Did you know the Asylum has a hotel? It’s called The Escape and is self-described as your “home away from home.” Owners Paula Marie Thomas and Colin Rose say they aim to make your visit to Lewisburg as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. They officially opened the Escape in June 2017, and guests are returning year after year. There are 8 rooms and the average cost per night is $130-$150. There are two ground-floor rooms which are handicap accessible. The remaining 6 rooms upstairs sleep 3-4 people. This hotel is also conveniently located downtown, making it a short walk from restaurants, bars, shopping, theatres, and the North House Museum.

“I travel a lot in West Virginia and if I’m in this area I like staying in Lewisburg. A few months ago, I stumbled upon this place and am so glad I did. The location is in the middle of town so everything is within walking distance. The room on the second floor was large, very clean and comfortable. The bathroom was also very clean with high-quality towels and washcloths. I will stay here again.” – @ajayhawkfan on tripadvisor. January 2021

Paula tells us that the space has been extremely popular during Covid. She says, “Who knew four years ago this would have been preferred!!! Our rooms are spacious and have kitchenettes. The showers were beautifully done by my dad, Paul Thomas. And who knows in the future another escape hotel may be popping up.” She goes onto say that while there’s been great success with booking rooms, she and the team are ready to get back into the swing of normalcy.

Est. in 2014, the Asylum has become a destination for folks seeking good food, a cool lounge, outdoor dining on a lower and upper deck, an active sports bar, and friendly staff. This month, they are GIVING AWAY LUNCH FOR 2! We call this the “Papa Smurf Challenge” Find Papa Smurf hidden inside this issue. Email us at info@christinae6.sg-host.com and tell us where you find him. You will be entered into this raffle!

Soon, the Asylum will host live music again on the weekends. Most recently, they have been showcasing some delicious steaks from Mountaineer Steer Company. Paula says, “We are getting a lot of positive feedback on the steaks and the quality of them. It feels great to buy local!” The steaks are weekend specials and sell out fast! They also offer specialty burgers of the week prepared by Chef Ethan Thomas and which are inspired by Paula and Colin’s travels. While dining out at various bars and restaurants and seeing different variations, they wanted to deliver a new creation for burger-loving patrons each week.

The Asylum and Escape are located at 399 Randolph Street, E. The Asylum is open every day from 11a-11p. You can order your food any night of the week at 10:59p and be served. BONUS: If the power goes out in town or if there is a local water issue, the Asylum will keep the doors open using their generator and water pump. Follow them for weekly/daily specials @asylumlewisburg on facebook.

To book a room at the Escape, call Paula at 304-667-2213 or visit Expedia, booking.com, hotels.com, etc. The front door of the hotel is coded with a keypad and all rooms have keypads as well.

– Hashtag Lewisburg City Paper. #130. April 2021.

Also see: Good Eats: Burger of the Week at The Asylum!