25 Best Hotels in The North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina

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We've compiled the best of the best in The North Carolina Mountains - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

1898 Waverly Inn

$$ | 783 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC, 28792, USA

On a warm afternoon you'll love to "sit a spell" in a rocking chair on the front porch of Hendersonville's oldest inn. The rooms in the 19th-century Victorian home, two blocks from downtown, are named after native flowers and shrubs and are outfitted with antique furnishings.

Pros

  • Historic home with lots of gingerbread
  • Walking distance to downtown
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast

Cons

  • In a fairly busy area with lots of traffic
  • Some rooms are on the small side
  • Some steps to climb
783 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC, 28792, USA
828-693–9193
hotel Details
15 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Aloft in the Smokies

$$ | 115 Everett St., Bryson City, NC, 28713, USA Fodor's Choice

These six spacious lofts in downtown Bryson City are comfortable for an extended stay or a large family, with two bedrooms in each unit. Local art, architectural nods like exposed brick, and high ceilings complement oversized bathrooms, plush furniture, and big TVs. 

Pros

  • Plenty of room
  • Full kitchens and laundry within units
  • Tasteful attractive design

Cons

  • Upstairs bathrooms slightly smaller
  • No hotel amenities
  • No gym
115 Everett St., Bryson City, NC, 28713, USA
828-538–0480
hotel Details
6 lofts

Quick Facts

  • $$

Andon-Reid Bed and Breakfast Inn

$$ | 92 Daisy Ave., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA

The interior of this 1902 Victorian showplace is spacious and filled with sunlight, but it's the big grassy lawn overlooking the mountains and river that let you know you've arrived somewhere special. The two suites and three large rooms in the main house, along with two carriage-house suites, are nicely decorated in a crafty early-American style. You can relax in the guest lounge, lined with windows and featuring a stone fireplace and bar.

Pros

  • Hospitable owners
  • Cozy rooms and suites with fireplaces
  • Delicious breakfasts served on the patio

Cons

  • A bit of a walk to downtown
  • Steps to climb
  • Often booked up
92 Daisy Ave., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA
828-452–3089
hotel Details
7 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Recommended Fodor's Video

Fontana Village Resort

$ | 300 Woods Rd., Robbinsville, NC, 28733, USA

Fontana Village bustles during summertime with vacationing families here for activities like hiking, mountain biking, mini golf, disc golf, a small water park, and, of course, Fontana Dam. The resort's lodge is comfortable but shows its age. Some rental cabins around the resort are a bit newer, and all are an excellent value as a base camp to explore the nearby access points into the national park. 

Pros

  • Hiking trails and swimming pools
  • Fun amenities
  • Several on-site restaurants and bars

Cons

  • Limited dining options
  • Carpet and tile are dated
  • Some room balconies overlook the parking lot
300 Woods Rd., Robbinsville, NC, 28733, USA
800-849–2258
hotel Details
93 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

Gideon Ridge Inn

$$$$ | 202 Gideon Ridge Rd., Blowing Rock, NC, 28605, USA
At Gideon Ridge Inn, 2 miles from downtown Blowing Rock, you can take in long-range views of the mountains from the gardens and stone terraces or relax with a book by the fire in the library or in your own room. Most of the 10 guest rooms and suites in this century-old stone house have gas fireplaces, and all are nicely furnished in a country-home style but with updates like flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and modern showers in the bathtubs. A full breakfast is included, as is afternoon tea. There's a good restaurant on-site.

Pros

  • Scenic mountaintop views
  • Fireplace and grand piano in book-lined library
  • Beautiful gardens

Cons

  • A few items could stand refurbishing
  • No pool
  • No room service
202 Gideon Ridge Rd., Blowing Rock, NC, 28605, USA
828-295–3644
hotel Details
10 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Gorgeous Stays

$ | 11044 US-19, Bryson City, NC, 28713, USA

The 10 off-the-wall accommodations at this "glampground" range from a renovated double-decker English bus to a super hero–themed tiny house. Each space has a different theme, and several are large enough to accommodate families. The grounds are beautiful and include a small pond and creek. 

