Guide to the Dirty Dancing Hotel: Location, History & How to Stay

For decades, travelers have wondered whether the resort in Dirty Dancing exists beyond the screen. It does—Mountain Lake Lodge in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia serves as the real-life backdrop for Kellerman’s, and the lodge actively markets itself as “the original Kellerman’s Resort.” This guide separates fact from branding, drawing on the lodge’s own materials, booking platforms, and first-hand accounts to help you plan a realistic visit.

Last checked: 2026-07-07

Hotel Name: Mountain Lake Lodge (filmed as Kellerman’s Resort) · Location: Pembroke, Virginia, USA · Film Role: Primary filming location for Dirty Dancing (1987) · Current Status: Open for guests, offers themed packages

Where is the hotel in Dirty Dancing?

Mountain Lake Lodge sits at 115 Hotel Circle in Pembroke, Virginia, about 6.1 miles from the town center (KAYAK). The lodge is set in the Allegheny Mountains, roughly an hour’s drive from Roanoke Regional Airport (Travelocity).

The property is not on a lake — the iconic water scenes were shot at Lake Lure in North Carolina. This means the “lake” experience visitors expect from the film is not part of the actual lodge grounds.

What resort was used in the filming of Dirty Dancing?

Mountain Lake Lodge served as the primary resort filming location for Kellerman’s. The lodge states: “Yes, even the famous ‘lift’ scene was filmed on our grounds!” (Mountain Lake Lodge official site).

Mountain Lake Lodge as Kellerman’s

The interior and exterior resort scenes — the main lodge building, the dining hall, the staff quarters — were all shot here. The lodge’s events page invites guests to “Step into the world of Dirty Dancing at Mountain Lake Lodge, the original Kellerman’s Resort!” (Mountain Lake Lodge events page).

Lake Lure for lake scenes

Third-party accounts note that the lake scenes — including Baby and Johnny practicing the lift in the water — were shot at Lake Lure, North Carolina, roughly 160 miles away (House of Kerrs). The lodge does not mention Lake Lure in its marketing, so the split geography can be a surprise for first-time visitors.

Does the resort from Dirty Dancing still exist?

Yes — Mountain Lake Lodge remains open and operational. It has been continuously serving guests since the 1987 film. In 2022, the property hosted the reality show The Real Dirty Dancing, bringing renewed attention (Mountain Lake Lodge events page).

A travel review describes the atmosphere as “a cozy, camp-meets-cabin feel” with big porches, wooden beams, and sweeping mountain views (Get Lost in the USA). The lodge has not undergone major structural changes, though it has added modern amenities such as two outdoor pools and organized nature programs.

How much is it to stay at the Dirty Dancing resort?

Exact published room rates are not available from the lodge’s own site in the research provided. However, third-party booking data gives a sense of the price floor. A sample one-night stay for two adults on March 29, 2026 started at $231 including taxes and fees, according to Travelocity. An additional resort fee of USD 25 per night is added, as reported by the same source.

Pricing bands

Based on the Travelocity snapshot, a standard lodge room likely falls in the $200–$300 per night range (before resort fee). Cabins and cottages may cost more. The lodge offers two main themed packages: the Dirty Dancing Themed Weekend Package (dance parties, trivia, costume contest) and the Kellerman’s Film Package (welcome cocktail, movie screening, scavenger hunt) (Mountain Lake Lodge Dirty Dancing package; Kellerman’s Film Package). These packages include multiple meals and activities, making them a bundled value proposition.

Pros and cons of staying at the real Kellerman’s

Best for: who should book Mountain Lake Lodge?

• Film fans — the core audience; the lodge leans heavily into the Dirty Dancing identity
• Couples — romantic mountain setting with dance classes and sunset walks
• Dance enthusiasts — the themed weekends include group dance lessons and a costume party
• Wedding planners — the resort can host weddings with a nostalgic film vibe

Alternative: Lake Lure, North Carolina

For travelers who specifically want the lake experience seen in the film, Lake Lure offers lodging near the actual lake filming location. While not the resort itself, the area provides lakefront views and hiking. Mountain Lake Lodge remains the only property that can claim the interior Kellerman’s setting, so the choice depends on whether the building or the lake matters more to you.

Sample itinerary: a weekend at Kellerman’s

• Day 1: Check-in at 4:00 PM. Settle into a lodge room. Attend the welcome cocktail (Kellerman’s Package) or orientation. Evening film screening.
• Day 2: Morning nature hike with a guide. Afternoon scavenger hunt or dance lesson. Evening themed dinner and Dirty Dancing trivia.
• Day 3: Breakfast, photo session on the iconic lawn, check-out by 11:00 AM.

This structure fits a typical weekend package. The lodge’s official site offers specific schedules for each themed weekend.