Mountain Lake Lodge
4.5 (1244)
115 Hotel Cir, Pembroke, VA 24136
(540) 626-7121
mtnlakelodge.com
Claimed
Sophisticated accommodation with free Wi-Fi in a stately hotel, plus a pool, a tavern & dining. On a 2,600 acre nature preserve, this stately stone hotel dating back to the 1800's is 7 miles from downtown Pembroke and 10 miles from Cascade Falls. The sophisticated rooms with rustic details feature free WiFi (but no TVs); suites add whirlpool tubs and living rooms. Private houses have vaulted ceilings, wood-burning fireplaces and patios, plus kitchens and dining areas. Cottages and cabins add fireplaces, sunset views and/or wraparound porches. Amenities include river access, an outdoor pool, a lake and hiking trails. There's also a restaurant serving Appalachian-style dishes, plus a tavern and upscale event space.
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
Karen Bailey
2 weeks ago
We stayed at the Mountain Lake Lodge for one day (my birthday) because it has been on my bucket list for a while now. Arrived prior to check-in time in the rain and they were able to get our room ready a bit early, which was nice. Decided to try to do the Dirty Dancing self-guided walking tour but it was too wet. Tried to get some additional information about the movie locations from on-site staff but no one on site seemed to have any answers, which was unfortunate. Had a cocktail in front of the roaring fire in the lobby before dinner (which again was nice because it was so damp and cold that day). Had dinner at Harvest, and honestly we were underwhelmed by the food. Oyster appetizer had no taste; entrees were okay but nothing to write home about. However, our server was GREAT.The next day was better weather-wise so we were able to do the walking tour and discovered a nice trail around the dried-up lake too late to do the whole trail before we had to leave. Had breakfast at Harvest and it was sub-par. Service was slow even though they were not busy; had to ask for butter for my toast and when it came, it was stone cold. Coffee was awful - strong and bitter.For a location that says "it's a story we never get tired of telling" (about Dirty Dancing), they don't have too many people on staff who can answer questions about the filming locations. No one could confirm that the swimming pools had been added after the movie was filmed (when you could see by watching the movie that they had to have been added after 1987). The walking tour should be updated to list any changes that have occurred since the movie was filmed (like the windows that now enclose the porch off of the restaurant, the pool, etc.). We were able to figure things out once we researched a lot online, but it would have been nice for the walking tour map to have dates on the many buildings that had been added since the filming.Overall, it was fun to go there and see the location, but it was an expensive visit and we probably won't go back unless it's another special occasion.Food & drinks: Harvest restaurant - limited menu and expensive. Gluten friendly options but only one vegetarian option.
Leann Bisick
a week ago
The staff was the best part of our stay. The woman who checked us in (I believe her name was Dina) was so helped and knowledge and very kind. Chelsea, the Restaurant Manager was just the best. She was so helpful and so fun to talk to. She is definitely an asset to this lodge. ALL staff were great but these 2 women really stood out. The rooms were nicely done but they need to put mini refrigerators in the rooms so people can keep their drinks cold. That's where my positive remarks end. I was very taken back by the conditions of the grounds. I know this is not the busy season but it was 70� outside and in my opinions the grounds were a mess causing the "resort" to look very run down. Benches are all peeling, garbage in the fire pit, large branches all over the ground and walking paths, unkept/unswept walkways and porches, etc. The fake plants in the lobby were full of dust, over flowing trash can behind the host station, just very untidy. We paid $391 for 1 night and there is no way it's worth the rate we paid with the condition of the property. Also, after walking around the very small "main area" to see the movie spots you can go to 2 different gift shops and then besides the restaurant, bar or walking trails there is literally nothing else to do. We are glad we had the experience but so disappointed in our overall experience. The board of directors needs to hire an extra few staff members for general cleaning inside and grounds maintenance people. For $400 a night you expect a more luxury experience but the property doesn't match the pricing. I'm not sure what the resort fee covers but that fee needs to be eliminated. Very disappointed.Rooms: The rooms are nicely decorated and simple. The fact that there are no televisions didn't bother us at all. It would be very nice to have mini refrigerators in the rooms to be able to keep drinks cold.Walkability: The "main area" of the grounds where the movie was shot is actually quite small. We also walked the entire dried lake bed. In less than an hour you can walk everything and see all the movie sites.Food & drinks: The food at Harvest (breakfast, lunch h and dinner) were all amazing. The breakfast buffet was so good. For lunch my husband has the wild game duo and I had the burger, both were very good. For dinner my husband had the Elf Stroganoff and I had the chicken, absolutely delicious!
