The Lodge And Spa At Callaway

My grandma and I stopped for two nights at The Lodge at Callaway Gardens during our road trip from Kentucky to Florida, about halfway through, and we were so impressed. Even in the off-season, the hospitality made the stay memorable. We had a late night AC problem, but Kit quickly moved us to a different room, helped with our bags, and made sure we were comfortable. At Cason’s Taproom, Sara and Kylie looked after us so well. The food was delicious and the service even better. Everyone we met was welcoming and attentive. Cedric and Ashley made check-in feel special by warmly saying, “We’re so happy you’re here.” At the spa, Rhonda and Mikayla gave us a lovely tour and excellent service. We can't wait to return!

It's nice to have somewhere to go in the middle of modern life's rush and make beautiful memories. My wife and I have brought our children and grandchildren to Callaway Gardens, and hope to take our two great-grandchildren in a couple of years, once they're a little older. I've been visiting and staying there since around 1962, back when the FSU Circus was there. A lot has changed over the years, for better and for worse. We live in a country where places like Callaway Gardens are available to us. I'd suggest doing some reading about the Callaway family, especially the two brothers, and the Hand sisters, their wives. The history of Pine Mountain and their personal stories are worth learning about too.

Having the activities included in the rental was a nice bonus. We stayed in a cottage, and I especially enjoyed the screened porch. The mornings began with birdsong and a cup of coffee. The Lodge restaurants also served good food with excellent service.

I was very disappointed after booking the “Romantic Getaway package” and a Valentine’s dinner in the Piedmont dining room. The website leaves out too much about the rules and extra charges, and I thought this was meant to be an upscale place. The $125 credit promised in the package never came through, even though I asked about it while I was still checked in. After I left, the manager said I wouldn’t get it because I hadn’t followed their protocol. There were no written details explaining how things work at the lodge. The restaurant also charged $24.12 per person just to walk in the door, which felt like taking advantage of guests who don't know how they do things. I could mention plenty more. Nobody greeted me at the coffee shop, and the young women working there had a bad attitude, no smiles, and no customer service. My room was poorly maintained, and the toilet had brownish stains that looked like some kind of chemical burn. The lodge, dining, and staff did not live up to what I expected from the name. I wouldn't recommend staying here unless you're okay with feeling ripped off or disappointed.