Scene
Industrial chic sets the stage for this completely inclusive atmosphere
The Schoolhouse Hotel leans into its architectural heritage. The facade is recognizably institutional: rectangular, brick, with decorative parapets that frame a mod gray addition and rooftop bar. Built in 1912, the building was originally the White Sulphur Springs High School, graduating classes through 1993. After decades of vacancy, it was purchased in 2019 by the Disability Opportunity Fund, a non-profit dedicated to serving the disability market, and reopened as a hotel in May 2022.
The Schoolhouse Hotel has gone all-in on ADA standards and now touts itself as a completely accessible accommodation. All the rooms and public space are compliant and this can be seen in, for example, the extra scooter or wheelchair storage in the hotel guest rooms, bathroom touchpads, lowered restaurant tables and counter height (the bar floor can lower so that the bartender can speak at eye level with guests in wheelchairs), and cool-toned interior decor (easier for people with autism and other neurodiverse folks).
Rather than try to hide the building’s former life, the Schoolhouse’s common spaces and hallways highlight its educational beginnings, including memorabilia from the school’s past life in display cases reminiscent of bulletin boards, and subject-themed rooms (think math, science, English and woodshop). It’s a little kitschy, but it works in a wholesome way. The hallway to the right of the lobby also serves as a gallery, featuring work by local artists.
#theschoolhousehotel on TikTok
Location
Greenbrier County has plenty of (accessible) outdoor activities, as well as places to just chill and enjoy the view.
The Schoolhouse Hotel is located in White Sulphur Springs, but guests should also check out nearby Lewisburg, a quaint town with plenty of cute restaurants, shops, and bakeries. Set into the soft mountainous topography of Greenbrier County, the area also has plenty in the way of accessible outdoor exploration.
While you’re visiting the area, you can:
- Wander the Greenbrier Trail, a 78-mile rail to trail that follows the old C&O railroad line next to the Greenbrier River. The trail is also accessible to those with wheelchairs. (15 minute drive, 8 miles)
- Visit the Greenbrier Resort and take glamor shots in their extensive and colorful lobby. Tour the Greenbrier Bunker, built during the Cold War as a secret U.S. government relocation facility for Congress. The bunker tour is mostly wheelchair accessible. (1 mile, 4 minute drive)
- Throw back a pint or two at Hawk Knob Cidery. Hang out on the patio and taste their old-school, unfiltered brews, many of which are made from West Virginia apples, and fermented in used whiskey and bourbon barrels. You can also apparently fish in their stocked pond, if that’s your thing. (5 minute drive, 13 miles)
- Eat at the hip and unassuming Thunderbird Taco, where vegans and carnivores alike will find plenty to try in their wide range of TexMex offerings. And add some margaritas to your order — it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. (16 minute drive, 10 miles)
- If you’re a fan of mites and tites, definitely get lost in the Lost World Caverns, underground home to the Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton stalactite. The half-mile loop is unfortunately not ADA-accessible, though the small on-site natural history museum is. (22 minute drive, 12 miles)
- If you want to stay closer to home base, scoot across the street to Big Draft Brewing, where you can catch local music and sample sours made on site. (3 minute walk)
Rooms
30 guest rooms, plus two suites, featuring cozy decor and state-of-the-art accessibility.
Rooms at the Schoolhouse are industrial chic with exposed brick and deep-hued accent walls. Furniture fabrics are muted and cozy: think gray, beige, and plaid. High ceilings frame large windows that overlook the town of White Sulphur Springs and surrounding mountains. Each room also has state-of-the-art technology to aid accessibility, including key fob/phone app entry access, touchpad control of toilet (lift and lower seat, flushing, cleaning, bidet), roll in and transfer showers, low sink counters with ability for front roll-up. Rooms also have interactive high-definition televisions and Google Nests wired for front desk communication.
Standard & Premium Double/King Room (from $150 and $165): One bed (double or king), plush armchair and/or ottoman, academic subject-themed storage nightstands, interactive HD television, big bathroom.
Supreme Double/King Room (from $175): 300 square feet with one bed (double or king), plush armchair and/or ottoman, small work/side table, academic subject-themed storage nightstands, interactive HD television, big bathroom.
Deluxe Suites (from $249): 400 square feet with a king bed, living area with sofa bed, storage nightstands, interactive HD television and a spacious bathroom. Sleeps 2-4.
Queens & King Suites (from $289): 700-800 square feet with two queens or a king bed, living area with sofa bed, storage nightstands, interactive HD television and a spacious bathroom. Sleeps 4 or 6. (These suites can also be joined, accommodating up to 10).
Amenities
In addition to thoughtful accessibility design, the full-service boutique hotel also has food, drink, and event spaces. Plus free parking for guests, which we love.
The Varsity Club
The hotel restaurant is gray. Very gray. With lots of tufted couches. It’s warm industrial, and like the rest of the hotel, manages to toe the line between sparse and inviting. It’s the type of place where you can imagine a lot of rehearsal dinners. Fun fact: Executive Chef Adeyemi Allen is a West Virginia native, and was a student at the high school prior to its closure. He’s also no stranger to the upscale restaurant biz, and served as lead chef at The Greenbrier for four years. Dishes at the Varsity Club are elegantly served, well-prepared, and if you’re used to city living, pretty reasonably priced. Try the ahi tuna steak with house made onion pasta.
The Rooftop
A simple but comfortable rooftop bar with mountain views of White Sulphur Springs. Seating includes gray woven chairs and high-top tables, and you can sit under a patio umbrella for summer shade, or near a firepit in the fall. The bar is only open Friday-Sunday, but guests can enjoy hanging out on the roof whenever the fancy strikes.
Ballroom
Once a gymnasium, always a gymnasium. If you’re a fan of the elevated-high-school-homecoming aesthetic, this flexible ballroom space is the wedding reception hall for you.
Service Animal Accommodations
Service animals are totally welcome at the Schoolhouse Hotel. There’s even a synthetic grass area (with drain) for guide animals right outside the entry, if guests want to stay out of the rain or snow.
FAQs
What is the nearest airport?
The nearest airport is Greenbrier Valley Airport, 14 miles from The Schoolhouse Hotel in WSS.
What is the hotel’s address?
125 Schoolhouse Way, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
How far away is Roanoke, Virginia from White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia?
Roanoke is 80 miles south.
Is there a fitness center?
The Schoolhouse Hotel has a fitness center.
Is there a business center?
Yes, there’s a business center as well as meeting rooms and meeting spaces.
Does the hotel offer free Wifi?
Yes, there is free Wifi.
Is there parking?
Yes, there is free private parking.
What are some of the other in-room amenities?
Each hotel each room includes air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.
When is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is 3pm and check-out is 11am.
What is the hotel’s phone number?
(304) 536-0999