Bill Cooper
a month ago
Great place to come for a getaway weekend. Only problem is we came when it snowed. Lol (Feb) We loved seeing all the spots where they filmed the movie Dirty Dancing and we even stayed in Room #232Great weekend, Will have to come back in the Summer to enjoy it more!
Michael Williams
a week ago
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Angelina Diamond
4 months ago
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Wayne Cooler
6 days ago
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Chrissy Matthews
a month ago
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Julie Gray
5 months ago
First time visit. The rooms are pretty dated. We stayed in the Richmond lodge and there was only two pillows for the bed. The bathrooms smelled moldy. They really need to repaint and maybe not put wood floors in bathroom something water proof. Technically off season and they were pretty busy this weekend. The bartenders were great and the waitress at harvest. The food was good just pricey. You could tell they were understaffed. It s beautiful area but the actual resort there wasn t much to do here in the fall. We did some hiking at cascades falls which was beautiful and luckily downtown Blacksburg isn t that far. I think it s cool experience but wouldn t come back.
Alan Drover
5 months ago
Absolutely incredible! We stayed here on Wednesday night and it was breathtaking from the drive up through the golden leaved forest until the moment we left. Staff were wonderful at the desk and the service from the young girl in the restaurant was fantastic. We traveled all the way from Scotland and drove 7 hours from Atlanta just to get there and it was worth every minute. My wife is the Dirty Dancing fan but even I was blown away by the place. A memory that will last a lifetime. We definitely did have the time of our life.Thank you Mountain Lake Lodge! It was everything we dreamed it would be and more
Laura Parke
6 months ago
The rooms are clean and the beds are comfy. Remember they are from the 30's so they are on the smaller side.This is where the movie Dirty Dancing was mostly filmed at so looks of fun if you live that movieAlso the resort has lots of hiking trails and things to do. We enjoyed the bald knob trail with a scenic view.Dinner in the Harvest room is expensive, small portions but what you get is very good.I would definitely return.
Amy Gagnon
6 months ago
Our group of 7 came for the Dirty Dancing themed weekend and had a BLAST! A huge shout-out to Dennis, one of the professional dancers who exudes joy and is the best instructor! My sister and I loved every moment of the dancing lessons. All staff went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and enjoyed ourselves. The resort had a fun adventure center and many beautiful hiking trails. Highly recommend this resort and this themed weekend.
Nicole R
5 months ago
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Estil Hammed
a month ago
This was our first time staying there. The room was dusty and dead flies in the windowsill. We stayed in the main lodge.The food was delicious. Lunch and dinner very pricey. Breakfast some what reasonable.
Sierra Arnold
8 months ago
My family and I came for a dirty dancing weekend and LOVED every minute! The property is beautiful, our room at Chestnut Lodge was cozy and clean, the whole atmosphere of the place was wonderful. We had fun at the dances, the dance instructors were great! We learned different styles and got to use them at the dances. All of the events they had planned for the weekend were fun. Each meal was buffet style and delicious! There were plenty of options of food each day. We loved seeing all of the different locations the movie was filmed and taking pictures. The gift shops had lots of fun things to buy. Although there is no AC, we had a fan in our window and it felt great in our room!! It was nicer than new hotels I ve stayed in. This is one of our new favorite places and we can t wait to come back! We had the time of our lives! :)
Janice Detweiler Coxon Orr
6 months ago
We had the most spectacular 5-day experience at Mountain Lakes Resort for my granddaughter's destination wedding. We stayed in the Roanoke rustic cabin and it was quite quaint and sufficient for our needs. The acreage is beautiful around the lodge and the activities in the lodge, Mary's Barn, and the Harvest restaurant were so very enjoyable. The beauty of the location would be hard to beat. Since we were there at the end of their regular season, it was obvious that there were staff shortages making some things a little challenging. However the staff that were working were more than accommodating in trying to maintain the Mountain Lake standards. It was just a relaxing, quiet, location -- when we weren't revving up for wedding activities!
