Iris Inn & Cabins — Hotel in Waynesboro

Disappointing. Overpriced.

My husband and I stayed here for our birthdays and were excited for a little break but the experience didn't live up to the promises or the price and we could have easily spent the money elsewhere for a better experience.

I will say that the accommodations were very nice. We stayed in cabin 3 and it was clean, had a working hot tub, and even the bottom of the deck had screen to keep bugs from getting in. Though figuring out some of the wall switches, how the shower worked, etc...took some time. If the prices were a bit less expensive and if expectations were correctly set, this would be a different review.

However, we specifically selected and paid for a cabin with an advertised sunset view, which this one did not have. Additionally, we paid for a package that included breakfast as well as a cheese plate/wine at check in (hoping to enjoy the plate and watch the sunset on our first night). We weren't expecting anything extravagant but what we got was certainly disappointing. The cheese plate was honestly the most pathetic cheese plate I'd ever seen. It included one small ball of cheese, some crackers, and a few grapes. Given what they charged for individual breakfast orders (without the package), this was a total scam.

We had dinner one night at the inn's restaurant. The food was very good but the reservation process and experience itself was weird and we honestly felt awkward the whole night. First, they advertise dinner service as starting at 6:30pm. I made a reservation for 6:30 (and have the email exchange to prove it) a few days before we arrived. The day before we arrived, I get an email saying our reservation is for 6:20. I reach out to clarify and am told they can only do 6:20 or 6:40. Ok. Fine. So we show up at 6:15 and are taken to a very small room (clearly not designed to be a multi table dining room) with a bunch of 2 tops set up and the waitress comments on how we're early but she'll seat us anyway. There is one other couple there. As the night progresses, it becomes clear that they have one reservation every 20 minutes. It seemed like the waitress was also the innkeeper/office manager and when it came time to leave (she brought us a box for our dessert so she knew we were wrapping up) we couldn't find her so we had to ask someone in the kitchen if we'd be charged to the room (including 18% gratuity) and then left.

The biggest and most frustrating issue, though, was the spa. To start, we received a call the day before about the spa (in addition to multiple other calls and emails that day about various things like asking if we wanted additional dinner reservations but not including helpful information like how to locate the spa) asking if they could push our appointments to later. I explained that we had plans later and would prefer not to move them. They said we could keep them as is. So my husband and I show up (he's scheduled for a massage and I'm scheduled for a lavender soak). The soak is advertised as including a variety of oils and epsom salts, leaving skin soft and being a relaxing experience. The woman takes me to a back bathroom with a jacuzzi tub that she is filling up with water. Other than the water, the tub is empty. While I'm standing there, she unwraps one very small pre packaged bath bomb and drops it in. Then leaves me there, not even lighting the candle that's next to the tub or dimming the lights. This "soak" cost $115.

Overall, I think they're trying but they aren't set up for the experience they are advertising. For example, I'd rather they didn't offer a spa service at all than charge me $115 for a disappointing experience. I'd suggest focusing on one thing at a time, doing a great job, and then smartly expanding when in a position to do so. There's good stuff here and potential but I would not have paid what I paid for the experience we got so the expectations and/or pricing should probably...

We were very excited to come stay at the Iris Inn & Cabins this past week. We were looking for a mini retreat away from work and were very interested in a massage as a part of our stay. Overall our stay was enjoyable.

So we booked a two night stay about a month ago. On the website before finalizing our booking, it recommended we add some extras such as a massage and pre-fix 5 course dinner. Both of which we were interested in. I called the front desk and the gentleman told me that I don’t have to worry about booking that now and to call the week off to book the appointment for both the spa and dinner. So I listened to his recommendation.

I called the Iris Inn the week of our arrival to schedule our massages. Come to find out the masseuse is on vacation all week and that we are unable to have any spa services. This was very upsetting, one because this was a huge selling factor in our choice to stay at the Iris Inn and secondly because the associate we spoke with a few weeks prior said it was not going to be an issue. The manager emailed us some locations close by that we could get a spa service which was a nice gesture. However, the whole point was to stay on the premise and to be pampered. I feel that the hotel is marketed as a couples retreat so it’s just odd that they would only have one masseuse at all times.

Now the cabin was gorgeous. Very easy access using the code given to us via email. Beautifully furnished. Loved the gas fireplace, mini kitchenette, jacuzzi, heated bathroom floors and comfy bed. The enclosed porch was so nice.

We arrived on a Wednesday and it became apparent that this is an “off” day for the establishment. We felt as though we were the only guests there. There was only one staff member on the premise until 7 pm and the overall vibe did not feel very hospitable.

Thursday through Friday was a different story. The staff was super friendly and helpful. In the morning we ate breakfast in the main house. I enjoyed a banana split parfait. The next morning, my husband enjoyed the waffles. We did the small 0.6 mile walk on site that was okay. We definitely used the jacuzzi a few times. They also have two cute cats that relax on the 2nd floor porch of the house that are extremely friendly.

Our 5 course meal was very well prepared and tasty. Our host, Cathy, was super kind and attentive. We very much enjoyed the dinner.

All in all, I was disappointed I couldn’t get a massage on site but I feel that we could be back again. I’m sure the grounds are gorgeous in the fall and...

Had a wonderful 4 day stay here ! Upon arriving we were greeted by a sweet woman offering help and answered all of our questions . Walking to our cabin you could see the beautiful mountains and gorgeous landscaping . Opened the door to the fire place on , was so cozy and inviting . Our 10 month old was so excited to be there , it was adorable ! She was squealing and walking around looking at everything , she loved the view from the windows as well . We went out to the screened in porch to be greeted by a bear about 10-12 feet away ! So crazy , only saw Yogi that one time .. I loved the bathroom , first time experiencing heated floors and my feet have definitely been missing out on that glorious feeling . I think to really complete the experience you should have heated toilet seats . Can you imagine that ?! The toiletries they supplied were lovely , I love the smell of lemongrass and it was very lemongrassy and fresh . Their face soap made my face feel and look better actually .Their shampoo and conditioner made my hair feel so soft and hydrated without being greasy . The kitchen was fully stocked with dishes and cookware . Side note .. order their cookies , they were lightly crisp On the outside and soft in the center ❤️ Breakfast each morning was amazing , I meant to ask someone if I could have their recipe for the oatmeal , sounds like an odd request , but it was the best oatmeal parfait thing I’ve ever had . TheY offered a nice selection for breakfast each morning , just had to get the order in the previous evening . We checked out local antique shops . Was not disappointed with the antique factory .. you don’t even want to know how many hours we spent there , found some good treasures . We set up our baby’s pack in play across the room . It worked out perfectly , she was just as Excited to be there as we were. We toured the grand caverns as well , first time seeing caves and we were amazed , def check that out if you haven’t . Loved it here , sad we are leaving :/ told my husband we need to make this a tradition of going here , he agreed . Will definitely be back . The only thing about the whole stay that wasn’t my favorite was the bed .. it felt like you were sinking in the middle , didn’t have as much support as I would like .. also think we should book for cabin 4 that one seemed to have the best view . But all in all would definitely recommend to family and go again . So peaceful and nice...