My wife and I stayed at Coolfont for a week in July; although there were positive elements and we made the best of it, we will NOT be returning.

First, the restaurant: The service is slow and erratic (sometimes we had a great waitress, other times a rude dolt). Also, the restaurant was out of at least one major item (eggs, wheat bread, filet mignon were some examples from during our stay) each time we visited, and my order was incorrect at least three times. The meal plan is included in the price of your stay, but what they don't tell you is that you can OPT OUT of the meal plan and save yourself $36 per day per person. We opted out after three days of disappointing breakfasts and dinners. The food is not bad; it's just not worth it. Sitting and looking out filthy windows at a filthy beach (more on that later) makes for a dining experience that is somewhat less than idyllic.

The lake was the other major disappointment: it is advertised that guests can swim and paddle-boat in the lake. I could not imagine taking one step into that foul muck. There is more goose dung on the beach, around the lake, and in the water than I have ever seen in my life. We did not see anyone on the beach or in the water during our entire stay. The presence of a lake was a big selling point in getting us there; the promotional materials need to be a bit more honest about it. Or--the management could simply clean it up!

Finally, the chalet we stayed in was rustic to the max. Rickety stairs led to a web-infested porch. The room itself was fairly comfortable, but was cluttered and not terribly clean. It was not the kind of place that made us want to hang around and relax, which is kind of the whole point of a resort. (Incidentally, we spoke to more than a few people who were also staying at Coolfont for vacation, or for wellness packages. They reported having many of the same disappointments and frustrations I have mentioned here.)

To be fair, the good points: Coolfont has several excellent hiking/walking trails (Martha's was our favorite). The pool was nice and clean, as were the locker rooms and whirlpool. My wife took a few fitness classes and enjoyed them very much. The front desk staff was generally very nice and helpful throughout our stay (aside from the chilly welcome we received upon our late-night check-in).

If you go to Coolfont, be aware of what you're getting into. All in all, we felt that it was not quite worth our money. Be prepared for rustic environs, and think seriously about opting out of the meal plan. There is a Food Lion in Berkeley Springs where we got cereal and milk (there's a fridge in each chalet) and had breakfast in our room. Nice places to eat in town include the Creekside Creamery and Tari's.

One last piece of advice: bring lots of Deep Woods OFF!

Stayed over Christmas and had the buffet. We have been staying here for six years and we thought that last year would be our last. We decided to give it one more try and were pleasantly surprised at the improvements. From the food quality to the friendliness of the staff, Coolfont went out of there way to make sure that we left with wonderful memories and great hope for the future.

We were in the area over New Year's Eve and stopped by the Treetop Dining Restaurant.. Don't let the looks fool you... This was one of the best meals that my wife and I ever had... Service was a little slow, but it was worth it!!!!!!!!

Do not go to Coolfont, it is a HUGE waste of time and money. The facilities aren't "rustic" they are filthy and run down. They must be violating many health codes as the locker room had visible dirt and mold as well as standing water. My massage by the wonderful Dr. Lin was extremely relaxing, but as soon I left her comfortable room, I was back in what amounts to the most expensive dump I have ever been to in my life. The stylists lacked exactly what their title implies and I was astounded by their lack of proffessionalism.
My question is: Exactly what does Coolfont do with the 55 dollars they charge for a pedicure? Its clearly not for a decent staff, updated facilities or a cleaning crew. The later being the worst offense.