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The Grove Park Inn is most definitely one of the premier destinations in the South East. My love affair with this landmark began in High School when our chorus traveled here to sing during the Christmas season. Every time I return I find something new to love, in every season one has an excuse to travel here.
The relatively new Spa area is worth the drive and company depending on who you know who can afford such luxury. The steam rooms with eucalyptus leaves and lavender cold cloths are heavenly. The mineral pool with falling water that massages your every care away. Not to mention, the pool complete with underwater soundtrack that makes you want to completely that last lap. The outdoor pool with jacuzzi jets is also a popular area. Want to make it an extra special trip? Go Club level available for under 175 a night complete with happy hours (full bar) and snacks. Most of the rooms have themes, there is a particularly large suite for people who want to make it a group occasion. Did I mention that Spa access is included at the club level? Did I also mention you get breakfast and dinner at the restaurant as well. It's a cool off peak getaway for lovers, buddies, friends or wealth challenged Yelpers who just want to check it out.
Like scary movies? Stay in the Historic Pink Section of the hotel, complete with creepy elevator. You can ask any of the staff about the Pink Lady and why she killed herself. It does get creepy in that wing at night.
The Christmas season is magical, maybe it's the tree's or decorations the lights.... Or MAYBE it the the Gingerbread House Competition. From the moment you enter those doors it's like you have been drop kicked by a gingerbread man. It's OK to cry, I do. The Spicy Gingerbread Christmas smell that everyone buys candles for instead of taking 30 mins to make, is very real there. And you know it is. And somehow it just makes it seem more like Christmas. That and you are in the mountains, with snow, and they dress up the whole town like it escaped from Hansel and Gretel-ville.
The other seasons are nice as well, Christmas there is really awesome, plus you can go to the Baltimore at night when it's all lit up with the gingerbread candles.
THINGS TO KNOW!
1. If you are used to late night snacking, bring some snacks. They shut down the dining areas early, unless you want the room service, which I don't think you do. Also even with the Club level happy hours it's only two hours but if your concierge likes you he might throw you an extra couple of beers. Otherwise bring your own. Before you check in.
2. The valet is EXTRA prompt so call them when you are really ready to leave.
3. The Spa has no smoking area except outside, be warned on the cold days.
4. Don't get pulled over in Ashville, take a car from the hotel or taxi.
5. Don't get pulled over REALLY! SERIOUSLY!
6. Take your ID everywhere, don't lose it or they won't let you drink. REALLY SERIOUSLY Even if you are 100.
7. It is a trek to get to the lobby from any room, so don't forget things in your car, or think you can run up to your room really quickly for anything. Not going to happen.
Meh. Not all it's cracked up to be. Sure it's historic, sure the staff was generally nice and helpful, but I just can't figure out how the huge price tag is justified.
My wife and I stayed here on a Friday, Saturday, and left on a Sunday. For some reason I expected this place to be kind of out in the wilderness, away from traffic and houses, it's not. Maybe I was under the impression because every exterior photo on their website shows the Inn surrounded by nothing but wilderness. My biggest gripe is the smell of cigarette everywhere. Sure the place is non smoking now, but after decades of smoking in the rooms and hallways, the smell is still there. We stayed in the older main section of the hotel and our room (especially the closet) reeked of smoke. Also, there was only one elevator (that I saw) to get to the 4th floor of the main building and it's employee operated. After 11 pm it was a very long wait to get someone to operate the elevator.
We both had a massage (the classic) and they couldn't accommodate the couples massage for us so we had to get separate massages. I've never had a professional massage, so I don't have anything to compare it to. But I would say it was OK/good. Not terrific/spectacular. Maybe I'm just not the massage type.
We ate there the entire weekend and being vegetarian, I'm not impressed. The selection for vegetarians isn't very large or creative. If you into good beer (non- bud / miller / coors) they've got just a few choices, which is surprising considering all the micro brewing going on in the area.
Overall it was just an OK experience. I won't be seeking this place as a destination getaway, but if I lived within an hour or two drive I might go back if there was a drastically reduced rate.