Pros

  • Friendly convivial atmosphere
  • Amenities like a pool table and firepits
  • Memorable creative accommodations

Cons

  • Not everyone will love the hostel atmosphere
  • Shared bathhouse for showers
  • No Wi-Fi in units
11044 US-19, Bryson City, NC, 28713, USA
828-421–2282
hotel Details
11 units
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

Greystone Inn

$$$$ | Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway, NC, 28747, USA

In 1915 Savannah resident Lucy Molz built a second home on Lake Toxaway, a Swiss-style mansion that is now a luxurious inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms have antiques or period reproductions, while suites are more modern and border the lake. Guests here can enjoy the private lake, golf club, tennis, swimming pool, and small spa, and rates include breakfast and dinner, afternoon tea and cake, and cocktails.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

$$$$ | 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA

The Harrah's complex now includes two hotels, doubling down on its status as North Carolina's largest lodging. The Cherokee opened in 2021, adding 725 more rooms to the 21-story towers of the existing resort. The comfortable rooms and suites on the higher floors overlook the mountains, and escalators get you to the casino and the extensive restaurant selection that includes a Wicked Weed Brewpub, a Ruth's Chris Steak House, BRIO Italian Grille, Guy Fieri's Cherokee Kitchen, and a food court by Gordon Ramsay that stays open late. The casino is larger than three football fields and has live blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker games along with some 5,000 electronic gaming machines. There's also a bowling alley and a 3,000-seat theater that presents big-name stars like Travis Tritt, Pat Benatar, and Three Dog Night. The lobby and other public areas incorporate traditional Cherokee art themes. Room prices surge beyond $500 on weekends, but are often under $100 on weekdays.

Pros

  • Spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools
  • Rooms are much nicer than most alternatives in Cherokee
  • Everything you need on the premises

Cons

  • Heavily booked year-round with high-rollers
  • State's no-smoking laws don't apply here
  • Huge casino environment not for everyone
777 Casino Dr., Cherokee, NC, 28719, USA
828-497–7777
hotel Details
1,800 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

Hemlock Inn

$$$ | 911 Galbraith Creek Rd., Bryson City, NC, 28713, USA

This folksy friendly mountain inn on 55 acres on a hilltop near Bryson City, operated by the same family since 1969, is the kind of place where you can relax in a rocking chair, catch up on reading, or play a game of Scrabble. The family-style meals are prepared with regional foods.

Pros

  • Unpretentious vibe
  • Delicious Southern-style food
  • Peaceful surroundings

Cons

  • No Wi-Fi, TVs, or in-room phones
  • Family-style dining not for everyone
  • Alcohol only allowed in rooms
911 Galbraith Creek Rd., Bryson City, NC, 28713, USA
828-488–2885
hotel Details
23 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Huffman Creek Retreat

$$ | 1633 Huffman Creek Rd., Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA Fodor's Choice

The mountain hollow that's home to these seven cabins perfectly captures both sunrise and sunset over the creek. Accommodations range from a luxurious treehouse to creekside lodges suitable for an extended family vacation. You may question whether you've taken a wrong turn as you wind up the dirt road to this bucolic enclave, before realizing you're in exactly the place you want to be. 

Pros

  • Some cabins have amenities like a movie theater room
  • Fresh trout can be delivered for dinner
  • 5 miles of hiking trails (and hammocks) throughout the property

Cons

  • Limited phone service and no in-cabin WiFi
  • Long drive to restaurants
  • Some cars may struggle to reach some cabins
1633 Huffman Creek Rd., Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA
828-475–4497
hotel Details
7 cabins
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Inn at Ragged Gardens

$$ | 203 Sunset Dr., Blowing Rock, NC, 28605, USA

With a stone staircase in the entry hall, colorful gardens, Arts and Crafts furnishings, and chestnut paneling and bark siding, it's no wonder that this 1900 manor-style house in the heart of Blowing Rock gets many return guests. All rooms have fireplaces, and some have private balconies.

Pros

  • Historic old inn at moderate prices
  • Within walking distance of Blowing Rock shops and restaurants
  • Good restaurant on-site

Cons

  • If you're on the first floor, you may hear guests on the floor above
  • Lots of steps to some rooms
  • No pool
203 Sunset Dr., Blowing Rock, NC, 28605, USA
828-295–9703
hotel Details
11 rooms
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Mast Farm Inn

$$$ | 2543 Broadstone Rd., Banner Elk, NC, 28604, USA Fodor's Choice

You can turn back the clock and still enjoy modern amenities at this charming and pastoral inn, with parts built in the 1790s and now on the National Register of Historic Places. Accommodations are in the farmhouse or in eight rustic cottages and log cabins, and rates include a gourmet breakfast.

Pros

  • Delightful and historic country inn
  • Personalized service
  • Discounts for teachers

Cons

  • A little off the beaten path
  • Restaurant now only serves breakfast
  • A few creaks and squeaks (expected in historic old buildings)
2543 Broadstone Rd., Banner Elk, NC, 28604, USA
828-963–5857
hotel Details
15 rooms (7 rooms, 8 cottages)
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

$$$$ | 445 Main St., Highlands, NC, 28741, USA Fodor's Choice

Service at this posh inn is first-rate, starting with the complimentary champagne in the lobby and extending to elegantly furnished guest rooms in the main building, with period antiques and European linens, and more rustic but still luxurious accommodations in the lodge. You can also choose to stay in one of the inn's cottages or rental houses. Reservations should be made far, far ahead. The outstanding spa has won national awards, and golf is available at the nearby Old Edwards Club. The same company owns a chic motel, 200 Main, and a deluxe rural retreat, Half-Mile Farm.

