Welcome to the ultimate guide to the hotel where the iconic movie Dirty Dancing was filmed!
Are you a fan of the movie and want to relive the magic of the summer of 1963? Or are you just curious about the history behind the film’s stunning location?
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the real-life Kellerman’s Resort, now known as Mountain Lake Lodge, where Dirty Dancing was filmed.
We’ve got all the details on the hotel’s history, its current status, and how you can experience the magic of this iconic film location for yourself.
The History of Kellerman’s Resort
Kellerman’s Resort is a historic hotel located in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It is most famous for being the primary filming location for the classic movie, Dirty Dancing. The hotel was originally built in the 1920s as a retreat for wealthy families from the Northeast. The resort was a popular vacation spot throughout the 1940s and 1950s, but by the 1960s it had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being shut down.
It wasn’t until the early 1980s that Kellerman’s Resort was revived and became a popular vacation spot once again. In 1986, the hotel was chosen as the primary filming location for the movie Dirty Dancing. The hotel’s grand ballroom, where many of the movie’s iconic scenes take place, was transformed into the Kellerman’s Resort dance hall.
Interestingly, the story of Dirty Dancing was partially inspired by the experiences of screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein. Bergstein’s own family had vacationed at a resort in the Catskill Mountains during the 1960s, and she drew on these experiences to create the characters and storyline for the movie. While Kellerman’s Resort is not the exact location where Bergstein stayed, the hotel’s history and atmosphere were a perfect fit for the movie’s setting.
The Filming Process
When Dirty Dancing was filmed in 1987, the filmmakers were faced with a number of challenges during production. The movie was shot at the Mountain Lake Hotel in Virginia, and the crew had to work around the hotel’s guests and staff while filming. This required careful planning and coordination to make sure that everyone was able to work together effectively.
One of the biggest challenges was the fact that the hotel was not equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, which made it difficult to keep the cast and crew comfortable during the hot summer months. In addition, there were also issues with soundproofing and lighting, which required the crew to get creative with their setups.
Despite these challenges, the filmmakers were able to successfully capture the magic of Dirty Dancing on film. The movie’s iconic dance scenes were filmed in the hotel’s ballroom, which was transformed into a movie set for the duration of the shoot. The hotel’s stunning scenery also provided the perfect backdrop for the movie’s romantic storyline.
It is worth mentioning that the cast and crew also faced some personal challenges during production. Patrick Swayze, who played the male lead in the movie, had to undergo intense physical training to prepare for his role as a dance instructor. Jennifer Grey, who played the female lead, also had to learn how to dance for the film, which was a new experience for her.
All in all, the filming process for Dirty Dancing was a complex and challenging undertaking, but the filmmakers were able to overcome these obstacles and create a movie that has stood the test of time.
The Hotel Today
Mountain Lake Lodge, located in Pembroke, Virginia, was the site of the filming of the iconic movie Dirty Dancing. Since the movie was filmed, the hotel has undergone a number of changes, both big and small.
One of the biggest changes was the addition of a new wing of rooms in 2006, bringing the total number of rooms to 160. Additionally, the hotel has undergone numerous renovations and updates to keep up with modern standards while still maintaining its historic charm.
Despite these changes, visitors to the hotel can still experience the same breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the same beautiful lake that were featured in the movie.
Mountain Lake Lodge offers a wide variety of amenities and activities to its guests. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Harvest, which offers farm-to-table cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, there are several bars and lounges on the property, including the rustic Chestnut Pub, which features a fireplace and live music on weekends.
For those looking to stay active during their visit, the hotel has a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and tennis.
If you’re planning a trip to Mountain Lake Lodge, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the hotel is only open from late March through November, so plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, it’s worth noting that there is no cell phone service at the hotel, so be prepared to unplug and unwind during your stay.
Finally, if you’re a fan of Dirty Dancing, be sure to take advantage of the hotel’s Dirty Dancing-themed weekends, which include dance lessons, movie screenings, and other fun activities.
Comparison with other hotels in the area
| Hotel | Mountain views | Lake access | On-site restaurant | Indoor pool | Outdoor activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Lake Lodge | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Hiking, fishing, tennis |
| The Omni Homestead Resort | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Golf, spa, horseback riding |
| The Greenbrier | No | No | Yes | Yes | Golf, spa, casino |
If you’re looking for a hotel in the Pembroke area that offers mountain views and lake access, Mountain Lake Lodge is a great choice. While other hotels in the area offer similar amenities, such as on-site restaurants and indoor pools, only Mountain Lake Lodge can offer the same picturesque setting that was featured in Dirty Dancing.
Statistical information about hotel occupancy
According to Statista, the global hotel occupancy rate was 66.2% in 2019. While specific data for Mountain Lake Lodge is not available, it’s worth noting that the hotel is only open for a portion of the year and may have different occupancy patterns compared to year-round hotels.
Experiencing the Magic of Dirty Dancing
If you are a fan of the movie Dirty Dancing, you may have dreamed of visiting the location where the film was shot. The good news is that you can make your dream come true by visiting the Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia. The lodge was the primary filming location for the movie, and it still retains the charm and magic of the film.
The Best Ways to Immerse Yourself in the World of the Movie
There are several ways to immerse yourself in the world of Dirty Dancing at the Mountain Lake Lodge. The first thing to do is to take a tour of the filming locations around the property. You can visit the gazebo where Baby and Johnny practiced their dance routines, and you can see the cabins where the cast stayed during filming.
- Take a tour of the filming locations around the property.
- Participate in dance lessons that teach you the moves from the movie.
- Watch the movie on the grounds of the hotel during movie nights.
Activities and Events that Take Place at the Hotel
The Mountain Lake Lodge offers a range of activities and events that cater to Dirty Dancing fans. One of the most popular events is the Dirty Dancing Festival, which takes place every August. During the festival, visitors can participate in dance lessons, enjoy live music, and watch performances inspired by the movie.
Additionally, the hotel offers regular dance lessons that teach visitors the iconic moves from the movie. You can also enjoy a game of volleyball on the courts where Baby and Johnny played in the film.
Testimonials from Fans who have Visited the Location
Many fans of Dirty Dancing have visited the Mountain Lake Lodge and have shared their experiences online. Some visitors have commented on the beauty of the location, while others have raved about the friendly and helpful staff. Many visitors have also mentioned the attention to detail that the hotel has put into creating a Dirty Dancing experience for fans.
| Name | Review |
|---|---|
| Emily | “Visiting the Mountain Lake Lodge was a dream come true for a Dirty Dancing fan like me. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the location was breathtaking.” |
| David | “I was blown away by the attention to detail that the hotel has put into creating a Dirty Dancing experience. The dance lessons were so much fun, and I loved being able to visit the locations where the movie was filmed.” |
| Jessica | “The Dirty Dancing Festival was amazing! The live music was fantastic, and I loved being surrounded by other fans of the movie. I can’t wait to come back next year!” |
Conclusion
We hope this guide has inspired you to plan a trip to the hotel where Dirty Dancing was filmed.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movie or simply looking for a unique and beautiful vacation destination, Mountain Lake Lodge is the perfect place to escape.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of the summer of 1963 at Kellerman’s Resort – book your stay today!