Oh yah, btw - you can tour F Scott Fitzgerald's two rooms on the 4th floor. Just don't expect much, they REMODELED it. The bathroom was updated just the same as the rest of the rooms. I'm sure Mr. Fitzgerald enjoyed watching the adult ppv titles on his TV too. ???
For our first holiday season living in Western NC, I thought I would surprise the hubby with a day of spa-ing (to bring out his inner metrosexual) and the GPI's famous Pre-Christmas boo-fay dinner. Since I had some time to kill before a meeting, I decided to go over and make the arrangements in person.
I pull up in my nice German yuppie-mobile, state what I am there for and am told to just park in the circle since I will not be long. So I go in, check out the impressive massive fireplace. I wander over to the desk near the entrance and again tell them I am there to make reservations. They tell me they cannot help me and send me over to the concierge who tells me I have to call to make any arrangements. I am sitting there and there is a phone on his desk. Would he please do it for me. No. I have to go to each place, the restaurant and the Spa. So I say OK fully intending to leave and keep going.
So I go out and head to my car when I am screamed at across the circle in front of other guests by the valet who accuses me of trying to steal my own car. Of course I give him The Look and get in and drive off never to return.
I am sure the evening would have been $$$ but I guess GPI is so in the black they can afford to turn away people who want to go and spend some $ for a nice evening. I never did go back and would certainly not suggest it to anyone after the way they treated me.
Expensive? Oh yes this place is.
Awesome? Oh definately.
Did you ever watch The Shining? The main hall by the check-in where the lounge is...........resembles that of the main lobby in the hotel in the Shining. The same can actually be said about the building exterior itself. It resembles the "Overlook Hotel" a litte and you can see the simliarities.
During Christmas time this place has an awesome set-up that you can tour for free and get to see some cool sculptures, art pieces etc.
This place has some cool history to it as well. "During World War II, the hotel was used first as an internment center for Axis diplomats and then was used by the Navy as a rest and rehabilitation center for returning soldiers. In 1944-45, the hotel was an Army Redistribution Station where soldiers rested and relaxed before being assigned to other duties. The Philippine Government functioned in exile from the Presidential Cottage on the grounds during the war." [Wikipedia via The Grove Park Inn Story, 1984]
Several Presidents of the United States have stayed here in the past as well as famous people of history: Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Woodrow Wilson (US Pres), John Rockefeller, William Howard Taft (US Pres), Franklin D Roosevelt (US Pres), Herbert Hoover (US Pres), Dwight Eisenhower (US Pres), Harry Houdini, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Billy Graham and Barack Obama (US Pres).
If you are checking out Asheville or live in Asheville and have never been, stop on by. You'll be impressed.
Rooms are very overpriced for what they actually are. Cool historic building, bit of a "Shining" feel to it. I was very interested in seeing the spa, which is allegedly ranked in the top 20. While very nice, didn't live up to the hype and was very expensive. I agree with the other comments on smoke, I am used to non-smoking rooms, restaurants and bars---they have ash trays on the deck and allow it still close to the building so you can't help but smell it everywhere. Views are breathtaking and restaurants were great. It was under renovation when I was there this week, didn't hear that noise but walls are super thin in the hotel and I could hear every conversation in the halls from my room.
i have been to the grove park 2 times. It is an excellent place. It is very relaxing. The staff is friendly and pleasant to interact with. The restaurants in the resort and all great. The Spa is out of this world.
I haven't played golf here but have used the exercise facilities and they were ok. The rooms are adequate but not overly luxurious. Truthfully, i spent most of my time at the spa and loved every ridiculously pampered second of it. This place is not cheap but it is a great destination to relax and recharge.
Try to stay in the original building, which was built in 1912. It's completely charming. Get a mountain view room - the views are stunning. I was there in the spring and the colors were unreal. I'd love to see it by fall.
Sitting in the rocking chairs by the the oversized fireplace in the evenings was a highlight.
Only complaint was that the sheets weren't super soft, but I'm pretty finicky about that.
Thanks to the views at this place, I sort of have a crush on Asheville.
