The Martha Washington Inn and Spa

This was our second trip to "The Martha", combining our stay with a show at The Barter Theater and dinner at The Tavern. It was as good a we remembered. We planned this trip before Tropical Storm Helene hit and devastated much of western North Carolina where we live, so this was a very welcome respite. The setting is lovely, the staff is friendly, and the room spacious. There is information on what the hotel has to offer on the TV in the room, but I was surprised to not also find some kind of information book in the room to review and also a layout of the property as there are many levels to the Inn. I took advantage of the great indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, and we enjoyed a lovely, included/complimentary breakfast the following morning. The Barter Theater is just across the street, so very convenient and the restaurant where we dined just a short walk down the street. The only issue we had is that after returning home a charge showed up on our credit card statement from the Inn we didn't recognize. I called and found this was a charge from the in-house restaurant Sisters. I noted we had not charged anything to our room from the restaurant and only went there for the breakfast and I left a cash tip. The front desk person said this would have to be resolved by the restaurant and there was nothing she could do. She would inform the restaurant. I was advised to wait a week and if the issue was not resolved to call the restaurant. We will wait and see but I was surprised this could not be resolved quickly. We shall see.

This is a nice hotel in Abingdon that's convenient to walk to the Barter Theater, and a few local restaurants in Abingdon. My review was borderline between a 3* and a 4* but I cannot give it a 4* because of the housekeeping. I had to go to the front desk twice to request extra towels and soap. Housekeeping just doesn't show up unless requested. I can understand if they are short staffed or super busy, but TWICE I saw a housekeeping girl just leaning against a wall on her phone. I think her phone was more important than the guests' needs. The Sisters Restaurant on-site provides free breakfast for guests. However it's a set breakfast so you have no options, only what they offer for the day. The service is super, super slow in there as well. The food itself was good though and the service was friendly, just slow. The hotel does have a 24/7 pool and hot tub. However the pool is enclosed, and there are no lights other than the lights in the pool so it's very dark. I tried every light switch and nothing turned on the lights in the pool area. We arrived about 45 minutes early (3:15) and they adhere strictly to the 4pm check-in time, unlike other hotels. So at 4pm, there's a ton of people checking in and you will have to wait. Most hotels allow you to check in early as long as the room is ready. This was odd. We will return to the Martha next year to see if things are any better for check-in, and the housekeeping. Hopefully it is, so we can return again. Otherwise, we'll seek another hotel in the area.

The Martha Washington Inn is a gem. Situated centrally in the lovely old town of Abingdon, VA, with lots of things to do. We enjoyed walki with rockingng around, amazed at the architecture as well as the cute shops and the delicious restaurants. We had dinner at The Tavern the first night. It was originally the towns overnight inn and tavern for stagecoach travellers. Having many other "lives", it serves a fabau;ous restaurant now. I had the fresh North Carolina trout. Breakfast next day was at the Martha, where we stayed for 3 nights. What a joy and great find this is! Reasonably priced and includes a wonderful, healthy and hearty breakfast, and a free cordial of port after dinner on the front porch with wicker rocking chairs and sofas. Second night we ate dinner at the Inn and used our $25 off coupon towards our meal!! Can you believe that? The indoor pool has a retrablel sunroof and unique designed two-layered hot tub with falls from the top level to the lower one. We highly recommend this Inn for all 4 seasons. We were here from Richmond for grandson's Little League tournament!

Having stayed at the Martha several times in years past, I had fond memories of the hotel. Alas, they seem to have changed a lot and not in a good way. Breakfast was formerly a fabulous affair, ordering from a menu and the number one item was the world famous cheese grits. No more. Now it’s this is what we have. Take it or leave it. The room was hot. Staying in the 300 suite, the most expensive suite, the thermostat would only turn to 68 but the room temp never got below 73 and during the night would go up to 75. As a fan of cold sleeping, this was concerning. I did bring it to management’s attention, and they seemed to be concerned but nothing could be done. It was June. It was 90 outside. It’s an old hotel. I understand all that. I just believe their system needs a major update. Supper at Sisters. The website and literature advised that the dress code was business casual. Not t shirt and gym shorts. Which were abundant. Either enforce it or do away with it. Again, it’s not the fabulous hotel of yore. Interior is a bit dingy and shabby. Minor compared to the rest. The bell men were efficient and helpful. Rachel at Sisters was an excellent server. The shower has issues with water only coming out of the handheld wand and not the shower head. A small thing. But still… Sadly, unless a major overhaul is done, we will not return.

I believe this was my 7th stay at the M Washington. I really love the place, location and staff. However, I have to give it a very “weak” five star for this visit. I didn’t get my requested room ( reservation made in early Feb.) said the bathroom floor was getting repaired. The steam rooms were being replaced and the putt putt course was closed due to scaffolding for work on windows and some quaint outdoor hallways were also closed due some sort of water issue/repair. That said the pool, hot tub, and courts were all open. The staff were great. Hopefully, they will get the construction completed ASAP.