MARU, a Cozy Stay for Two in the Lodge of Karoo at Smith Mountain Lake

This was the perfect little place for us to retreat while visiting for Virginia for a conference. The laundry across the hall was a big perk for us.

I would give no stars to this place but the manager let us in an hour early which helped us out with evening obligations. Other than that do not book here. The room was not cleaned which is surprising considering I was charged a cleaning fee. I emailed because we had only received one towel and washcloth per person for the 3 night I was told that’s all they provide but we can wash them. Also, the AC unit was covered in dead bugs, there was hair in the tub, lipstick left on one of the coffee mugs, the small sample shampoos they leave had been previously used, the floors were sticky, hair inside the water tank of the coffee maker and poop in the toilet when we arrived. Also on our last night there the toilet would not flush and when we called he said oh housekeeping didn’t answer so I guess there is not a toilet plunger there someone will be out in a few HOURS! It finally went down on its own. You also only get hot water for like the first 60 seconds of the shower then it gets lukewarm at best. Just take my advice and don’t book here. The grounds need some TLC, I almost stepped on a sleeve of rusted nails and a screwdriver that were just laying on the ground by something they had taken apart and left there. The concept of this place is cool execution and care for the property are not!

We really didn’t know what we were getting into but this place is a beautiful gem on Smith Mountain Lake. All new, clean, serene. They have kayaks and standup paddle boards. We brought our own floats and did a lot of swimming. We went over to the state park and height, explored some of the historical markers in the area, and there’s plenty of biking and kayaking in Roanoke, which is only about 40 minutes away. The owners are very dedicated and friendly. We loved it and plan to go back.