Travel Food Art Corrine
4 months ago
Mountain Lake Lodge: A Romantic Dirty Dancing Getaway for the AgesMy husband & I celebrated our 9th anniversary together & Thanks to the Mountain Lake Lodge, it was PERFECT!� It was a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list moment, & it exceeded all of my expectations (and then some!) Priceless memoriesI've been to almost forty countries, but my vacation to MLL easily ranks in my Top Ten. This historic lodge, the backdrop for the iconic movie Dirty Dancing. This Lodge offers something for everyone, from stunning scenery to quaint accommodations to delicious food & on-site amenities. � We mainly enjoyed the R&R of a romantic UNPLUGGED weekend away.From the moment we arrived, I felt like we had stepped back in time to the 1960s or beyond.� I was transported to a magical world of rustic elegance & mountain charm. The lodge itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with its soaring ceilings, grand fireplace, & sweeping views of the surrounding mountains with the orange, red & yellow hues from the last of the Autumn leaves before winter arrives.The grounds have been well-maintained since late 1800s!� The views are breathtaking.� The staff is incredibly friendly & attentive.� From Scott & Eric who checked us in with a warm welcoming smiles at arrival, to Dina helping assist me find the answers I needed for disability hiking routes best for my level and how the hotel could assist which I deeply appreciated to Moe in the Outfitter Shop helping us out with those needs.� Check out their great excursions they offer on their Gators ATV Adventures.Our room was spacious & comfortable, with all the amenities we needed to relax & unwind in chilly air (Heat-yes A/C -No) epic HOTT Showers! � We spent forever just walking around listening to the birds sing & taking in the scenery & movie sites.Even though the lake is dried up, you can go & explore it.� Go see where Swayze did the Lake lift!� Its a great scavenger hunt they have for fans.Biggest SHOUTOUT to Eric for going above & beyond in his job by helping my husband make my dream anniversary trip so extra special.� From fun silly watermelon prop pics to assisting us with bags, setting a fire up so we could make special toasted marshmallows all the way from Australia we brought & smores to his epic Dirty Dancing knowledge-� you made us feel like a million bucks & a real Baby & Johnny for the weekend!� You ROCK!Thanks to Harvest Restaurant, Erynne & restaurant of wait staff. The food was delicious & the drinks are top-notch. We paid whats to be expected on vacay comparable. We luved our anniversary cheesecake dessert!It was the perfect place to celebrate & make memories that will last our lifetime. We'll highly recommend MLL to anyone looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a fun-filled weekend with friends with a theme! We danced the weekend away to our favorite Dirty Dancing soundtrack songs across the hotel property.� We can't wait to come back.THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE TIMES OF OUR LIVES!Rooms: So charming and quaint with such cozy charm and comfort with nice piping hott showers.Nearby activities: Book an excursion with Moe at the Outfitters with the amazing local MLL Historian to go out on gator ATV to tour the trails etc on property pool, bar, market, gift shops, restaurantWalkability: Walk the lake bed and get lost, easy to find your way back, and easy for those with mobile disabilities to walk with cane and/or assistance.Food & drinks: Harvest restaurant & barNoteworthy details: Don't forget to do the scavenger hunt!
Dr. Gregory Schierer
5 months ago
Mountain Lake Lodge is an amazing experience to itself even outside of the nostalgia from Dirty Dancing. If you go you need to try the clay shooting experience with Michael Goetz . It was a very safe and fun experience for 12 yrs and up. He can coach anyone and does it in such a way that makes it exciting. The stone cabin and view from top of the hill is almost better than any view from hiking in the area! This experience should be on everyone s to do list!Rooms: Made to keep you tangled with the outdoors! The deer are walking outside your cabin in the morning and afternoon.Nearby activities: Hiking, Virginia Tech footballSafety: Staff keeps everybody very safe!Walkability: Hiking trails easily accessible from lodging grounds.Food & drinks: Great food and bars inside and out! Amazing place to watch sports.Noteworthy details: Great views from stone cabin at old golf course!! Clay pigeon shooting experience was awesome and easy for first timers with lessons from expert Michael Goetz. Amazing history on site.
