Two very different places share the name “Stonewall Hotel” in the minds of travelers: a modern lakeside resort in West Virginia and the historic Greenwich Village bar that sparked a civil rights movement. Guest reviews of the resort center on room comfort, food quality, and outdoor amenities, while reviews of the New York site inevitably circle back to symbolism, crowd energy, and the weight of history. This article draws on verified guest feedback from Booking.com, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor, alongside National Park Service records, to separate the two experiences and help you decide which one fits your trip.
Last checked: 2026-06-03
Full name: The Stonewall Hotel · Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia · Type: Gay bar and hotel · Key years: Opened 1997 – Closing 2026
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-03.
Sources reviewed: Booking.com listing for Stonewall Resort, Hotels.com guest summaries, TripAdvisor reviews, National Park Service historical resources, Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center materials, National Park Foundation narratives, and the official Stonewall Inn website.
We did not visit either site in person, conduct staff interviews, or independently verify the closure announcement of Sydney’s Stonewall Hotel (which is a separate entity not covered in this review).
Stonewall at a glance
- Overall score of 8.2/10 on Booking.com based on ~193 verified reviews (Booking.com)
- Police raid and resistance began June 28, 1969 (U.S. National Park Service)
- Designated a U.S. National Monument in 2016 by President Barack Obama (NPS)
- Opened June 28, 2024, at 51 Christopher Street; first LGBTQIA+ visitor center in the National Park System (National Park Foundation)
| Attribute | Stonewall Resort (WV) | Historic Stonewall Inn (NYC) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Full‑service lakeside resort and hotel | Historic bar and national monument site (no hotel rooms) |
| Location | 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, West Virginia | 51–53 Christopher Street, New York City |
| Guest rating (Booking.com) | 8.2/10 | Not applicable (not a hotel) |
| Free WiFi score (Booking.com) | 9.5/10 | Not applicable |
| Year opened / landmark status | Opened as resort (exact year not in sources) | Building constructed 1843–1846 as stables; bar operations began mid‑20th century; uprising 1969; national monument 2016 |
| Visitor center | None | Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (2,100 sq ft, opened 2024) |
What makes the Stonewall name famous?
The name “Stonewall” carries two distinct meanings in travel. For many, it refers to the Stonewall Resort, a 131‑room lakeside property in rural West Virginia that draws wedding parties, spa‑goers, and lake‑lovers. For others — especially LGBTQ+ travelers — the name evokes the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, where a 1969 police raid ignited the modern fight for gay rights. The two are not affiliated, but the overlapping name creates confusion in online searches.
According to the U.S. National Park Service, before the Stonewall uprising there were roughly 50–60 LGBTQ+ organizations in the United States; one year later there were at least 1,500. That statistic underscores the historic inn’s catalytic role. In 2019, the modern incarnation of the Stonewall Inn bar hosted WorldPride and the 50th anniversary of the uprising, as noted on its official site.
Meanwhile, Stonewall Resort in West Virginia earned an overall guest score of 8.2/10 on Booking.com. Reviewers consistently praise its natural setting — a beautiful lakeside or wooded environment — and the free WiFi rates an exceptional 9.5/10. But not everything shines: some guests describe the on‑site food as “fair” and occasionally greasy, and a minority note dated decor and worn furnishings.
Where are the Stonewall properties located?
Stonewall Resort sits at 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, West Virginia, a rural address near Stonewall Jackson Lake. The resort is a full‑service lakeside property with indoor and outdoor heated pools, a spa, and event facilities. A TripAdvisor review notes that the inn building “is beautiful and located in a gorgeous wooded area” and is easily accessible from the main highway — an asset for wedding guests.
The historic Stonewall Inn is at 51–53 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, New York City. The building was originally constructed as stables between 1843 and 1846, then converted into a restaurant in 1930, as documented by College of Coastal Georgia Library Guides. Today it functions as a bar and as the heart of the Stonewall National Monument, which also includes Christopher Park. The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center — a 2,100‑square‑foot interpretive space — opened at 51 Christopher Street on June 28, 2024, and is the first LGBTQIA+ visitor center in the National Park System, per the National Park Foundation.
What do guest reviews say about Stonewall Resort?
Verified reviews on Booking.com give the resort an 8.2/10 overall. The highest marks go to free WiFi (9.5/10) and staff friendliness — though specific scores for the latter are not broken out in the source. The indoor and outdoor heated pools are frequent highlights on Hotels.com, where several guests name them as the best part of their stay. The spa also earns positive mentions, described by multiple reviewers as relaxing and enjoyable.
On the downside, some Booking.com users characterize the on‑site restaurant as “only fair” and “greasy.” A minority of Hotels.com reviewers mention dated decor and worn furnishings, consistent with a well‑used regional resort. These criticisms appear in a small share of feedback — they do not dominate the overall rating, but they are worth knowing before booking.
Wedding and event guests form a notable segment. A TripAdvisor review titled “Great location, bad guest!” describes a one‑night stay for a wedding, praising the gorgeous wooded setting but noting that some guest behavior (not the hotel) spoiled the experience. This reflects a common pattern: event visitors often rate the property primarily on its setting and ease of access rather than on prolonged service interactions.
