I'm thinking of spending a night there for my birthday in a couple of weeks. Need some help knowing what kind of room to ask for.

I've been in the Inn a few times to dine, but never stayed before. THe main inn seems so much more interesting than the wings, but apparently the hotel considers the new wings much more desireable. Opinions?

Has any one had any luck upgrading from a property view to a mountain view room?

Any general commentary on the rooms would be appreciated.

Litespeed, I've stayed at the Grove Park Inn many times and this is my take on the rooms.

The Ammons and Vanderbuilt wings have larger, brighter, and more airy rooms. They are decorated in the Arts & Crafts movement that Frank Lloyd Wright helped popularize. The rooms on the wings on the Club Level have the best views. They aslo have 17-20 foot ceilings.

At one time, they were going to redo the Blue Ridge Dining Room into Luxury Suites. If that has happened, get one of them.

The rooms in the main wing are lovely. They were totally redone about three years ago. If you can, get one with a mountain/Asheville view. Small but very charming and cosy with wrought iron and wood furnishings.

A room on one of the wings close to the lobby will still give you a view but not a great one.

Feel free to ask any other questions. I'm quite familiar with the Grove Park Inn.

Thanks!

one other question, do you know if it's acceptable/possible to just have a drink on the sunset terrace? I find the food at the Grove Park miserable (with the exception of breakfast) but I'm so taken with the view and atmosphere on the Terrace that I am often tempted to have a poor, overpriced meal just to enjoy it.

What do you think?

I think that it is certainly something I would do. You are still spending money. If they give you a hard time, order an appetizer.

The view is lovely and I hated when they turned the porch into a restaurant.

Forgot to add, if you get a room on one of the wings, ask for an end room preferably on the 7th floor.

A couple of other thoughts:
Concierge Level in the Grove Park is lovely.
For food there, go to the Grovewood Shops, the small cafe is excellent.
For a great hotel in the Asheville area try Richmond Hill Inn or Biltmore , the brand new and incredibly nice inn on the Biltmore Estate.
Asheville is a great place for special occasions.