Nichole Harth
3 months ago
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starr mcclintick
4 weeks ago
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Victoria Offenbacher Greenway
3 months ago
Went here for New Years Eve dinner. The food and service were excellent. If you are here in the summer I highly recommend their Friday seafood buffet.Food & drinks: Food here is excellent.Noteworthy details: This is where Dirty Dancing was filmed.
Virginia Beach Living
6 months ago
This was beyond a dream come true. To actually be able to go and stay where the 1987 classic movie Dirty Dancing was filmed. This was a bucketlist in my life for sure. Idont even know where to begin , I guess I'll start by saying almost everything is virtually the exact same . The thing that has changed and maybe the worst part for some is that the water is gone. It has been a ongoing problem with it drying up the returning. But if you want a beyond expectation place to stay and want to have some great 80s nostalgia, this is the place for you. When you go to the filming locations there are little plaques from that very scene, they do have maps to help as well. Just walking in this place e was more than I could have ever expected. The servic3 at the hotel was top notch. Literally all the staff I encountered were so helping and courteous, they were truly a joy and I thank them greatly. I could go on forever, but I highly recommend this location. Also, for a pretty good fee, you can actually stay in the cabin that baby stayed in the movie.Walkability: Extremely clean, and accesible
Wendy Greenlief
8 months ago
My husband chose this magical getaway for a surprise honeymoon. We loved every minute. The history of this resort is so fascinating. We loved the rustic nature and beauty of this resort. I was amazed there was no ac, and no TV s in the rooms. It was not needed, the weather was incredible on the mountain. If you go you have to take the Gator tour with Bo, he explained the history and gave insight to the Dirty Dancing movie partially filmed there. Wonderful and peaceful experience. We were there Monday through Thursday very little people which made it all the better. All staff are so nice and pleasant. Highly recommended!! Wendy and ForrestWalkability: All the mountain activities you could imagine.Food & drinks: Delicious
N J
3 months ago
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Tom Reinhart
7 months ago
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Jeromy Thompson
5 months ago
This place is a complete let down! If your looking for what used to be dirty dancing, kellerman s mountain lake, you won t find it here, with overly expensive food, dark walking trails, no lake, (its completely dried up) and you would think anyone running this facility would be chipper in a happy to help you mood. That wasn t what the management I met where like at all! I give the place a 1 star rating tops, it s tiny cluttered and almost feels exactly like a movie set (not a place to stay and enjoy). The entire house keeping management with the exception of one out of three of them! Are rude and disrespectful! An older woman named misty, supposedly runs that department. I ve never met a more fake person in my entire life and her boss is even more un professional than her. (Marsha) (Martha) whatever her name is !! I was super took back by the fact that I seen my wife have a list of 15-18 cabins and rooms to clean when they where supposedly fully staffed! I Was told to go elsewhere with my concerns,(practically) so here I am elsewhere ! Remember I asked where the formality in your company was !! You acted like I was speaking French or another language!! Then I stated you would not like the backlash you and your house keeping staff where about to get from laying off/firing your best worker mam! Here that backlash starts !! I m glad I got to know how mountain lake is poorly run ! Before my family came in to visit . I wouldn t recommend anyone thinking of staying here! Be very weary of the house keeping staff an it s management! They are not what you would expect from a lodge of this magnitude! (Or what it should be). Here are a few pictures of the bathrooms and dried lake they have to offer, here at the mountain lake! I would highly recommend a tour before you stay! I listened to many guests concerns, and spoke with many people here. They where exactly what I am (let down). From no elevator to accommodate the handicapped and disabled to dark damp conditions with no lighting in walk ways and trails! They do however have trail cameras (for your Saftey) lol. A complete an utter joke from a place where such stardom was filmed an born . Fun fact dirty dancing was filmed at multiple locations this is just the kellermans lodge and baby s cabin by the lake (that no longer exists) a lonely cabin by a dried up lake! The gas company was sold land from the mountain and it depleted the lakes water in my opinion !! The exact opposite of preservation at its finest with overwhelming pricing from the cabins to the food coming out there kitchen! (MAKE THIS GO VIRAL)!!!!! There will be many more reviews to come in near future! And I ve let my family know about this poorly ran off the beaten path memory, and what it s became over the years, to it s demise!Rooms: Tiny, & overpriced ! For the accommodations this place has!Nearby activities: None, your at the top of a windy mountain road !!Safety: No walking trail lighting or accommodating activitiesWalkability: Very dark n damp with poor lit areas!Food & drinks: Over priced! Especially for the portion size!Noteworthy details: Your not going to be pleased at all with this stay ! I highly recommend taking a tour before you stay if stay nearby and come to see it before booking with them!
