I stayed here as part of a tour group back in June 2011. Our tour director seemed to be worried that we wouldn't like the place because it wasn't a 5-star establishment and didn't have all the luxuries and amenities that a 5-star establishment has. He needn't have worried. Speaking for myself, what this place lacked in 5-star amenities, it more than made up for in terms of ambience, appeal, charm, beauty and comfort.
The lodge is in Shenandoah National Park so of course it is surrounded by the most amazing breathtakingly beautiful scenery around it. Even from your cabin, you can look out and see some of the most stunning beauty that that the area has to offer -full of trees, mountains and goodness knows what else. All sorts of wildlife wonder around as well outside the cabins and members of our tour group saw a variety of different animals mingling with the surroundings -all of which of course added to the appeal of staying here.
The dining area and the balcony right outside it offers a spectacular view of the surrounding environment and to sit and eat there and look out on all that beauty is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The ambience is just wonderful and the food was good as well
The cabins were wonderful, homely, warm, welcoming and very beautiful. Their design and interior had a charm and a beauty that made it both pleasant and a unique experience in itself. The design and decoration of the furnishings was also unique and very beautiful. The whole cabin had an ambience of down-to-earth warmth, homeliness and coziness that is sadly lacking in the modern world of accomodation. There were also chairs and tables outside from which you could sit and survey the breathtaking beauty of the area
The staff pulled out all the stops for our tour group. In addition to a warm reception, we got a welcoming note from the manager, a free sample of jam and a lodge employee who knocked on our doors at 6:30AM with a glass of refreshing orange juice (our tour bus was leaving at eight so this was in effect a wake up call). The hospitality of the staff here was great -they really made us feel at home
One slight downside -I know and respect that they want to keep the ambience of nature and wildlife as much as possible and not disturb it but the trail back from the restaurant to our cabins needs to be better illuminated late at night. I struggled to find my way walking back and the darkness was quite frightening at times. With those of us with poor eyesight, it'd be good to have a little more light in some places.
Nevertheless please don't let this put you off coming here -a torch or another lighting device can probably solve this problem. It really is a unique, beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime privilege staying here and this is probably one thing you really must do at least once. My only regret about Big Meadows Lodge is that we didn't stay here longer!
- Big Meadows Virginia
- Big Meadow Lodge
- Big Meadows Lodge Virginia
- Big Meadows Shenandoah
