WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va.-
The Greenbrier will be closed until April for its most extensive renovation since decorator Dorothy Draper instilled her fashion sense in the mid-1940s.
The resort, which has hosted presidents and royalty from around the world since 1778, will reopen on April 3 after the first phase of the $50 million renovation is complete.
The resort’s doors were scheduled to close for the makeover on Jan. 3.
In an attempt to lure younger customers, The Greenbrier plans to add plasma televisions and Wi-Fi capabilities in guest rooms and revamp its restaurant and entertainment options.
Ricca Newmark of Colorado has been hired to add natural woods and warm, vibrant colors to the restaurant and lounge.
“We are transforming the look to the way Dorothy Draper might do it today,” said Gunnard Cunningham, director of food and beverages. “She used cutting-edge materials and colors and we challenged the design team to keep that approach.”
The restaurant’s globally influenced cuisine also will match the rooms’ new look, Cunningham said.
Carlton Varney, president and owner of Dorothy Draper Designs, is in charge of remodeling 66 guest rooms in the main wing to feature patterned fabrics and wallpapers in muted colors. The marble bathrooms will be larger and include soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Larger executive desks with outlets at desk height and all-white Egyptian cotton lines also will be added.
The resort will reopen to the public once those rooms are finished, and will remain open while work continues on the dining rooms, followed by the kitchen, Ratchford said.
The entire renovation should be complete within three years.
The 802-room resort includes 33 suites and 96 guest and estate houses, 10 lobbies, more than 40 meeting rooms, a conference center, three championship golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a 40,000-square-foot spa.
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