenbrier Classic in summer and various culinary and sporting events throughout the year. Overnight guests have access to the full range of activities; day visitors are limited to the bunker tour and grounds.
Good to know
- Hours
- Resort open year-round; tours daily 10 AM - 2 PM
- Best time
- Year-round; peak is May-October
Location
101 Main Street W, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
37.7964, -80.2987 View on map
Highlights
- The Greenbrier Bunker — declassified Cold War congressional shelter with daily public tours ($35/person)
- Dorothy Draper and Carleton Varney interior design — one of America's most photographed grand hotel interiors
- Old White TPC golf course — a PGA Tour venue on the resort grounds
- Natural sulfur spring spa treatments in a facility operating since the resort's founding
- 11,000 acres of Allegheny Mountain grounds with falconry, shooting sports, and equestrian activities
Tips for visiting
- Book the bunker tour in advance — tours fill quickly on weekends and are the primary draw for day visitors
- Resort attire (jacket required for men) is enforced in the Main Dining Room; check the dress code policy before dining
- Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) is 12 miles away with seasonal flights from major hubs — a practical option for multi-night stays
- Day visitors without overnight bookings should arrive by 10 AM to allow time for the bunker tour and grounds walk
- Golf tee times on the main courses are in high demand — reserve weeks in advance during summer
When to visit
May through October is peak season, with the resort's grounds and outdoor activities at their best. The PGA Tour Greenbrier Classic is held in late June. Winter offers reduced rates but some outdoor activities are limited.
Accessibility
The Greenbrier's main building and most public areas are wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps. The bunker tour involves narrow corridors and stairs and may not be fully accessible for all mobility levels; contact the resort in advance to discuss accommodation options.
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Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to stay overnight to see The Greenbrier?
No. Day visitors can book the Greenbrier Bunker tour ($35/person) without an overnight reservation. Access to most resort amenities — spa, restaurants, golf — is generally limited to overnight guests.
How long does the bunker tour take?
The Greenbrier Bunker tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers the facility's Cold War history, blast doors, decontamination chambers, congressional areas, and broadcast studio.
Is The Greenbrier suitable for children?
Yes. The bunker tour is engaging for older children and teenagers; the resort grounds offer tennis, bowling, and outdoor activities accessible to families. Some formal dining venues have dress codes that may not suit young children.