The Omni Homestead Resort, an iconic resort located on more than 2,000 acres, has officially begun a more than $120-million, property-wide renovation. Marking the latest chapter in the storied history of the resort in Hot Springs, VA, the extensive restoration will include facade work, a new event facility, associate housing complex, updated guestrooms, refreshed public spaces, infrastructure improvements and new amenities.
Facade improvements, including brick repointing, painting and window restoration will begin later this month, with an anticipated completion in 16 months. Guestrooms in the main building, Tower, East, West and Garden Wings will all be updated with a fresh, tailored and comfortable design in keeping with the current vintage style. Martha’s Market, the property’s grab-and-go café, will be entirely remodeled with a new coffee counter, ice cream display and bistro-style design opening to the updated Washington Library. The Lobby Bar will expand into the Georgian Room with a new speakeasy-style lounge.
“We didn’t have to look far, we were inspired by the rich history of the hotel,” said Amy Humble, senior interior design manager, Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Traditional design is making a resurgence and will be celebrated throughout with patterns such as Schumacher Pyne Hollyhock, fringed sofas and pattern on pattern on pattern.”
Work on the resort’s facade will include the historic restoration of 978 original wood windows and hundreds of doors, as well as repairs to all stucco, terracotta, limestone and brick masonry. In addition, balcony deck work will be completed on the Garden Wing, Tower terraces, West Wing porches and Presidential Suite balconies, restoring them to their original luster.
The property is known for irresistible, locally inspired cuisine served in both formal and casual environments, and renovations to the dining venues are a pillar of The Omni Homestead Resort’s plans. The theater will be converted into a small bar with dinner-theater style seating, while the Casino Building will see the main-floor Pro Shop converted into a fast-casual picnic-style dining experience. Jefferson’s, Rubino’s at The Cascades and The Dining Room will be enhanced with features such as new hardwood flooring, delicate chandelier fixtures and carefully selected tile accents.
“Inspiration from the local floral and fauna is incorporated in the carpets and wallcoverings. We tried to make the guestrooms a bit more of a respite so guests can enjoy a restful stay,” Humble noted.
As a top meeting site in Virginia and Washington DC, The Omni Homestead Resort will be adding 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space to the resort’s existing 72,000 sq. ft. of function space. A new event pavilion, located at the north end of the Old Course driving range, will be ideal for weddings and special events. With a capacity for 225, the new venue will have the full capability to create a hybrid indoor/outdoor experience with views of the Tower, East and West wings. It will also feature a bridal suite and prep kitchen. The design of the space is modeled from the pre-1902 buildings on property with whitewashed wood-clad walls, brick pathways, stained concrete floors and lantern-like light fixtures.
Another key component of the project is the construction of a new associate housing building. Located in downtown Hot Springs, the building will include 50, two-person units, community living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry and fitness facility, as well as a half-court basketball court and an outdoor picnic area with grills. Construction will begin in early 2022 and be completed in spring 2023.
“We honored and respected the history of the hotel while carrying it in to the future,” Humble added.
The historic rehabilitation of the Warm Springs Pools (formerly known as the Jefferson Pools) began in September and is scheduled for completion in late 2022. The goal of the restoration is to preserve as much historic building fabric as possible.