The Grove Park Inn is a over hyped over priced place in my opinion .I stayed a couple of nights at nearly $400.00 per night in one of their suites was it worth it well ... no .Oh yes we got special treatment because, we where on the club floor lets see they called you by name when you got off the elevator . Any upscale place would do the same and this is the kicker you have your own happy hour of stale crackers cheap wine some not so expensive cheese and fruit that looked like a 3 rd grader sliced it . Now I know why it was so expensive... You pay $$$$ more just for the name and the HYPE
I live in the shadows of this place - across from a Dunkin Donuts, as it is. This is the castle on top of the hill. A friend stopped at my house and we decided to take a walk. We drove over to the Grove Park, parked by the golf course, and walked up to the hotel. Arabica B. got it right: posh, rambling, spooky... awesome.
We obviously were not staying the night, but wandered the halls; there are at least four restaurants within the hotel. Mind-blowing. This is after all where B. Obama stayed while he was in town campaigning! we had drinks at a bar overlooking my pedestrian little street and home a few miles away; you can see the BB and T building on the southern horizon, as well as the battery park apartments.
Cool place, I'll perhaps come back after seeing the Biltmore for the first time!
Oh, right, we payed six bucks each for the beer. it was worth it!
This hotel is very nice, with comfortable guest rooms, good restaurants, good golf, and beautiful views, but there is some hype about it. the rooms aren't overly luxurious, and the service isn't as "all-inclusive" and "friendly" as the resort claims it to be. Overall, however, the place is pretty nice.
On a side note, this place is allegedly haunted by a woman's ghost, so happy hunting to all you guys who love the paranormal.
The Grove Park Inn is like one of those places you think of in the middle of a busy day, or a traffic jam, or in security at the airport.. and take solace in the simple existence of. Its a classic and elegant hotel, with old world charm and a near maze-like unfolding of grounds, spa, trees and elevators serviced by actual operators in brimmed hats. I've just returned from a professional meeting there, which I attend once a year, as much as anything to relish in the "rocking chair" pace of North Carolina. Can't say I was disappointed. The service can lack a little mojo-- sweet as all get-up, but a little short of swift. Maybe that's more a reflection on my Bay Area impatience than anything else... I loved all the seafood I had in the various restaurants, especially the Maine lobster tail upon my salad. I notice they have a swing dance weekend with multiple big bands in January; might just be worth the trip to dance out under a moon, sleep hard on cosy beds with plump pillows and soak in the eucalyptus steam and lavendar towels of the spa... Plus, surely they will have some scallops on offer that I won't begin to resist :).
FOUR star hotel resort for this small town in the mountains valley. A must see place while in Asheville,you can for sure find less expensive places with less history,this place is full of history and style.
Drove up the hill to check this place out on Saturday night. Our destination was Elaine's, the bar with the dueling pianos. It was so fun! We got there about 9:15, and it was good that we got there when we did, because soon after, there was standing room only. OK, so I am kindof a dork...I mean, I like musicals and will sometimes listen to B98.5 (soft rock) if there is nothing on other radio stations, and yeah, I can sing along to most everything. So this place was right up my alley! I would say the crowd started out very baby boomer age, but younger folks trickled in as the evening wore on. 3 talented guys took turns playing the pianos and singing and they were all very talented. Anyone can make requests...just drop a slip of paper on the bar with the cash and they will probably get to it if they know it. I requested Hey Ya (Outkast, duh) and they belted it out...although it was almost Weird Al polka style. The older croud wasn't too into that one, but I was excited! They have a pretty good drink menu there, but you won't be able to get much for less than 8 bucks. I had a good cocktail called Mustang Sally, which was $12 and barely alcoholic, but tasty nonetheless.
After Elaine's, we wandered around and looked in the spa area, which is really cool, like a grotto. There is a patio outside of it, with an amazing waterfall. The old historic part of the inn is lovely, but the wings with most of the rooms are really looking dated these days. After our date, we headed back to our Holiday Inn, since this place is hella expensive to stay at!
Andy McDowell got engaged at Grove Park....we'll then she got divorced, but who cares.
Anyway, Grove Park is a classy joint located in the mountains of Asheville. They have 510 rooms, three restaurants, a spa, a golf course and one rockin' bar.
