The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa – Asheville

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what hits you first at the Grove Park Inn? It’s not the lobby – though that massive stone fireplace is pretty spectacular – it’s actually the drive up Macon Avenue. The whole approach feels like you’re winding through some secret mountain estate, which I guess you sort of are. This place has been perched on the side of Sunset Mountain since 1913, and honestly, they picked the spot perfectly.

The hotel itself is this gorgeous Arts and Crafts behemoth that somehow manages to feel both grand and cozy at the same time. I mean, the main lobby stretches on forever with these enormous stone pillars and enough rustic furniture to outfit a small village, but there’s something about the way the light filters through those massive windows that makes it feel intimate. The elevators are tiny and creaky – part of the charm, really – and you’ll want to give yourself extra time getting around because the layout can be a bit maze-like until you get your bearings. Pro tip: if you’re staying in the Sammons Wing, you’re looking at quite a hike to the main lobby, but the rooms are newer and the mountain views are absolutely worth it.

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve managed to modernize without losing that historic soul. The spa is genuinely fantastic (that subterranean grotto pool is unlike anything else you’ll find in North Carolina), and the golf course – well, it’s challenging enough that you’ll either love it or want to throw your clubs into the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurants are solid, though honestly, you’re so close to downtown Asheville that it’d be a shame not to explore a bit. The Grove Park is maybe fifteen minutes from all the breweries and restaurants on Patton Avenue, and the drive down gives you some beautiful glimpses of the French Broad River valley. Parking at the hotel is valet-only, which runs about $25 a night – not terrible for a resort, but worth factoring in.

Here’s the thing about staying here: it really depends on what you’re after. If you want that classic mountain resort experience with all the bells and whistles, this delivers in spades. The staff genuinely seems to care (check-in was smooth even during what was clearly a busy weekend), the grounds are impeccably maintained, and there’s enough on-site to keep you busy for days. But if you’re more about exploring Asheville itself, you might find yourself spending a lot for amenities you won’t use much. The rates can be pretty steep, especially during fall foliage season – which, fair enough, because those October views are absolutely stunning. Just know that you’re paying for the full resort experience, and at an 8.8 rating, most people seem to think it’s worth every penny.