Noemi S
2 months ago
The hotel is in a beautiful location, everywhere is quiet and peaceful. We go here every year, it never disappoints. We really like going here.Rooms: The rooms are well equippedFood & drinks: the only negative is that the menu has not changed in the last three years, the food is the same
Travis Rice
3 months ago
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Edgar Jones
9 months ago
Visited here for the June 23 Dirty Dancing Themed Weekend at their Sunset Historic Rustic Cabin and had a wonderful experience. The cabin was very well maintained and could sleep 6 adults comfortably with what s already within the cabin. The staff was awesome and did an excellent job In trying to keep the Dirty Dancing fans immersed in the movie. There were plenty of other activities to keep you entertained too. Tips/warnings: bring your walking shoes because it s hilly, if you stay in the rustic cabins be aware of noise due to the motorized golf carts and loud taking guests (thin windows & doors) constantly going by. The dinner & breakfasts are buffet style. The food was very good, but I was a little disappointed that I wasn t given the option/an opportunity to order off the menu since they had some pretty delicious sounding items listed. And at one meal due to the seating (had a reservation), I was made to sit in the outside dining area when the weather was not favorable (damp, windy, and cool). Was told we d have to wait 1 hour + if we wanted to eat inside when there were 10 + tables available? Al and all If you are a super fan of the movie or just want a nice romantic getaway, MLL is well worth the trip!Walkability: Everything at the lodge is within a short walking distance with the exception of the BLUEBERRY RIDGE MOUNTAIN HOMES
Christian Petrarca
7 months ago
Nostalgia runs deep. This hotel has been here a very long time. I was forced to play dueling banjos as we drove up the hill. It's is very high up and off the beaten path. The grounds are great. It's too bad the lake dried up but they have put pools in. Supposedly the lake will come back in fifty years or so it's on a 300-400 year cycle. The whole Dirty Dancing significance is neat. If you've seen the movie even once you can place all the popular locations. Pets are allowed in ae of the cabins which is nice. Don't get to the hotel early your room will not be ready, we waited almost five hours. Fortunately the bar was open and good food comes out of the kitchen. The rooms do not have TV's or AC. There are ceiling fans and a box fan for the window sill. You are higher up and it is cooler at night. The staff are friendly knowledgeable and love to chat.
Savage Rider
10 months ago
I can t say enough good things about this place. The grounds are kept immaculate. All around are signs that let you know what part of Dirty Dancing was filmed at a specific spot. These spots are also numbered. The hotel itself is so beautiful. The restaurant was clean and the server was so sweet. The food was beyond good. I really enjoyed everything we ate. If you like Dirty Dancing, you will not be disappointed to visit here. The Dirty Dancing gift shop has so many perfect gifts in it for family and friends who are also fans. The ride up to the lodge is fun on a motorcycle as well. This is the best place to take you Dirty Dancing fan wife. I would not hesitant to return it was fun just watching my wife enjoy herself at every new turn. If you are so inclined rent Baby s cabin and swim in the pool. It looked like the lake was on the rebound, but that may just be my optimism. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6