Keswick Hall- Keswick, VA

I stayed at Keswick Hall years ago, and loved it. It was a little worn, but still charming. It also had the most beautiful infinity pool I had ever seen. After that short stay, I always planned to revisit. Well, I finally did, only to find it all much changed- including the impossibly perfect pool. 

I won’t recap the early history here, as I have already covered, but since my last visit the hotel closed for over two years, and underwent a drastic overhaul. A new building was added, increasing the room count to 80. All common areas were renovated, a new stand alone restaurant and spa were added, as well as a stunning  new clubhouse. Existing rooms were completely refurbished, and that perfect pool was replaced with a new two tier infinity pool. 

Undeniably, the resort is now really nice, and upscale, but also without a lot of character. It definitely has a much more corporate feel than it did before. It also now seems to attract bros- which always make themselves known, especially at the pool. And the golf course. Really, everywhere, because they like attention. 

Service was also disappointing for a hotel of this caliber, and weirdly inconsistent. The minibar contained gratis snacks (nice!), but no in room coffee maker. Lobby coffee was available for one hour, before any sane person would be up- so now you have to stand in line at the Starbucks, when you just want to sit on your terrace in your pajamas. There also were not enough loungers at the pool, and no staff clearing vacated seats. I know, first world problems, but these things matter when you charge Keswick rates. 

So, in sum, the grounds are absolutely stunning, and the golf course refresh is fabulous. While beautiful and stylish, the hotel reimaging cost the property its personality, rendering it more sterile and corporate. That absolutely won’t bother the bros much, or those that come to post pictures of themselves by the pool. I am not ready to say I absolutely wouldn’t return, but may try during the week next time.