Pros

  • Deluxe inn with lots of amenities including golf course
  • Central location in middle of town
  • Top-notch spa

Cons

  • Very pricey
  • Often booked months in advance
  • Complicated choice of accommodations in inn, lodge, cottages, and sister properties
445 Main St., Highlands, NC, 28741, USA
828-526–8008
hotel Details
93 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

Outland Great Smoky Mountains

$$ | 285 Lone Oak Dr., NC, 28789, USA Fodor's Choice

Each suite at this tucked-away chalet has a steam shower and a soaking tub, making it a perfect place to recuperate after a long day of hiking or exploring. Some rooms have balconies and views across the mountains, and there's a hiking trail up to a viewpoint. 

Pros

  • High ceilings in the upstairs units
  • Shared clubhouse with stylish furniture
  • Gas fireplace in each room

Cons

  • Some rooms are smaller
  • 10-minute drive to restaurants
  • Not all furnishings are luxury-level
285 Lone Oak Dr., NC, 28789, USA
hotel Details
6 suites
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Pilot Cove

$$ | 319 Gateway Junction Dr., Brevard, NC, 28768, USA Fodor's Choice

Spacious decks and wall-to-wall windows maximize the view at these mountainside luxury cabins. Live-edge tables and nods to the local mountain biking culture add creative flair to the spacious digs. Access to Pisgah National Forest and the Hub, a bike shop and bar, are directly outside the entrance. 

Pros

  • Room to spread out
  • Full kitchens
  • On-site hiking and biking trails

Cons

  • An 8-minute drive from downtown
  • Not all cabins have views during summer
  • Washer/dryer in each unit, but no daily housekeeping
319 Gateway Junction Dr., Brevard, NC, 28768, USA
828-758–2683
hotel Details
15 cabins
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Pisgah Inn

$$$ | Blue Ridge Pkwy., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA Fodor's Choice

The spectacular setting is the main draw at the rustic Pisgah Inn, perched on a mountaintop at 5,000 feet. Rooms have small porches or balconies with rocking chairs where you can take in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The restaurant has huge windows facing the tree-clad slopes and serves mountain trout, fried chicken, and other tasty fare.

Pros

  • Incredible views from its mile-high perch
  • Unique location on the Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Quality on-site restaurant

Cons

  • Motel-like rooms
  • Remote setting
  • Often fully booked
Blue Ridge Pkwy., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA
828-235–8228
hotel Details
51 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–Mar., Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

River's Edge Treehouse Resort

$$ | 195 Old U.S. 129, Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA

These six treehouses, with the Cheoah River running below, are the best place to stay in Robbinsville proper. They're technically raised tiny homes, but they do put you closer to the treetops, and each includes everything needed for a cozy overnight. 

Pros

  • Wide porches overlooking the river
  • Fun amenities like a horseshoe pit
  • Friendly family-run atmosphere

Cons

  • Road noise from across the river
  • Too far to walk to restaurants
  • Three back treehouses have views impeded by the front three
195 Old U.S. 129, Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA
828-735–2228
hotel Details
6 treehouses
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Snowbird Mountain Lodge

$$$$ | 4633 Santeetlah Rd., Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA Fodor's Choice

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Snowbird Mountain Lodge is everything you expect from a rustic inn, with two massive stone fireplaces, solid chestnut beams across the ceiling, and beautiful views across the valley. All 15 rooms in the main lodge are paneled in different woods cut on the property, and newer rooms in adjacent buildings have private hot tubs with horizon views. The restaurant, now open to the public, serves dishes like fresh mountain trout with couscous and sautéed summer squash, and the wine list is the size of a small telephone directory. The property changed hands in 2022 and expansion plans are in place. 

Pros

  • Private hot tubs in some rooms
  • 100 acres of grounds to explore
  • Private lake access with complimentary paddleboards

Cons

  • Remote location
  • Books up fast
  • No kids under 12
4633 Santeetlah Rd., Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA
828-479–3433
hotel Details
23 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Tapoco Lodge

$$ | 14981 Tapoco Rd., Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA

Like an oasis after miles of driving remote roads, Tapoco Lodge offers large stylish rooms in a lodge that's on the National Register of Historic Places. Exposed brick, hardwood floors, and king-size beds make for comfortable digs in the original lodge (built to house workers during the construction of the nearby Cheoah Dam in the 1930s) and cabins scattered throughout the property. 

