Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus reportedly swung clubs on a course here, and a few years ago the whole place sold in an online auction. That’s a wild twist for a resort spread across 500 acres above a mountain lake.
By 2019, the property had slipped into seasonal-only operations, and folks nearby worried it might fade for good. Then a new owner stepped in with plans for millions in upgrades and a promise to stay open all year.
I like a comeback story, especially one in West Virginia with two championship golf courses attached. The revival is still a work in progress, but the lake views and friendly staff keep pulling people back.
So what does a revived mountain resort actually feel like today? I believe the honest answer is more interesting than any shiny brochure.
Five Hundred Acres Perched Above Cheat Lake
Lakeview Golf Resort sits on roughly 500 acres overlooking Cheat Lake, just outside Morgantown. That’s a lot of room for fairways, woods, and long walks between buildings.
The property calls itself a golf resort, and it earns the label with two championship 18-hole courses. Add a hotel, lake-view suites, two-bedroom condo units, a spa, and a fitness center, and you get a small village on a hill.
Location helps too. The West Virginia Botanic Garden sits about 4 miles away, which makes a quiet morning stroll easy to squeeze in.
Head about 8 miles in the other direction, and you’ll reach the Morgantown History Museum and the Monongalia Arts Center. Downtown Morgantown is a short drive, so dinner in town never feels like a road trip.
From the main building, you can take in part of a golf course, a slice of the lake, and mountains rolling off in the background. Framed photos of famous golfers playing the course hang on the walls, a nice nod to its long history.
I like that the setting does most of the talking here. Surrounded by woods and water, the place feels far quieter than its distance from a busy college town would suggest.
An Online Auction And A Second Act
Not many resorts change hands with a click. In late 2019, Sameer Ailawadi of Ail Hospitality bought the property in an online auction, according to local reporting from the Dominion Post and WV MetroNews.
Before that sale, the resort had stepped back to seasonal operations. That shift reportedly stirred real worry around the Cheat Lake community.
The new owners promised to keep the doors open year-round. They also announced plans for a roughly $2 million investment over 12 to 18 months.
Early work reportedly covered public areas, new carpeting, and fresh paint. The property was also brought into the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, which put it in front of more travelers.
Here’s the honest part, though. The comeback is still unfolding, and some hallways and older rooms clearly show their age.
The lobby got a modern refresh, while other corners still feel like they’re waiting their turn. Think of it as a house where the front room is finished and the remodel crew hasn’t reached the back bedrooms yet.
I believe that makes the story more relatable, not less. Plenty of West Virginia landmarks have fought their way back, and this one is still swinging.
The 1950s Fairways Where Legends Reportedly Played
Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus all reportedly played golf at this resort. Good luck standing on the first tee without feeling a little pressure.
The Lakeview Course is the older of the two layouts. Designed by James Harrison, it opened in the 1950s and plays as a par 72.
Expect tree-lined fairways and rolling greens that ask for a steady hand. Some holes also serve up views toward Cheat Lake, which is a fine excuse when your putt lips out.
Golf Digest has reportedly given this course a four-star rating. It’s the layout that put the resort on the map decades ago.
Conditions can swing with the seasons, so it’s smart to call ahead about bunkers and mowing schedules. Groups who visited in early spring found the Lakeview Course in solid shape for the time of year.
The golf carts are updated, which matters more than you’d think on a hilly mountain course. The clubhouse is older, so don’t expect a gleaming country club locker room.
For a parent who finally gets a free morning, I can’t imagine a better trade. A historic course, a lake breeze, and nobody asking for a snack for four hours.
Tighter Landing Areas On The Mountainview Course
Bring an extra sleeve of balls. The Mountainview Course winds through the hills with tight landing areas and rolling fairways that reward accuracy.
Bryan Ault designed this second layout, and it opened in 1985. It stretches 6,447 yards and plays to a par 72.
Golf Digest has reportedly rated it 3.5 stars. That’s a respectable mark for a course that trades length for precision.
The scenery is a big part of the appeal. Woods frame many holes, and the mountain backdrop makes even a bogey look pretty in photos.
One practical note can save you some disappointment. The Mountainview Course may not be open early in the season, so confirm before planning a 36-hole weekend.
Straight hitters will have more fun here than big swingers who spray the ball. If your drive tends to wander, consider this your friendly warning from the trees.