The rooms are kinda expensive. $220-675 a night. Sell you're first born and stay there.
http://www.groveparkin...
I couldn't stay here because it is pretty pricey. However, even the average folk can come and visit and mingle with the big time! I have to say it was well worth my time. I had a few drinks at the bar over looking the mountains and thought to myself that "it doesn't get any better than this!" This hotel, resort, and restaurant(s) is/are truly amazing!!!
Pretty excellent splurge getaway for Atlantans or Charlottians (is that what you all are?). As Asheville has grown up around this place it's sortof got a strange suburban feel when you approach, but once you're "on the grounds" it's Old School resort all the way.
I'm a big whore for Arts-and-Crafts architecture and furniture, so the atmosphere of the old part of the hotel sends me into spasms of delight. I swear that the whiskey served at the gi-nor-mous lobby bar tastes better than any other... especially by the roaring fire and with the insane vistas out the window or from the patio.
I'm sure the website will outline all the spa and golf amenities, but you can do those sort of things at most any resort. I think the GPI is cool if your idea of fun is to drop some coin (or score the occasional special weekend deal) and walk around pretending your a railroad, lumber or mining baron pillaging the Southern Appalachians without actually ruining anyone's life. I'm weird like that.
I adore the Grove Park Inn..infact, I cannot wait to return there.
I lived pretty close to the GP inn and my grandmother owned the chocolate shop inside of it. My mom got married here and I cant begin to tell you what type of wedding it was, but definitely to die for.
my step-dad, a professional golf pro/instructor raved about the golf course here.
Food?? 100%%%%%%%%%off the charts hands down, i mean it.
You want fresh gourmet?? it's here.
The views at this Inn are almost spiritual, you will certainly feel one with nature here. let's not forget the Blue ridge mountains that surround you as well!
How PURELY romantic!!! (sigh)
Well no surprise a gem in the Mountains, as always totally over priced.. Staying on club level for about 800.00 per night is way to much for what they offer.. the evening cocktails hour consisted of boxed quiche, smoked salmon and stale crackers. The attendant working on club need to go back to etiquette school , But for the area that all you can hire, I have been to the GPI about 25 times and only have been on club twice. The rooms are spacious - gas fireplace, large hot tub, wrap around couch and very comfy bed. if you have an couple of thousand to blow visit the Grove Park Inn & Spa... But bring you own food, the chef need to go back to cooking school.. P.S the spa needs to have a good scrub down,,
As all the other reviews mention, this is a great place to stay! I highly recommend springing for the Club Floor rooms. They are a bit pricey, but they are well appointed and come with a great concierge and lounge as well! Not to mention you get complete spa access for the duration of your stay :) The spa pools are fantastic and the fact that you never have to step foot outside is great in the winter months. The views are fantastic, particularly at sunset from the huge rocking chairs on the outside terrace. We had an amazing time at the Grove Park Inn, and will happily return.
What a beautiful, interesting inn. We felt majestic as we pulled up to the front of the inn, and I saw the huge porch and rocking chairs. I mused on how this place was built, stone by stone. We spent time in front of the HUGE fireplace (10x6?) sipping prefectly mixed cocktails and listening to the house jazz band. Outside the sun was setting and the terrace was full of diners, despite the fall chill. The place was full of energy and reminded me of a bygone era.
For dinner, my family and I ate at the Blue Ridge restaurant, which had impeccable service, but only mediocre food. I had the Rainbow trout, which was a tad overcooked and served with uninspired green beans and good horseradish mashed potatoes.
All in all, it was an experience to remember. I would love to stay the night here and try out the spa sometime!
