Triad-area locals are likely familiar with Grandover Resort as the luxurious hotel located off I-40 with multiple golf courses. Grandover is also a very popular event venue and conference location. In fact, Grandover has a world of features and amenities that make it a perfect place, during the turbulence and uncertainty of COVID, to do a winter getaway for a few days.  Scout Guide Triad has been a fan of Grandover for years now and the Editors have attended many professional and social events as well as enjoyed the restaurant, spa, and golf courses. Therefore, we want to highlight some of its features, COVID safety protocols and all, for all of you that are desperate to get a break from the winter doldrums.

Top of our list to mention is definitely the recently redecorated and gorgeous hotel rooms. The hotel just finished a multi-year renovation and their attention to detail shows! High-end bedding, rainhead showers, 55’ Smart TVs, and Gilchrist & Soames bath products are just a few features. Our personal favorite is the the multi-level Cone Denim Suite, which serves as a wonderful remembrance of and homage to the Cone Denim textile mill.

For entertainment during your stay, the Resort puts a big focus on getting outdoors. There are two fabulous golf courses for a total of 36 holes (“East” and “West”), both of which were designed by David Graham and Gary Panks. They also operate a Golf Academy for anyone needing help perfecting their game.  There are multiple tennis courts and an onsite tennis pro to help with your swing. Bicycles are available to explore the miles of paths and trails on the property. Finally, there is a lovely indoor and outdoor pool. This winter, the indoor pool is available for frolicking out of the elements, although due to COVID the hot tub is unavailable right now.

 Since it is winter and you are going to need to warm up after a chilly round of golf, cycling, or tennis, there are some fabulous firepits outside Café Expresso East. Or you can head indoors and play pool or shuffleboard while enjoying the large, overstuffed leather couches and watching a game on the big-screen TVs. We personally enjoy a lazy afternoon with cocktails by a fire pit with the beautiful view overlooking the golf course. 

For those preferring less active pursuits, Grandover has a very popular Spa that is gorgeous after its remodel.  They offer massages, facials, and nail procedures. Typically they book up 4-6 weeks out, so make an appointment early if you know you want to hit the Spa while you are there. The Spa also has a Sauna and Steam Room, but those are unfortunately closed right now due to COVID-related concerns. There is fabulous shopping in the Art Gallery, which showcases a number of local artists (including one of our faves, Ashley Vanore!), and the Golf Shop has a section for gifts and collectibles.

Finally, we have to talk about the food.  The main restaurant, DiValletta, is simply amazing. Right now they are only open Thursday through Sunday, but they are well worth a little bit of a drive to the hotel even if you aren’t spending the night. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced and the chef has some inspired menu options. The other restaurant, Café Expresso East, offers indoor and outdoor seating and is a great casual option for a more laidback meal.  The 1808 Bar, in the main lobby of the hotel, features two stone fireplaces and classic and craft cocktails. A personal favorite is the Olde Smokey, which is a twist on the old-fashioned, but the specialty sours and specialty margaritas are also great.  

Obviously, we are all concerned about travel and safe practices during the pandemic.  Grandover has paid attention to these concerns and has done an excellent job following all CDC protocols and enforcing state and local regulations about proper mask use and hand-washing.  The rooms are impeccable, high-touch items have been removed, and all high traffic areas are cleaned continuously by the staff. On the golf course, tee times are spaced out to ensure proper social distancing between groups and the golf carts are sanitized before and after each use. This winter, the indoor pool has a 50% capacity limit and the lounge chairs are regularly sanitized. The Spa is carefully following all CDC guidelines for cleaning common areas and treatment rooms before and after each use. In short, Grandover is doing everything in its power to make sure that a stay at the hotel is safe, comfortable, and fun for its guests, even during this pandemic. 

The Editors at Scout Guide Triad believe that Grandover is an excellent spot for a Winter Getaway or local Staycation this winter. The hotel let us know they are offering a few new packages for 2021 that include breakfast for two, a $100 resort credit, sparkling wine in the room, and vouchers for golf, spa, or both (depending on the package). Based on all the inclusions, the package prices are quite reasonable and definitely worth checking out!