$140M+ renovations underway at Omni Homestead Resort

HOT SPRINGS, Va. (WFXR) — A major makeover continues at the Omni Homestead Resort as the more than $140 million investment — which started last fall with façade improvements — moves inside with renovations to the historic West Wing.

Even though the exterior work is still ongoing by Complete Property Services, the resort says northern Virginia’s HITT Contracting — one of the country’s largest general contractors — is the construction firm of record for the far-reaching project.

“Without a doubt, this is the most significant investment in this resort in more than 100 years,” said Mark Spadoni, the managing director of the Omni Homestead Resort. “What’s especially notable is that by carefully scheduling the work wing by wing, we are able to remain open with minimal impact to our guests and ensuring employment for our hundreds of associates. Conducting this level of work, while still being fully operational, is something that HITT’s team is not only accustomed to but excels at.”

According to the resort, HITT’s dedicated hospitality construction team will restore and revitalize the guest rooms, public spaces, meeting rooms and restaurants throughout the iconic resort.

“It’s an honor for HITT to be trusted with restoring the interiors of The Omni Homestead Resort. Our project team has created a precise and focused phased plan for renovations that allow for the resort to safely remain open and minimize any impact to guests and staff,” the senior vice president of HITT Contracting, Peter Lanfranchi, stated. “As experts in historic hotel and resort construction, we understand The Homestead is a one-of-a-kind property, and we’re excited to help renew the resort, with our design and subcontractor partners, so that locals and visitors alike, can experience and enjoy for years to come.”

Officials tell WFXR News that the Omni Homestead Resort’s rich history spanning more than 250 years, as well as the Virginia mountains’ natural beauty, provided the inspiration for the designs.

One of the world’s leading multidisciplinary design firms, WATG, along with its interiors studio, Wimberly Interiors, reportedly worked with Omni Hotels and Resorts’ design team to honor the Bath County resort’s legacy while still carrying it into the future.

The five over-arching keywords for the project are “traditional, lightness, residential, sophisticated, and iconic,” Spadoni explained. “The attention to detail, from the sculpted carpeting in the Great Hall to the thoughtfully coordinated color and décor themes for each guest wing, is quite remarkable.”

In a statement shared with WFXR News on Tuesday, Aug. 9, the resort highlighted the following elements of the interior work:

• Guest rooms
  • The theme for the 483 renovated guest rooms is “tailored comfort designed to be both delightful and restful,” according to the resort. In addition, each wing is set to feature a distinct color palette that flows from the corridors into the guest rooms while the décor is accented by exquisite floral patterns and uniquely Homestead touches.
• Great Hall
  • The Great Hall — which serves as the heart of the Omni Homestead Resort — is timeless, traditional, cozy, and charming.
    “The custom-designed carpet, with a nod to the flora and fauna of the Allegheny Mountains, is accented with the trim of classic hardwood floors,” officials said. “Elegant up lighting enhances the welcoming ambiance and whimsical touches in this iconic setting.”
• Meeting rooms
  • The resort says the upgrades to each of its 28 meeting rooms will be focused on architectural details and advanced functionality. The improved lighting fixtures and acoustic ceiling tiles, the new carpeting, and the refinished hardwood floors are set to create a light and sophisticated setting for both meetings and events.
• Theater
  • This 1923 addition to the resort is receiving a classic yet modern update, including the conversion of the viewing area converted from theater seats to sofa settees, lounge chairs, and side tables ideal for movie nights, magic shows, and a variety of other events. On top of that, new audio-video technology allows the projection booth to transform into an elegant, signature cocktail bar.
• Pioneer Picnic
  • Officials say Pioneer Picnic offers a “new, fast-casual, family-friendly dining experience” in the Casino building that honors the region’s cuisine while also inviting guests to enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from the wrap-around porch or grand lawn.
• Martha’s Market
  • According to the resort, the new bistro-style look and feel of Martha’s Market can best be described as sunny, light, and bright. The signature coffees, grab-and-go snacks and sandwiches, and ice cream display are highlighted by the improved efficiency and convenience of the all-day outlet’s design, which flows into the adjoining Washington Library.
• Lobby Bar
  • The Lobby Bar — which is home to a portrait collection of the resort’s presidential guests — expands into the Georgian Room, with a bourbon and brandy color palette creating a distinguished environment for enjoying top tier spirits, fine wines, and even a game of pool.

If you want to check out the Omni Homestead Resort’s numerous features — or make a reservation — follow this link.