Oglebay Resort

Reviews

• MF

  Mitch Fahnestock

  1 day ago
  5.0
  The Oglebay Resort was fantastic. We came for the beginning of The Festival of Lights after seeing it on Youtube and it did not disappoint. The decorations and feel of the resort was just what we were hoping for. Driving the Festival of Lights was enjoyable and easy to do. The food options at the Resort were also fantastic with the Grinch joining the dinners for dinner both nights. Do not miss the Good Zoo, this was a great little zoo right on the property with a wonderful mix of animals. A very relaxing and enjoyable way to kick of the holiday season.
• VB

  V Bonner

  4 days ago
  4.0
  We just went to have dinner and take the trolly to see the lights. We hadn't been there since 2022 and didn't know that you absolutely have to make a reservation at one of the restaurants for dinner or wait around forever (as people were sitting there just having drinks) for one of the more casual table areas. We didn't want to leave due to parking stress and so almost didn't eat until after our trolly ride... which would have meant sitting around for over an hour and a half. The concierge, I believe he name was Diane, was amazing and helped us get a table at their more relaxed sitting area where they also serve food. However, due to the time for our food, we were then almost late for our trolly ride. She again, was there to make sure the right people were in seats (some kids were free and to be on laps) and that we had our 5 seats. My father-in-law passed away in October and this was something we would do every few years with my in-laws. What started out being a frustrating and sad situation with no dinner and sitting around became a joyful time thanks to Diane.
• J4

  Jessa 4Peace

  Dec 24, 2025
  2.0
  Spent 2 nights here just before Christmas. Oglebay hosts the Festival of Lights which is a nice drive thru light display and certainly worth the cost/donation. The zoo is pretty good and has a decent amount of animals. They all seem well cared for as far as zoos go. As far as the resort, however, I would not come back. The grounds and buildings are quite nice and appear well maintained and cared for. Christmas decor throughout the resort were beautiful as well. The candy cane cordial and live music was entertaining. For some reason, we were provided with an accessible room which was quite spacious and nice. That said, the good ends there. We stood in line for over an hour to check-in. We had hoped to check-in early but were told that isn't possible due to the heavy turnover of rooms during the holiday season. Fair enough. That said, why wasn't there more staff available to aid in a faster check-in if they knew it was going to be so busy?? An hour line is waaay too long and really set the tone for the remainder of our stay. Oglebay offers a variety of family friendly activities where people of all ages are invited. I was excited to try pool pilates the next morning. I was disappointed to arrive and find out that the pool, which is a small indoor pool, would remain open during the adult pool class. After 15 minutes in the pool, I couldn't stand it any longer and got out. Kids were running, screaming and canon ball jumping into the pool. It was impossible to hear the instructor much less have the space to actually do the class because kids were everywhere. While I want kids to have fun, what is wrong with closing the pool to kids for a 45-minute class so the adults who pay for the kids and their activities on the resort can have a moment to themselves? Really showcases the difference between a higher caliber resort and what Oglebay offers. Later that day we went to see Santa's Village on the resort property. They advertise a Christmas shop but in reality it's a tent with a few ornaments and Christmas sweaters. (Better holiday decor to buy can be found in the lodge gift shop.) This was mainly cheap, cheesy holiday stuff. There is a synthetic ice rink and rock wall people can try. There is a small train for kids and a concession stand. Please note the Village is all outside and while it hadn't rained or snowed for several days it was incredibly muddy! One gentlemen slipped and fell in the mud. Looks like they tried to put down straw a day or so before but they really was something more substantial. People were slipping and grabbing on to others for dear life. Don't wear any good shoes out there! I could go on but will say that details matter and this resort, unless things change significantly, can never achieve an excellent experience. At the end of the day if your looking for a low to mid level experience, Oglebay resort at Christmas may be just what you're looking for.
• RJ

  RA Jen

  Dec 23, 2025
  2.0
  2.5 stars. Check in was a long wait and painful. Understaffed at the front desk and throughout the amenities. Poor signage throughout our visit. Rooms were great. Skyline was awesome. Trace chophouse was very disappointing. Cold food and missed the detail i expected from a high end steakhouse. Don’t wast your time. Service was mid. Dinning area was dirty. The Christmas experience was ok. The Santa village was lame except the hot chocolate. Pictures with Santa was worse time in traffic. Put a Santa in lodge. There is nothing exclusive except the candy cordial. Movie nights were not a very comfortable experience. The classes were the worse. Kids horsing around in the pool during pool Pilates is lame. And you moved the tai chi off the property . Speaking of property, Cafe 1925 and Starbucks is off the property. Take it off the site! That’s a scam! Soritas coffee was terrible! They ran out of food! And understaffed! Festival of Lights , zoo , and spa were great. Staff was not super friendly. Felt touristy. Communications was poor at the front desk on discount gift cards ending time. Nothing for military.
• BB

  Brandon

  Dec 23, 2025
  2.0
  Check in took 20 plus minutes waiting for the front desk...had a joined room to a full family of screaming kids seperated by 2 thin doors with no way to switch rooms but to downgrade.... horrid trace chophouse 260 dollar experience (but man theyll be sure to talk to the chefs about it).... fiance got burned by the cover on the fireplace(but oh they will make sure somethings done).... ac made weird noises all night.... front desk didnt care to ask how the experience was... the lights are extremely underwhelming. I haven't been here since I was 8, and I remember it being just as bad. How does a place that takes "donations of a "suggested" 30 dollars", have worst lights than some actual residential homes? Next morning wake up to this supposed good breakfast...got there at 745, got some real great egg mush and a biscuit hockey puck(was literally like a rock) This was the weekend I proposed to my gf, and thank goodness we can make the best of a bad situation, because this wasn't worth what we put into it.

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