Rambling, posh, historic, spooky. When you pull up the circular drive to the Grove Park Inn, you will feel like a character from a romance novel. It's truly beautiful, especially when the flowers are in bloom. In the lobby, or "Great Hall" you will be met with a sea of tourists relaxing in comfy chairs and sipping too-expensive cocktails in front of the larger-than-life fireplaces. Don't stop, though. Proceed directly through the Great Hall and out the opposite doors for one of the most breathtaking views in Asheville. And, later, be sure to come back for a scrumptious dinner on that patio. You may be fortunate enough to get the waiter I had, who executed his duties with every bit of the flair of a Hollywood actor. Once you've settled in to your room, which you will notice isn't worth what you paid for it, it's time to explore the grounds. You may want to stroll the hallways, taking in the original arts-and-crafts furniture. Or maybe you'll look for celebrities, but will see only middle-aged, goofily-dressed vacationers doing the same thing. If you do venture down the hallways, take a good map or GPS device. This inn is full of staircases, hidden entryways, and mysterious tunnels and has undergone more cosmetic surgery than some of its famous guests. It's a bewildering hodge-podge of century-old stone walls with 80's-era renovations and parking garages just kinda...well...patched on. The hallways are long, eerily deserted even when rooms are at capacity, and way too reminiscent of The Shining to be comfortable. One day I came around a corner and startled a nice lady so much that she shrieked in fright. She said she had been thinking of the two little girls and the elevator of blood! If linking the inn to this movie excites you, then be sure to book room 545 in the oldest part of the building. This room is famously haunted by "The Pink Lady", who is especially fond of teasing men, but will also mess with women and play with children. My own mother-in-law got a taste of this haunting when she unknowingly stayed in The Pink Lady's room. For more ghoulish times, head down to Elaine's, a bar reputed among employees to be THE most haunted spot in the inn. Don't miss the spa, which is also haunted in its own right. It is seriously stunning beyond anything the pictures portray. And it doesn't do any good to just go down to the spa lobby and poke around. They won't let you tour the facilities, only peek lamely through a tiny window to get a glimpse of what your cheap butt is missing. Go on inside and enjoy the dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge, twin hot waterfalls, lap pool, mineral pool with underwater music, and large outdoor hot tub with kickin' jets. Take out a second mortgage and order a healthy lunch or glass of wine from the roving servers. A tip: compare the cost of a spa day pass with the cost of the cheapest treatment, and if there isn't much difference, then go for the treatment. An all-day spa pass is included with it, so you're getting more for your money. Another tip: you will be charged a "service fee" of 20% on top of the cost of your treatment and may believe that it's a tip for your concierge and therapist. It is not, so leave a tip if your service was excellent. Note that on the weekends the spa is not open to those who are not hotel guests. If you are a free spirit, you may feel stifled and uncomfortable at the Grove Park if you forget to pack your sense of humor. The place is as stiff and formal as the British Royal Guards. But such stuffiness is the stuff of which irreverent, shake-up-the-establishment comedies are made, so maybe you can find a way to have some fun after all.
A really cool place to spend...
ecspecially during Christmas, even though though it's really crowded,
they have awesome ginger bread houses, & views.
It's really expensive, so I wouldn't stay there for the night .. unless
you're the type who loves to spend money & has the money to spend!
The Blue Ridge Dining Room, I would not reccomend though..
It does not have the greatest of food selection..
Though the Sunset Terrace is really good!!
I've never been to the spa, but I heard it's really cool!
Want to spend some money? This is the place. It is really, really expensive. However, we did eat at the most expensive of the three or four options available there, Horizons. Probably should have chosen the Sunset Terrace but we were there during the September passage of a downgraded Hurricane and the Terrace didn't seem appropriate. Anyway, I here they are all good, including the Blue Ridge. Wow, what a lobby. Time travel immediately back to the Middle Ages - in a good way! The place is stunningly beautiful. The best thing about it was the Spa. We were there on our anniversary so I had purchased a Spa package for my better half. I decided to do the outdoor jacuzzi. While she was being pampered I sat in the jacuzzi during a tropical downpour and felt like Lieutenant Dan in Forest Gump during that hurricane. The outdoor Spa facilities overlook the mountains and you feel as though you are suspended in space. Entering the Spa and the Spa itself is an experience. It is designed like rock tunnels in the mountain. Really a great experience but an experience I will not have often due to the cost.
Asheville, NC
Category: Hotels
Asheville, NC
Category: Hotels
Asheville, NC
Category: Bed & Breakfast
Asheville, NC
Category: Hotels & Travel
Asheville, NC
Category: Bed & Breakfast
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