Guesthouse Lost River

Just a 2.5 hour ride from the metro area, the Guesthouse at Lost River is a total gem! I went to a wedding here a few months back, and it is obvious why the couple chose this spot to get married. Not only are the views and scenery absolutely amazing, but the entire staff will go out of their way to give you whatever you ask. Gary and Jesse will literally stop whatever it is they're doing to answer a guest's question or address a need. This is certainly a labor of love, and I think the entire crew does a bang up job at it. I only wish they had more room at the pool because when the weather is nice, that pool is hoppin'! We can't wait to come back in the winter and take advantage of all the comfy nooks in front of fireplaces in front of the lodge. I practically wanted to curl up with a mug of hot cocoa in the middle of the summer just because of those fireplaces!!

I understand this is a "gay friendly" resort, but jeez...some of the other comments seem to reek of the attitude of "There goes the neighborhood - they're letting the straights in!!" I never knew this place prior to the current owners, but the former owners are still in the vicinity and visit from time to time. I was lucky to meet one of them,  Ms. Tammy, who still does massages on premises, and she seems to be happy with Gary and Jesse at the helm. Don't let those sour grape reviews prevent you from checking this place out. Come for the great company, the yummy food and the friendly atmosphere - and stay for all the same reasons!

This remains geographically a great place to get away for a quiet few days. The new owners post 2 years are growing into their roles. I think the goal of the place has changed where before the owners had a vision of a gay-lesbian community in the 'almost heaven lands of WV" and the place thrived with such a welcome. The place remains a great get away yet with their marketing to more the straight community - even families with children - (we found out our weekend was "family weekend") - it is not so a place for the GLTB community. I think their goal is to make it succeed -- all well and good but when one does not have a vision then....??  They seek to be a 5 star guesthouse - food medicare and overpriced. If you go -- go to the delicious and casual Lost River Grill. The Guesthouse Bartender still has not learned to make a decent drink "yes a Gin Martini does need dry vermouth"). Our maid service was a call up "do you want more towels" - so tidy room never done. I would come back yet after each visit I keep looking is there another nice, welcoming B/B close to DC.

Well, it's a new era. Bob, David, and Tammy are gone, or at least not running the Guesthouse any longer. Tammy's still available for massages, however. Maybe the new owners are just getting used to the new job. Things are much more "rule-oriented" now. Do this. Don't do that. Don't even think about doing this. I hadn't even gotten out of my car before one of the new owners said, "You need to move your car." Really?!? With all the parking about?

The physical buildings of the Guesthouse as you might remember them are still there, just not with the same friendly backdrop. Hopefully the new owners will get their act together and can eventually be a little more friendly. Case in point, my partner walked out from breakfast and found the new owners at the check-in desk and said, "Hello." One of them barely grunted back. The other was nonverbal. When I went out, they didn't even look up to recognize me. Not exactly what I'd call welcoming.

The restaurant was pretty awful. They're offering big specials to dine there, but it's worth contemplation. Can't imagine the same chef is there. Could barely eat my entrée. Couldn't eat the sides. He wouldn't have put those plates out for consumption. For the price, the Grille is certainly a competitor.

Hopefully this is a transition period. Let's hope, for those of us who have been visiting for years (and years and years) that the new owners will get their acts together. The opposing proposition is just upsetting. Sigh. One of my most favorite restful places ever...on hold. Sigh again.