Inn on Biltmore or Grove Park Inn?
Mar 11th, 2003, 11:21 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Inn on Biltmore or Grove Park Inn?
My husband and I plan to take our first vacation with our 13-month-old daughter the first week of April and were thinking of Asheville, NC. It's a scary, yet exciting prospect (traveling with her!) and we want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Which inn should we choose? And any advice on traveling with a baby would be helpful!
Mar 11th, 2003, 12:16 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Being a local, I haven't stayed at either place. I have visited the Grove Park Inn many times. They have a reputation of treating their guests like royality. It is just north of Asheville, so it is convenient to other attractions.
There are other reports on this site about the Inn at Biltmore, if you want to search for them.
As for the 13 month old, congratulations. From my experience (as an uncle), they only require food, sleep, and diapers
.I think you'll have a good time at either place.
Mike Honeycutt
Mar 11th, 2003, 08:43 PM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just really depends on whether you want something new or something old. The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is quit historic, dating from the 1910's, although you can stay in the new wings there if you'd like.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate is only a few years old.
Both are 4-star properties (according to AAA). The GPI probably has better views, including a view from the terrace of the Asheville skyline, while the Inn on Biltmore Estate (IBE?) features views of the rolling hills and woodlands of the estate. Both feature restaurants, although the Inn on Biltmore Estate is close to the other dining choices on the estate. The GPI is a little closer to downtown, I'd think, which means it would be closer to the dining choices there.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate is surrounded by woods and green fields, while the GPI is surrounded by posh historic neighborhoods, and has a haunted mansion -- the Battle Mansion, whose lady in lavender has been seen once or twice walking with the GPI's spectral lady in pink -- for a neighbor.
I guess overall, it just depends on your personal preference. I think both choices are stellar. If I could, I'd stay a couple of days at one, then spend a couple of days at the other. Of course, that's not practical when you're hauling around several metric tons of baby supplies in addition to your luggage. ;-)
The Inn on Biltmore Estate is only a few years old.
Both are 4-star properties (according to AAA). The GPI probably has better views, including a view from the terrace of the Asheville skyline, while the Inn on Biltmore Estate (IBE?) features views of the rolling hills and woodlands of the estate. Both feature restaurants, although the Inn on Biltmore Estate is close to the other dining choices on the estate. The GPI is a little closer to downtown, I'd think, which means it would be closer to the dining choices there.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate is surrounded by woods and green fields, while the GPI is surrounded by posh historic neighborhoods, and has a haunted mansion -- the Battle Mansion, whose lady in lavender has been seen once or twice walking with the GPI's spectral lady in pink -- for a neighbor.
I guess overall, it just depends on your personal preference. I think both choices are stellar. If I could, I'd stay a couple of days at one, then spend a couple of days at the other. Of course, that's not practical when you're hauling around several metric tons of baby supplies in addition to your luggage. ;-)
Mar 12th, 2003, 09:35 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The voice of experience is always best, GoTravel. As a resident of the area, I've never had reason to stay at either one, though I've toured them both. I thought they were both wonderful, but then again, I wasn't sleeping there.
Mar 13th, 2003, 07:20 PM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to recommend the Inn on Biltmore Estate more highly than Grove Park, and I've stayed at both twice.
Biltmore is smaller and quieter, whereas Grove Park is much bigger and seems to cater to a lot of conventioneers. Grove Park is older--much older--and I think it shows its age unfavorably in places. The Inn on Biltmore Estate is only two years old.
Both are rated highly by AAA (four diamonds), although the Inn on Biltmore Estate is rated four stars by Mobil. The food at both places is good. And while both do have great mountain views, I think the chances of getting a room with one of those views is better at Biltmore.
Grove Park does have the spa and some very solid sports facilities and a pretty decent golf course. Biltmore has the solitude and scenery of the estate, and outdoor activities. I do think the service at Biltmore was more personally attentive, possibly because of its smaller size. Both are not far from downtown Asheville and its shops and restaurants (I'd say 15 minutes for Biltmore, 10 minutes for Grove Park).
In short, it probably depends upon what you are looking for. Asheville is a very nice destination either way.
Biltmore is smaller and quieter, whereas Grove Park is much bigger and seems to cater to a lot of conventioneers. Grove Park is older--much older--and I think it shows its age unfavorably in places. The Inn on Biltmore Estate is only two years old.
Both are rated highly by AAA (four diamonds), although the Inn on Biltmore Estate is rated four stars by Mobil. The food at both places is good. And while both do have great mountain views, I think the chances of getting a room with one of those views is better at Biltmore.
Grove Park does have the spa and some very solid sports facilities and a pretty decent golf course. Biltmore has the solitude and scenery of the estate, and outdoor activities. I do think the service at Biltmore was more personally attentive, possibly because of its smaller size. Both are not far from downtown Asheville and its shops and restaurants (I'd say 15 minutes for Biltmore, 10 minutes for Grove Park).
In short, it probably depends upon what you are looking for. Asheville is a very nice destination either way.
Jun 24th, 2003, 10:03 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Other than the Grove Park and the Inn on Biltmore, I think that the Haywood Park Hotel is very nice.
The Grand Suites are very nice, large, about 1,200 sq feet.
There are also many wonderful Bed and Breakfasts in Asheville.
The Grand Suites are very nice, large, about 1,200 sq feet.
There are also many wonderful Bed and Breakfasts in Asheville.
Jun 24th, 2003, 10:09 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shari
If money is no object and you've no babies to move around - why not spend half the time at Biltmore and half at Grove Park. I would think that two days at each would be delightful. While at the inn you could also tour the Biltmore and while at the GP you could use the spa facilities.
Enjoy Asheville!!
If money is no object and you've no babies to move around - why not spend half the time at Biltmore and half at Grove Park. I would think that two days at each would be delightful. While at the inn you could also tour the Biltmore and while at the GP you could use the spa facilities.
Enjoy Asheville!!
Jun 25th, 2003, 05:07 PM
#11
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Shari,
How about venturing a little further afield and coming to see us at Timberwolf Creek, here in Maggie Valley? It's a short (30 minute) drive due west on I-40 from Asheville, and then you're really in the mountains. We're tucked away in a private mountain cove alongside a tumbling stream. Folks who've stayed at the Grove Park Inn like us, too. Haven't ever had anybody come straight to us from the Biltmore's new hotel, but city hotel people aren't usually looking for a secluded B&B. Anyway, there are lots of options for fine dining (we won Arrington's B&B Journal's "Best Breakfast 2003" award, and J.Arthur's nearby is terrific for prime rib) and luxurious accommodations.
Sandee
How about venturing a little further afield and coming to see us at Timberwolf Creek, here in Maggie Valley? It's a short (30 minute) drive due west on I-40 from Asheville, and then you're really in the mountains. We're tucked away in a private mountain cove alongside a tumbling stream. Folks who've stayed at the Grove Park Inn like us, too. Haven't ever had anybody come straight to us from the Biltmore's new hotel, but city hotel people aren't usually looking for a secluded B&B. Anyway, there are lots of options for fine dining (we won Arrington's B&B Journal's "Best Breakfast 2003" award, and J.Arthur's nearby is terrific for prime rib) and luxurious accommodations.
Sandee
