WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV. – The Greenbrier Resort, one of West Virginia’s most iconic luxury destinations, is facing new financial pressure after more than $200 million in past-due loans tied to the property were sold to a company linked to TRT Holdings, the parent company of Omni Hotels & Resorts.
The resort is still owned and operated by the Justice family, led by West Virginia Senator and former governor Jim Justice. The Justices purchased the historic property out of bankruptcy in 2009 for roughly $20 million, making it a central piece of their business empire.
Records show the resort has carried millions in outstanding debt over the years, along with tax liens—government claims for unpaid taxes—and ongoing legal disputes. Some loans have become delinquent, meaning payments are overdue, and have accumulated significant interest.
Carter Bank & Trust of Martinsville, Virginia, previously held the loans. The sale to the Omni-linked company involves first-lien debt, a legal term that gives the lender priority in repayment if the borrower defaults. While TRT Holdings does not currently own the resort, it now has significant leverage over its financial future.
Omni Hotels also owns a nearby competitor, the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, less than an hour away. Omni Hotels confirmed the purchase of the Greenbrier’s debt was made as an investment, part of TRT Holdings’ broader portfolio strategy.
The Greenbrier has faced similar financial challenges before, including a near foreclosure in 2024. If the current debt is not resolved, TRT Holdings could seek repayment, push for a sale, or potentially take control of the property.
The resort is a major employer in the region, supporting thousands of jobs and driving tourism across West Virginia and neighboring communities in Virginia, including Alleghany County. While the resort would likely continue operations even in the event of foreclosure, a change in ownership could affect jobs, local businesses, and the regional economy.
For now, the Justice family remains in control, but the involvement of a new lender adds uncertainty to the resort’s financial future.