Hi all:

My husband and I will be going to Asheville for a week in late October. I am having a hard time deciding on lodging and would appreciate some feedback/thoughs. We are considering the Biltmore, Grove Park Inn, Residences at Biltmore, and some of the B&Bs (1900 Inn on Montford, Richmond Hill, Albemarle). Any thoughts on these?

Thanks,
TML

I have only stayed at the Biltmore and really liked it. What is the purpose of your visit? If seeing the Biltmore is then staying on property is great as you can take the shuttle everywhere. Friends have stayed at Grove Park Inn and liked it but wished they had stayed at the Biltmore.

Everyone needs to experience Grove Park once in thier life..Nothing else compares..

I was just going to sing your praises but if you can't read the rules, you lose. No ads on Fodors.

Anyplace but the Grove Park, an over-rated, over-priced, over-indulgent, ultra-hyped place w/rooms smaller than a Holiday Inn.

Hi Mimipam,

Thanks for your feedback. The main purpose of our trip is to see fall colors. I think on most days we will head up to the National Park and take moderate hikes. We will visit the Biltmore on at least one day. Is one day enough for the Biltmore?


Best.
TML14

PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE - it's not "THE Biltmore." The mansion is named, simply, Biltmore, and it's located on the Biltmore Estate, on which there is a very upscale Inn at Biltmore. Even the website says "Stay at Biltmore" - not THE! (Sorry, this has come up before and I get a little excited about it ;-) Have niece on staff there if you want corroboration.)

One day, if you start early, is adequate to see Biltmore; however, I usually recommend the trick of doing the main interior tour late the afternoon/evening before (it's pretty after dark) and then the rest the next day -- tickets sold after a certain hour are good the next day.

Now then: Inn at Biltmore is comparatively luxury-contemporary with some great views, but you're paying a premium for location. And you aren't all that convenient to other stuff in Asheville. I think it's a Marriott showcase, though I'm not sure. Food is upscale, too.

Grove Park Inn is arts-and-crafts style - big stones and wood - and has some amazing views. Some people find the rooms a little too rustic for the prices, but it has a grandeur. Again, you're not all that convenient to other stuff - have to drive downtown or out to Biltmore.

The northern Montford area is sort of B&B row, and people like most of them - although it's again a drive downtown or elsewhere. We enjoyed the Albemarle - and it's a short walk up to the Grove Park Inn for dining, art gallery, etc.

Now, about getting around: staying downtown doesn't generally offer places that appeal to people, although the newer facility (as well as the Residences) just outside the gates of Biltmore allows you to walk around Biltmore Village, which is a nice if slightly touristy area. So you'll end up doing some driving no matter where you stay - just a matter of choosing which direction you want to go in and what you want to be close to.

I'm guessing what you want is the Residences, but that's ONLY a guess.

(FYI: "The Biltmore" refers to various resorts/hotels around the country, just not the estate in Asheville. I'm done now.)

Cyanna - Relax & take a deep breath

I did, thanks.

I visit Asheville frequently. My business trips require me to stay at the Grove Park. It is a beautiful old hotel with lots to recommend it. On my own dollar I stay at the Haywood Park. It is downtown within easy walking distance of the restaurants and shops and has free parking. A friend recently suggested I try the Grand Bohemian near the entrance to Biltmore. It is new with a very highly touted restaurant.

Enjoy your visit, it's a great town.

TML, We went to THE BILTMORE (sorry Cyanna just couldn't resist - why be so critical of us all) mansion at Christmas time staying at the INN. We went in more than once and took behind the scenes tours as well. It was magical. If your main purpose is to see fall foilage then I guess you will just have to decide. THE BILTMORE ESTATE is a destination in itself. I know you will enjoy your trip no matter where you decide to stay. Happy travels!!!

TML, we stayed the Residences at Biltmore last year. LOVED IT! These were apartments at one time that were purchased and refurbished. We had a one bedroom, we were close enough to walk to Biltmore Village for lunch/dinner and shopping, it was a short drive to Biltmore and a short drive to downtown. The pool and the fire pit were very nice, one of the owners came to pool every night and spoke with everyone there. Jacuzzi tubs were a plus after a day of exploring too. It wasn't hard to find nor did we have to pay to park or have a parking issue.

Critical of you all, mimipam? Might it not be that I also want to spare you from embarrassing yourselves once you get there? And now you can correct other people because now YOU know the proper terminology. You're welcome. ;-)

Yes, Biltmore is magical at Christmas (actually, anytime from T'giving on) - the evening tour is unforgettable. My brother, who is a world traveler, went to Asheville and declined to see Biltmore or the estate grounds. I'm still amazed - think he's a "Newport Chauvinist" who doesn't realize that Biltmore is bigger than any of the Newport mansions.

Hi all:

Thank you for your feedback. We decided to go with the Albemarle. The grounds at Biltmore look amazing, and I hope we will not regret staying there. It is twice as expensive as the Albemarle, and my husband and I thought we might explore more of Asheville and the surrounding area if we stayed in town. We might never leave the estate if we stayed at Biltmore/the Biltmore! ;-)

Thanks again,
TML