Pros

  • Close to the "Tail of the Dragon" scenic drive
  • Hike from the lodge to Bear Creek Falls
  • Two on-site restaurants alongside the Cheoah River

Cons

  • No TVs in rooms
  • No cell service
  • Not all rooms have a river view
14981 Tapoco Rd., Robbinsville, NC, 28771, USA
828-498–2800
hotel Details
27 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

The Bromfield Inn

$$$ | 60 Woodside Dr., Brevard, NC, 28712, USA

The two-acre grounds at this B&B feel like a private estate within walking distance of downtown. Period furnishings, a crystal chandelier, and a grand piano add to the grandeur of the 1926 stone-built home. 

Pros

  • Three-course breakfast
  • Tranquil escape
  • Tubs and king-size beds in most rooms

Cons

  • No kids under 14
  • No pets
  • No pool or gym
60 Woodside Dr., Brevard, NC, 28712, USA
828-577–0916
hotel Details
6 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

The Everett Hotel

$$$ | 16 Everett St., Bryson City, NC, 28713, USA Fodor's Choice

A handsome downtown bank building from 1905 is now a charming boutique hotel with rooms that have wide-plank paneling and soaring ceilings, creating a rustic atmosphere. You'll feel pampered with comfy beds, high-thread-count sheets, and organic toiletries.

Pros

  • Surprisingly sophisticated rooms
  • Good bistro on first floor
  • Rooftop terrace with a firepit

Cons

  • Priced a little higher than nearby lodgings
  • Steps to climb
  • Books up fast
16 Everett St., Bryson City, NC, 28713, USA
828-488–1976
hotel Details
10 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

The Horton Hotel

$$$$ | 611 W. King St., Boone, NC, 28607, USA
Billed as Boone's only boutique hotel (for now), the Horton's sophisticated accommodations right downtown---plus a lively lobby and rooftop bar and lounge---have a surprisingly cosmopolitan feel. There are still small-mountain-town comforts and charm, like custom wood furniture, comfy bedding, and exposed brick and other nods to the 1920s building. Panoramic views of the mountains at the rooftop bar can't be beat.

Pros

  • In the heart of downtown
  • Rooftop bar with 360-degree views
  • Contemporary but charming

Cons

  • Lower-level rooms can be noisy
  • Not your typical remote mountain getaway
  • Lively lounge and bar not for everyone
611 W. King St., Boone, NC, 28607, USA
828-832--8060
hotel Details
15 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

The Swag

$$$$ | 2300 Swag Rd., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA Fodor's Choice

Sitting high atop the Cataloochee Divide on 250 wooded acres bordering the national park, the Swag is a luxurious escape that's truly away-from-it-all. You can hike from the grounds to nearby Hemphill Bald, one of the most stunning vistas in the Smokies, or relax in the spa or at the pool, which has views across the mountains. The gourmet meals here are social events, with an option of family-style or individual seating. 

Pros

  • Sauna, hot tub, and racquetball court
  • Fabulous mountaintop location
  • Delicious meals included

Cons

  • Two-night minimum stay
  • Very expensive rates
  • Books up fast
2300 Swag Rd., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA
828-926–0430
hotel Details
14 rooms
Rate Includes: Closed late Nov.–mid-Apr., All-Inclusive

Quick Facts

The Yellow House on Plott Creek Road

$$ | 89 Oakview Dr., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA

Just outside town, this lovely two-story Victorian, painted a cheerful sunflower yellow, sits on 5 acres with gorgeous gardens, a fish pond, and shady trees. Indulgent breakfasts range from sweet potato pancakes to savory cheese soufflé. Most of the rooms and suites have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Rooms in the adjoining Pond House allow children and have a touch more privacy. 

Pros

  • Incredibly kind owners
  • Great place to get away from it all
  • Romantic atmosphere

Cons

  • Very couples-oriented
  • Not walking distance to restaurants and shops
  • Some rooms are due for an update
89 Oakview Dr., Waynesville, NC, 28786, USA
828-452–0991
hotel Details
10 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Whistle Stop Inn

$ | 364 Haywood Rd., Dillsboro, NC, 28725, USA

This welcoming B&B occupies an 1878 home whose age is an advantage rather than a deterrent. Rooms have comfortable modern amenities, and owners/hosts Gladys and Larry Pilarski are a joyful presence. Sitting on the porch in the afternoon feels like a slice of small-town life from a bygone era. 

Pros

  • Wonderful hosts
  • Delicious breakfast
  • Walkable to restaurants

Cons

  • Noise travels
  • Steep driveway
  • Not all rooms have a king-size bed
364 Haywood Rd., Dillsboro, NC, 28725, USA
828-354–0470
hotel Details
4 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $