If you’re driving down I-81 near Staunton, Virginia, you’ve probably seen it. It sits on a hill like a ghost. A massive, slightly weathered building overlooking a sea of green. That’s the Ingleside Golf Resort and Conference Center.
Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels stuck between two worlds. One world is the high-society 1920s—think flappers and Gatsby-style galas. The other is the gritty reality of modern hospitality where "historic charm" sometimes just means "needs a new roof."
Is it a five-star luxury getaway? No. Not even close. But is it a fascinating piece of Virginia history that still offers a decent round of golf? Absolutely.
The Haunting History of the Hill
Most people don't realize this place was basically the "it" spot a century ago. It opened in 1928, just before the Great Depression decided to ruin everyone's fun. Back then, it was tied to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel downtown.
The owners didn't hold back. They wanted a premier destination. They got it. For decades, it was the place to be seen. It even hosted five state golf championships.
A WWII Secret
During World War II, the resort took a bizarre turn. The U.S. government used it to house captured German generals and their families. Imagine that. High-ranking Nazi officers living in a Virginia resort under armed guard while the rest of the world was at war.
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Then came the 1970s. Fires are a recurring theme in the Ingleside story. Three of them, actually. They wiped out the original, most elegant part of the hotel. What stands today is mostly the later additions, which explains why the architecture feels a bit... disjointed.
What Really Happened to the Resort?
Let’s be real. If you check recent reviews, they’re a mixed bag. Some people love the "abandoned" vibe of the old hotel structure. Others find it creepy.
The hotel itself has struggled. For a long time, the main resort building has been closed to guests, sitting there with broken windows and a "haunted" reputation. It’s unsettling to play a round of golf while a giant, empty building watches you from the ridge. Some locals even tell stories about finding people living in the abandoned rooms.
The Golf Course is the Survivor
Despite the hotel’s decay, the Ingleside Golf Resort and Conference Center golf course remains a local staple. It was designed by Fred Findlay. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he’s the guy behind several classic Mid-Atlantic tracks.
The layout is "old school." You won't find 7,500-yard monster holes here. It’s about 6,400 yards from the tips. It’s a par 72.
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- The Greens: They are tiny. Seriously. They call them "cupcake greens" for a reason. They look flat, then your ball takes a hard left three inches from the hole.
- The Trees: There are 200-year-old oaks that have zero respect for your slice.
- The Vibe: It’s relaxed. You don’t need to wear a $100 polo to play here. It’s middle-class golf at its most authentic.
The course has seen better days, but PGA owner Eric Cobb and his team have been working to keep it alive. In 2025 and 2026, the sentiment has been: "It needs love, but it's still a great day out."
The Confusion with "The Ingleside Hotel"
Here’s where it gets tricky. If you Google "Ingleside Resort," you might find photos of a massive indoor water park.
That is NOT the one in Virginia.
There is a separate, very successful property called The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. It’s got the Springs Water Park and looks brand new. Don't show up in Staunton, Virginia, with your swim trunks expecting a 45,000-square-foot water park. You will be very disappointed.
The Virginia Ingleside is about history, rolling hills, and the Shenandoah Valley. It’s about 1410 Commerce Road. It’s about the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, not water slides.
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Planning a Visit in 2026
If you’re thinking about stopping by, keep your expectations in check.
The conference center aspect isn't what it used to be. While they still have space and the ability to host outings of 80+ people, it’s not the high-tech hub of a Marriott. It’s more of a "rustic" venue.
What You Should Know
- Check the Status: The hotel portion is often offline or operating under limited capacity/different management. Call 540-248-7888 before you book a room thinking you're getting a resort experience.
- Golf Rates: It’s affordable. Usually, you can get on for a fraction of what the fancy clubs in Charlottesville charge.
- Pro Shop: It’s small. They moved it from the original grand ballroom area into a more modest building years ago.
- The 18th Hole: It’s a beast. All or nothing. It’s the kind of hole that makes you want to come back or throw your clubs in the pond.
Is it Worth It?
Honestly? It depends on who you are.
If you want pristine fairways and a spa, go somewhere else. If you like history, "liminal spaces," and a golf course that actually has some personality, give it a shot. There’s something deeply Virginia about the way the Ingleside refuses to totally disappear.
It’s a survivor. It’s a little rough around the edges, maybe even a little haunting, but it’s real.
Actionable Insights for Travelers
- Book Tee Times Early: Even with its rough patches, it gets busy on weekends because it’s one of the few affordable options near Staunton.
- Explore Staunton: Since the resort dining is hit-or-miss, head five minutes into downtown Staunton. Go to The Shack or Zynodoa.
- Photography: If you’re into "urban decay" photography, the exterior of the old resort building is legendary. Just stay behind the fences; don't trespass.
- Winter Golf: They are open year-round, weather permitting. A crisp morning in the Shenandoah Valley with the mountains in the distance is worth the frozen toes.
If you’re looking for a place to play that isn't a cookie-cutter corporate course, pack your bags and head to the Valley. Just don't expect the German generals to greet you at the door.