The Lodge And Spa At Callaway Gardens Review!

by Lee on January 19, 2012

When I was asked to visit The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain Georgia it was described to me as rustic elegance. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I’d agree since the word rustic has me running for the nearest strip mall. However when I arrived I immediately realized what they meant and that my insect fearing, nature-phobic self would have nothing to worry about.

The Lodge and Spa is a Marriott property and includes all the amenities you would expect from such a distinguished brand. Upon entering the lobby I was treated to delicious apple cider, a roaring fire and a friendly front desk agent happy to help. She checked me in, handed me my keys and offered to assist me in any other way I needed.

When I arrived on the 2nd floor I found the typical hotel setup of a table with flowers and a phone and long hallways filled with doors. I had two hotel rooms one of which was a suite. It was decorated with deep colors and leather furniture and gave off a “cabin in the woods” feel. The living room had a connected couch and love seat, a chair with ottoman, an entertainment center with flat screen TV, and many drawers for our clothing and a miniature refrigerator.

Through the double doors I was surprised to find a huge bedroom. The king size bed only took up half the room which also included 2 night stands, a desk, a dresser, flat screen television and a table with fake plant.

The bathroom was large with a stand up shower and separate deep bathtub. One of the highlights of the shower was that instead of those small bottles of toiletries, Callaway Gardens Lodge and Spa use a system where they put 3 bottles on the wall. One includes their shampoo, one includes their conditioner (which I fell in love with) and one includes body wash. Of course they also offered bar soap. It was so convenient to not have little bottles everywhere and to always have your hands free. By doing this they rid the earth of a lot of plastic waste!

The other room was a standard hotel room equipped with two large beds, a desk and a chair. It also had a large bathroom with the same shower and separate tub. I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels and it’s so nice to have a big bathroom in which to get ready. There was also a lot of counter space so you could set your makeup, shaving kit, hair dryer or whatever else you needed up the first day and never have to worry about putting it away. There is nothing worse than a hotel with just a sink in the bathroom.

The beds were covered in plush down which was a dream and although the mattress itself could have been more comfortable you were able to come home after a long day and fall into the countless pillows for a long nights sleep.

The icing on the cake was the balconies outside both our rooms. Outside the suite our balcony was quite large and included two rocking chairs, a bench with small table and ottomans for our feet. The balcony outside the standard room was much smaller with just 2 chairs. Many a day my Grandmother would enjoy just sitting outside breathing in the fresh air while enjoying the view of the property.

Speaking of the property, I could have spent 2 days of my vacation just walking the grounds, enjoying the fountain and lounging in the heated swimming pool. Since The Lodge and Spa is nestled back in the woods they were sure to create walking trails and even a nice trail to a beach where, in the proper weather, you can swim or lay out. Not only is the pool heated, they also have an area where you can change right at the pool so you don’t have to freeze going between your room and the pool area. The two whirlpools are a welcome treat when you’ve been walking through the gardens all day and find yourself with sore muscles. If you don’t want to swim but your kids are relentless, just enjoy a drink at the Cabana Bar while they splash away!  Golf at Callaway Gardens offers two 18 hole courses. Unfortunately while we were visiting the weather wasn’t golf friendly. In the warmer months my husband said he’d have loved to play through at least one course as they would take a great degree of skill and had impressive views.

There are a few other amenities I’ll be writing about in future posts that I’ll mention to you. The Lodge and Spa is home to the Spa Prunifolia where I was treated to a pedicure and a day of relaxation. The Ironwood Lounge is available if you are hungry during off hours or want an alcoholic drink throughout the day. It’s a nice place to just sit and relax. Finally the Piedmont Restaurant serves up delicious meals breakfast, lunch and dinner. On certain nights there is even a surf and turf buffet.

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens also offers a great destination for conferences in their 22,000 feet of meeting space. Obviously I did not experience a conference so I won’t go into detail, only letting you know that this is a possibility and would be a great place to have a family reunion or a wedding! Your pictures will be breathtaking.

The front desk staff was always quick to help but were a bit shaky on directions so be sure to have your GPS.  We enjoyed this hotel so much, especially when every time we would leave and come back we were greeted at the door. It was as if they truly did miss us. The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is really a relaxing vacation and I hope to come back and visit with just my husband in the future.

Make your reservations at The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens by clicking HERE!

*I received a complimentary week stay at the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens in return for my honest review.

{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }

1
Jessica Dawson January 19, 2012 at 10:02 pm

What a wonderful experience! I enjoy ready and then get to a point during my reading that I say to myself should I stop reading. I will NEVER go to a place like this anytime soon! But I continue reading because I enjoy to hear about diffrent places and the beauty and enjoyment people find in them. Thanks

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2
Stefani January 22, 2012 at 12:46 pm

Sounds like a neat place you got to visit. I have always wanted to book one of those rooms that have adjoining rooms so my kids would have their own.
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3
Chelsea January 22, 2012 at 12:56 pm

It looks like a great place to visit. I’ll have to keep it in mind for the future.
Chelsea´s last [type] ..Karaoke Saturdays…Sing With Me Sundays?

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4
Maryann of Matthews Puzzle January 22, 2012 at 2:05 pm

With all the stresses that come from the daily dealing of autism I could really use some this Rustic Charm. This looks beautiful and right up our alley.
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5
Lindsay January 22, 2012 at 7:48 pm

It sounds like you had. It sounds like you had a great trip! I can’t wait to take my family in April!
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6
Sheila January 23, 2012 at 12:39 am

That looks amazing. I know how excited you were to go. I am jealous I have never had a pedicure.

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7
cancan January 23, 2012 at 2:41 am

wow it looks que luxe!

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8
Marianna January 23, 2012 at 10:41 am

The word rustic would totally have me scared too but this location looks lovely. And I absolutely love that shower!
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9
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes January 23, 2012 at 11:54 pm

Two things … I want that bathrobe and I want your day of spa relaxation. How wonderful — the Callaway Gardens property looks GORGEOUS!
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10
The Mom Jen January 24, 2012 at 3:38 pm

Beds…a priority for a hotel room! Sounds wonderful but all the fluff isn’t as important as how you sleep!
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11
Jenn @therebelchick January 25, 2012 at 12:36 pm

Wow, this place looks amazing! I’m adding them to my “must see” destinations!
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12
RJ January 26, 2012 at 4:06 pm

That looks wonderful! We stayed at one of their cabins awhile back and it was amazing. The hotel looks even better though! :)
RJ´s last [type] ..Because I’m Cool Like That

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13
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell January 26, 2012 at 4:17 pm

I wanted to visit Callaway Gardens anyhow, but now I know where to stay. It looks fantastic!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell´s last [type] ..Seeing, Making, and Eating Doughnuts at the Krispy Kreme Blogger Summit

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14
Danielle E. February 6, 2012 at 6:36 pm

I love the photos, everything looks really lovely. That bathroom, especially that shower looks wonderful.

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