There may be no more iconic hotel in Asheville, North Carolina than the Grove Park Inn. Its trademark stone facade has entertained generations of guests. Opened in 1913, the hotel has been host to the likes of Williams Jennings Bryan, Dwight Eisenhower, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Today, the hotel is a property of the Omni hotel group and is a member of the Southern Living Hotel Collection, which represents the best accommodation in the South. It’s also one of the Historic Hotels of America.
I’ve stayed in Omni hotels before in Atlanta and expected the same level of perfection from this longtime AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotel. Guests enter on the 8th-floor lobby and the terraced style hotel leads guests through a shopping arcade to the dining areas and access to rooms. It’s a popular hangout, even for locals, as there’s live music on weekends.
Rooms at the Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn has a number of different room types for every budget. The classic rooms are located in the historic part of the inn, right above reception and accessible using an elevator built into the stone fireplace.
The resort view rooms, which I stayed in, are located in the wings on both sides of the historic inn and offer views of the sprawling grounds. And the mountain view rooms, of course, have views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. Rooms can also come in king, queen, double and accessible styles.
Within the rooms, you’ll find plush bathrobes, shampoos, and other bath products, and a spacious shower. Beds include reading lights and plenty of space to plug in your electronics. WiFi is available for free to Select Guest members, which is free to sign up. Rooms also include televisions, mini-fridges, and coffee makers.
Dining at Grove Park Inn
Within the hotel, you’ll find a number of shops and restaurants, including Edison Craft Ales + Kitchen and Vue 1913. The Sunset Terrace is by far the best place for an afternoon cocktail as the sky changes color. Blue Ridge is a farm-to-table restaurant.
There’s also a cafe at the spa, the Cabana Grill and Bar by the pool, Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar, the Presidents Lounge wine bar, and the Great Hall bar.
The Spa at the Grove Park Inn
The Spa at the Grove Park Inn boasts 43,000 square feet of amenities and treatment rooms. From the Sammons Wing of the hotel, the elevator brings you to the subterranean oasis. After checking in men are ushered into one relaxation space and women shift into another.
Complimentary lockers hold your electronics as they are not allowed within the spa. The amazing variety of amenities has forced the spa to reduce day passes to overnight guests and reservations on the weekends.
The outdoor pool allows for a bit of sun and Spa Cafe service. What sets the Grove Park Spa apart from others is its attraction to a variety of visitors. This is achieved through unique and varied amenities.
Special Events at Grove Park Inn
The holiday season is the most popular time to visit the Grove Park Inn, as the National Gingerbread House Competition, which I mentioned earlier, is free and open to the public.
The entries are on display from November to January. It’s a common sight to check out the gingerbread creations, which you will be surprised to learn are edible, and grab a hot toddy at the lobby bar. Grab a seat by the fire and listen to jazz.
Tips for Visiting the Grove Park Inn
The Grove Park Inn is located at 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28804. To book a reservation, see their website or call (800) 438-5800. Rates start at $250 per night. Parking is an additional fee.
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Sammi Eubanks contributed to the updating of this post and supplied images after a press trip with Hawkins International Public Relations.
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