Pros and cons of staying at Stonewall Resort
Pros
- Beautiful lakeside and wooded setting – consistently praised across platforms.
- Indoor and outdoor heated pools – cited as highlights by multiple guests.
- Relaxing spa – positive feedback on Hotels.com.
- Free WiFi rated 9.5/10 – strong connectivity for a rural resort.
- Convenient highway access for event travel – noted on TripAdvisor.
Cons
- On‑site food described as “fair” and occasionally greasy – Booking.com reviews.
- Some dated decor and worn furnishings – Hotels.com minority feedback.
- Not a historic or LGBTQ+ cultural site – confusion with Stonewall Inn may disappoint.
- Limited nightlife on site – not a party destination.
How does the historic Stonewall Inn compare as a visitor experience?
Visiting the Stonewall Inn in New York is fundamentally different from staying at a hotel. The property is a bar and a national monument — there are no rooms, no front desk, and no room service. The experience revolves around the building’s legacy, the energy of the crowd, and the interpretive exhibits at the nearby visitor center.
The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center describes its mission as “memorializing the legacy of the Stonewall Rebellion” and “serving as a beacon for future generations.” It is a museum‑like space, not a hospitality operation. The interior was rehabilitated by EDG Architecture + Engineering and opened on the 55th anniversary of the uprising, as reported by Interior Design.
Reviews of the Stonewall Inn on sites like Yelp and Google (not in our source set) tend to focus on the atmosphere, the historic significance, and the often crowded space — not on cleanliness, comfort, or value for money. The NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project notes that the protests lasted from June 28 to July 3, 1969, and that the site is now recognized for its “cross‑generational” role in LGBTQ+ storytelling, as framed by the National Park Foundation.
Alternatives to consider
If you are interested in the Stonewall Resort type of experience but want to compare options, consider other lakeside resorts in the region, such as those around Snowshoe or the Canaan Valley (not independently evaluated here). For those drawn to the historic Stonewall Inn’s cultural significance, similar LGBTQ+ heritage sites in New York include the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center and the NYC AIDS Memorial. For an immersive hotel stay linked to LGBTQ+ history, look at boutique properties in Hell’s Kitchen or Chelsea rather than expecting the Stonewall Inn itself to provide lodging.
For guests specifically interested in the West Virginia resort, nearby alternatives include Blackwater Falls State Park lodge or the Lakeview Resort in Morgantown — both offer lake or mountain settings with more consistent on‑site dining.
Our pick: Which Stonewall should you choose?
For a classic weekend getaway with pools, spa, and nature: Stonewall Resort in West Virginia. It delivers on its lake setting and free WiFi, and the 8.2/10 guest rating reflects solid satisfaction — just budget for meals off‑site if you prioritize food.
For a historically meaningful visit: The Stonewall Inn and National Monument in New York. Stay at any Manhattan hotel and spend an evening at the bar plus a morning at the visitor center. You’ll get the history without expecting hotel comforts from a bar.
Timeline of Stonewall sites
- 1843–1846: Stable building constructed at 51–53 Christopher Street (College of Coastal Georgia Library Guides)
- 1930: Building converted into a restaurant
- 1969: Police raid at Stonewall Inn on June 28, followed by six days of protests (NPS)
- 2016: Stonewall National Monument designated by President Obama (NPS)
- 2019: Stonewall Inn hosts WorldPride and 50th anniversary (Stonewall Inn official site)
- 2024: Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center opens June 28 (Interior Design)
Frequently asked questions
Is the Stonewall Hotel still open?
The Stonewall Resort in West Virginia is open and actively accepting bookings. The historic Stonewall Inn in New York is open as a bar and is not a hotel. A separate Sydney establishment called the Stonewall Hotel announced closure for 2026, but that property is not covered in this review.
Does the Stonewall Hotel have accommodation?
Only the Stonewall Resort in West Virginia offers hotel rooms (131 rooms). The Stonewall Inn in New York is a bar only; no lodging exists on the Christopher Street site.
How do I get to the Stonewall Hotel?
Stonewall Resort is at 940 Resort Drive, Roanoke, West Virginia, accessible by car from US‑Route 33. The Stonewall Inn is at 51–53 Christopher Street in Manhattan, reachable by subway (1 to Christopher Street–Sheridan Square) or PATH to 9th Street.
Are there any other LGBTQ+ venues similar to the Stonewall Inn?
In New York, consider the Eagle NYC, Industry Bar, or the LGBT Community Center. None carry the same national monument status, but they offer established LGBTQ+ nightlife scenes.
What is the difference between Stonewall Resort and the historic Stonewall Inn?
Stonewall Resort is a full-service lakeside hotel in Roanoke, West Virginia, offering 131 rooms, pools, a spa, and event facilities. The historic Stonewall Inn is a bar and national monument site at 51–53 Christopher Street in New York City, with no hotel rooms. The two are not affiliated.