Go ahead, mix business and play with blissful mountain ‘bleisure’ travel

Welcome to wild, wonderful Wi-Fi.

Restore your spirit and keep tabs on the office while you travel. It’s possible to have both in West Virginia!

Luxury hotels

Sometimes, the most relaxing vacations are the ones that don’t involve much activity. Lounge around with a smooth cappuccino, spread out on a plush oversized bed and linger over a gourmet meal — all at one spot.

Not bad, right? Throw in a fast Wi-Fi connection, and you have the makings of a lavish retreat.

Here’s where you can find that sweet spot:

1. The Blennerhassett Hotel

The grande dame of Parkersburg combines worldly glamor with modern convenience.

Since 1889, The Blennerhassett Hotel has charmed guests with its Queen Anne decor and classy service. Guest rooms boast soothing jewel tones, classic furniture and marble or granite bathrooms. Each one is unique, too.

The Blennerhassett also has atmospheric public spaces. Curl up in the period library with a Starbucks beverage from the coffee bar, or bring your laptop to the atrium. You’re also free to linger in the lounge. Sink into a leather chair, order an espresso cheesecake and let your mind wander.

Now for the work-related part. The Blennerhassett’s business center anticipates emergencies with copiers, fax machines, extra computers and ample counter space. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, too.

2. The Inn at Mountain Quest

If you prefer a country escape, you’ll find it at this 1905 farmhouse in Marlinton.

Surrounded by layers of mountains and green pastures, the Inn at Mountain Quest evokes a sense of timelessness. Grab a book from the owners’ immense 2-story collection, relax on the porch or roam the bucolic property. You’re also free to fish for trout.

Still, you’re not off the grid. The inn has conference facilities, including a business center with Wi-Fi. There’s even a jacuzzi, sauna, and laundry room. And since it’s a B&B, you don’t have to leave! Additional gourmet meals are extra, though — request them when making your reservation with the owner.

3. Brass Pineapple

Business with a bubble bath? You bet!

From crisp sheets to a crackling fireplace, The Brass Pineapple in Charleston
abounds with Victorian pleasantries. Some rooms have 4-poster beds with lacy canopies, while others have bathtubs with clawed paws.

Amenities include a stash of organic beauty products, from shampoo to bubbles. Your room also comes with a plush robe. For an extra fee, order breakfast on a tray, wine and cheese and packed picnic lunches.

If work intrudes, you’re covered. The Brass Pineapple has a wireless printer-copier-fax machine, plus Wi-Fi that’s fast enough for multiple video streams and file transfers. You can also book an elegant conference room, complete with catering.

Resorts

Play by day, then answer emails at night. These luxury resorts have all the plush amenities you need.

4. Stonewall Resort

Laze by the lake at this idyllic getaway in Lewis County.

Stonewall Resort’s lodge and “saltbox” cottages seem far removed from hectic life. So do the activities; take it easy on a lake cruise, play a game of golf or get a massage at the spa. Now that’s a summer vacation!

For work purposes, the resort has a 24-hour business center and several conference rooms. You’ll also have Wi-Fi available throughout your stay.

5. The Resort at Glade Springs

Ride horses, shoot arrows or board a jet boat; The Resort at Glade Springs is your gateway to outdoor recreation. It’s just a few miles from the New River Gorge, too. Whitewater rapids and rock climbing are practically in your backyard!

Accommodation choices range from comfortable rooms at the inn to executive suites and large vacation homes. And if your boss sends you a last-minute assignment, there’s always the 24-hour business center.

6. The Greenbrier

Since 1778, this expansive resort in White Sulphur Springs has remained one of America’s most legendary retreats.

Presidents and royal family members have stayed here, all because of The Greenbrier’s sterling reputation. That being the case, you can expect marvelous service and plush accommodations.

Guests can book a resort room or something bigger, like a cottage or estate home. Movies play nightly and multiple restaurants cater to whatever whim you’re feeling. Playtime is just as varied. Sign up for anything from off-road Jeep treks to falconry!

As for Wi-Fi, The Greenbrier is fully covered. There’s a cyber cafe, plus conference rooms for meetings of all sizes.

Wi-Fi in the woods

Just because you have work to finish doesn’t mean you can’t do it from a cabin! These restful retreats have all the ambience you crave, plus enough Internet to check that inbox.

7. Cacapon Resort State Park

If you want to further remove yourself from technology, stay at this 6,000-acre resort in the Eastern Panhandle. You can book classic cabins with fireplaces, kitchenettes and cozy wood-panelled charm. But if you want Wi-Fi access, stay at the lodge instead.

Then escape to the great outdoors! Triple C Outfitters has calm horses you can ride throughout the park, and there are many trails for hiking, too. Prefer golf? Trent Jones Sr. designed one of America’s top 130 courses right here at Cacapon!

8. Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Sleep in little cabins, high in the mountains of Davis.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park is the perfect antidote for weekday stress. Its wood-panelled cabins are tucked into the woods, surrounded by trails and overlooks. Each comes with a kitchenette, private bathroom, and stone fireplace. You also get Wi-Fi.

If you want something a little more modern, stay at the lodge. There’s a gift shop, fireplace and enormous windows that overlook the Allegheny Mountains.

Where do you like to combine business with pleasure in West Virginia?

This post was last updated on March 16, 2022