In the mountains of West Virginia
When my son’s Boy Scout troop leader posed the question “Do you want to go whitewater rafting in West Virgina?” my answer was a definite yes. Tenting it, however, was an absolute no. So was lugging bedding along for a cabin stay. While our son slumbered with his troop at Ray’s Campground, my husband and I opted for a night at the Quality Inn New River Gorge in Fayetteville, West Virginia a quick six miles away.
View of the New River Gorge National River
Fayetteville is the closest town to Class VI Mountain River, the whitewater rafting company that operates out of Adventures on the Gorge, a family adventure resort that buzzes with day and half-day trip whitewater rafters. We were among the half-day folks, and the Quality Inn New River Gorge suited our needs just fine.
With its close proximity to New River Gorge National River Park, and rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers, the Quality Inn New River Gorge is a lodging option for rafters looking to pair easy-going comfort with outdoor adventure. The hotel is more than just a hotel.
After checking into our king room, I headed to Elliot’s Whitewater Bar and Grill, a kid-friendly sports bar of sorts on the hotel’s premises. This bar and grill serves up a wide range of libations and a mix of specialty burgers, sandwiches and dinner fare. Menu selections range from spaghetti to Uncle Buc’s Catfish Dinner. Along with rafting and kayaking themed decor, the restaurant pays tribute to West Virginia sports. Here’s where locals, as well as, hotel guests hang out. On some nights there’s live music entertainment.
Elliot’s Whitewater Bar and Grill
Because rooms are equipped with a microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator, the Quality Inn New River Gorge would be an excellent place for people who want to spend a few days enjoying other area offerings. Hiking, golfing, fishing, and rock climbing are just a few activities.
The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and lighted tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
Another hotel plus is the on-site laundry facility, particularly handy if your hotel stay follows your rafting trip. Yes, indeed, I did get soaked. Drenched, actually, but we headed home the same day we rafted so I changed clothes and put my wet things in a plastic bag.
King bed comfort with adventure just minutes away
As for first floor, corner room, it was clean, comfortable, and had a large flat screen TV. The wake-up call we requested came right on time. Even though our schedule had us checking out at 7 a.m, we had enough minutes before we had to meet up with the Boy Scouts to stop in the dining room for the deluxe continental breakfast. Breakfast starts at 6:30. My hot biscuits and gravy were a hearty start to a day that included Class IV rapids. The dining room doubles as a gift shop. I had enough time to eat, but not enough time to browse.
Our King bed room cost $99 without tax. Two queen bed and two double bed rooms are also available. Some rooms have connecting doors.
Book online directly or through Booking.com.
Quality Inn New River Gorge
103 Elliotts Way
Fayetteville, WV, US, 25840
304/574-3443
Post and photographs courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Writers Association
