Wildernest Inn

To all folks considering a visit to the Wildernest Inn: I noted a posting from a “lady” who visited the Inn and had nothing good to say about her visit. I feel sorry for someone who has nothing better to do than write such a review! She must be a very lonely and angry person……(her poor husband)! We visited the Inn with friends and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. The hosts were not “rude” or “condescending” to us……perhaps we were better guests! If there was dirt on the outside chairs, we didn’t notice, because the views were breathtaking, the animals were awesome, and the other guests were so interesting we never had time to inspect the chairs, or the light fixtures for that matter. It is, however, in the mountains… ie ”Wildernest Inn”……. so if you don’t want to get dirty or see bugs, perhaps a more “sterile environment” is to your liking. As for me and MY husband…..we can’t wait to go back and enjoy the woodlands, the animals, the guests, and the stories and company of Kathy and Stewart!

There are some people that cannot be pleased not matter how you try. My husband and I were at the Wildernest Inn while these complainers were there. I feel I must warn anyone reading these reviews that this couple was very standoffish and seemed to have a chip on their shoulder from the time they arrived. The negative review came from a woman who refused to sit on the deck because *gasp* there are BUGS outside!!! Imagine that!!! I mean that IS where they live after all. What did she expect on the top of a mountain!!! All she/they did was complain about everything! The Wildernest Inn is VERY CLEAN, the food is superb, and Kathy and Stewart are excellent hosts. I heard this disgruntled couple received their trip as a gift....and while breakfast is included they were also expecting to receive a free dinner which is NOT part of the rate. We have enjoyed the inn on 2 seperate visits and there is absolutely NOTHING about our two stays there that would ever make me not want to return. Kathy and Stewart pay attention to the smallest details....from mints in little containers, to sewing kits in another. The rooms were spotless, beds comfy, and as I mentioned food couldn't be better. These guys didn't want to try anything new including the sauce on their meat, so they missed out on a wonderful experience. Additionally, the pie was NOT frozen! As for the 40 foot drops, they're nuts. The road is lined with trees, and while it is a dirt road it is NOT unsafe. This is truly a wonderful place. I have found that if you WANT to find something bad, and you look hard enough you will always find it, regardless of how unwarranted. So I suggest this couple stay on their farm where they will be happy with their cows. Leave the Wildernest Inn for those of us who have the ability to appreciate the experience!! Linda & Rich

My wife and I just returned home from a 10-day trip that included two days at the Wildernest Inn. Although I have never taken the time to sit down and write a review, we both felt that this experience warranted it. When I read the review by Steve B. ("Wildernest or wilderMESS",6/23/2011), I was so taken aback that I decided my review needed to be in the form of a rebuttal; but some of his comments are so ludicrous that they don't deserve comment. From the moment we arrived, we were treated cordially and with respect. We found the accommodations to be very comfortable, quite clean and, above all, bug free. Meals were delicious on both nights and the breakfasts were outstanding. As advertised, the highlight of our stay was the wildlife. Deer were everywhere and the bears left all our fellow guests in awe. My wife and I are golfers and our golf package included a round of golf at what has to be one of the best kept secrets in West Virginia. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can't wait to return. In fact, we booked our next stay prior to our departure. Sorry Steve, we are with the majority of the other reviewers. We found our hosts to be delightful and if you enjoy wildlife, spectacular views, good food and clean accomodations,the Wildernest Inn must not be missed.

Due to the nature of my husband's business, we stay in hotels 75+ nights a year. We seldom travel the U. S. for pleasure, but the Wildernest Inn was recommended to us thru a business contact so we made reservations in late April 2011 to recooperate from our son's wedding. What a marvelous time we had!!! We stayed 3 nights the first time, then came back 45 days later and stayed 2 nights. Every week we discuss when we can get time off work to go up there again. We love the drive up, it is beautiful from Richmond, VA. We antique along the way in Harrisonburg and Staunton. While at the Wildernest we go to Seneca Rocks, or just take hikes nearby. Watching the bears is second to chatting with Kathy and Stewart and third is the AWESOME international guests that we met and befriended. It is a relaxed and comfortable easy mingle, yet very private environment if you want privacy. I posted on Trip Advisor that I have stayed in 4 and 5 star hotels in the US and abroad, and our favorite is the Wildernest Inn!!! Why? Because the Inn Keepers have a beautiful marriage and working relationship. They are fun and friendly. And the bears come up to their home with ease as do the deer and chipmunks and raccoons and hummingbird and other wildlife. We love their Peri Peri Chicken and steaks. The beds are clean and comfortable and the rooms are pretty sound proof. It is rustic in that it is in the woods at the top of the mountains, so it isn't the Cerromar of Puerto Rico, or Le Meridien in Cancun or Atlantis or Paradise Island Resorts in the Bahamas, all of which we have stayed at and more, and by far our FAVORITE is the Wildernest Inn. They made a wonderful omelet for us each morning for breakfast, and dinner was very tasty and we didn't leave the table hungry. My husband is 6'4" and over 225 lbs. We know a clean place when we see one and the Wildernest Inn is cleaner than or as clean as the Hampton Inns or Country Inn and Suites and Comfort Inns that we normally stay in each month. I am a "hotel snot" and we enamoured with the Wildernest Inn and The Hornby's!!! Our only regret is as we celebrate our 27th anniversary this week, we can't be up there!!!! Sincerely, Peggy and Brian B. of Richmond area VA

The hosts make you feel like they are doing you a favor by letting you stay there. They were rude and condensending. The website was midleading, we did not know dinner would be $25.oo per person for 2 chicken thighs, rice, small amount of green beans and store frozen pie for dessert. Our plates were cleared away sometimes before we were finished with our meal. Every overhead light fixture was filled with dead bugs and when I meantioned this to the owner her reply was bugs are there because it is in a mountain. Hey, why not clean the bugs out of the light fixtures? The rooms were not clean either, very dusty, spots on the carpet. All the floors throughout the building were dirty. All the outdoor furniture was dirty to the point where your clothes would get dirty when you sat on them. When I called to complain I got yelled at. So much for the customer always being right. My husband and I recommend to spend your money elsewhere. Kathy and Stuart, if you are that unhappy doing this business then maybe it is time to go back to your home country. Last but not least if you should be brave enough to go good luck with the 1 mile long driveway in very poor condition, no guard rails for the 40 foot drop in places, ruts and above all else not at all safe.

My hubby & I just returned from 5 nights at the Wildernest Inn & our 1st time there. Kathy & Stewart were the most gracious of hosts from the start. Their meals & presentation of them to die for. The rooms were clean, well stocked with many things & tastefully decorated. The bears, deer and other animals + the view from the back deck were added bonuses. We felt like family with them in no time and will definately go back.

I have stayed at Wildernest by myself and also organized a group that stayed here. The innkeepers were extraordinarily helpful and welcoming on every occaision. Don't miss the opportunity for a fabulous dinner as well! And, if you're timing is right, a bear may wander by while you're eating.

From the moment we arrived we knew we had found somewhere unique and so special. The welcome from Kathy and Stewart was so warm and friendly. The location is superb, so peaceful and relaxing and if you love wildlife you know you have found your "piece of heaven" We stayed 3 nights but could have stayed so much longer in fact we will next time!!

Going to WV "is almost heaven", taking "country roads" to Wildernest Inn completes the journey. Remote,pristine, location in a wildlife sanctuary for deer and black bears. Excellent accomodations, food,and outdoor activities. Stewart & Kathy are superb hosts.