Having two courses on one property is a real perk for golf trips. Groups can split between layouts, then meet back at the hotel without anyone driving across town.
I like that combo for buddy trips and couples alike. One course feels classic, while the other keeps you honest.
Simple Rooms, Lake-View Suites, And Roomy Two-Story Condos
Nobody books here for marble bathrooms. The standard rooms are relaxed and understated, with cable TV, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.
Suites with lake views step things up with living areas and balconies. A balcony over Cheat Lake beats a parking lot view every single time.
The condo units are the sleeper pick for families and longer stays. Some two-bedroom units feel more like townhouses, spread across two floors.
Each bedroom in those layouts can have its own full bath. That alone could prevent a few morning arguments.
Kitchens come with basic cooking gear, and downstairs living areas offer room to host dinners. For a week-long visit, that setup can stretch a travel budget nicely.
Now for the fine print. Some rooms lack mini fridges, and the main hotel’s hallways can feel long and dated.
Maintenance response has been uneven, especially with air conditioning in summer. If something isn’t working, flag it right away and ask about switching rooms.
Pack your own phone chargers too, since rooms may not have them. Think of it as comfortable basecamp lodging rather than a luxury suite, and the value makes more sense.
Spa Days, Gym Time, And A Grill Deck Above The Greens
Sore shoulders after 18 holes? Spa Roma, right on the property, offers massage and body treatments, plus hair, nail, and skin care.
That’s a pretty sweet trade for the parent who skipped the tee time. Book a treatment while the golfers argue about their scorecards.
The fitness center is a genuine highlight. It’s large enough that some local folks reportedly use it as their regular gym, and they call it affordable.
Courts for basketball, tennis, and racquetball have been part of the resort’s offerings. Walking the grounds is also free, and the wooded paths make an easy daily loop.
Food leans casual. Legends, the resort’s sports-style hangout, has a raised deck, and a grill restaurant offers a terrace looking out over the golf course.
The Tiki Deck at Legends has hosted seasonal live entertainment on warm-weather weekends. Breakfast is offered on-site, though it’s simple fare rather than a chef’s showcase.
The indoor pool and hot tub are listed amenities, but the pools have been closed at times for repairs. Call ahead before promising the kids a swim, or you’ll be negotiating poolside.
Weddings, Golf Buddies, And Weekend Explorers Fit Right In
Two hundred wedding guests on one property is no small feat. The resort has hosted weddings for more than 50 years, with indoor and outdoor ceremony sites.
Its event space reportedly covers about 24,000 square feet across 24 venues. Ballrooms can handle grand receptions, and catering includes buffet, plated, and family-style options.
Families who’ve held celebrations here often credit the staff for making things smooth. Having everyone sleep, eat, and dance in the same place is a big logistics win.
Golf groups are another natural fit. Two courses, plenty of rooms, and a central spot near Morgantown make planning simple.
Nature lovers get a bonus too. Coopers Rock State Forest sits about 15 minutes away, with famous overlooks above the Cheat River Gorge.
Downtown Morgantown is roughly 12 minutes out, home to West Virginia University and the Caperton Rail-Trail. Football Saturdays at Milan Puskar Stadium bring serious energy to the area.
The resort’s full address is One Lakeview Dr, Morgantown, WV 26508. Plug that in, and the drive up the hill toward Cheat Lake does the rest.
Travelers who need everything polished may feel let down. Folks who value location and friendly faces tend to leave happier.
Smart Moves Before You Book A Stay
Free parking and free Wi-Fi are always a nice start. Lakeview Golf Resort also lists pet-friendly rooms, an airport shuttle, accessible features, and a smoke-free property.
Bringing the dog along can save a kennel bill. Just confirm pet policies when you reserve, since rules can change.
Booking directly through the resort’s own site is the move management keeps recommending. They regularly point guests there for the lowest available rates and special offers.
Ask a few questions before you lock in dates. Is the pool open, is the Mountainview Course playing, and does your room have working air conditioning?
Those quick checks can turn a so-so weekend into a great one. Requesting a lake-view suite or a condo unit may also make the stay feel more special.
So is it worth it? I’d call this resort a West Virginia comeback still in progress, not a finished masterpiece.
The golf history is real, the lake views are lovely, and the staff earns plenty of goodwill. The buildings still need more love.
Go with eyes open and a sense of humor. You might just enjoy cheering for the underdog while it climbs back up.
