Planning on celebrating a big birthday in the Biltimore. First time for us and we are planing our trip the 2 week of X-Mas. Need recommendations on hotels and how long for the tour. How many days should we plan to stay in the area?

We like the Arbor House in Black Moutain.

http://www.arborhousenc.com/

We stayed at the Inn at Biltmore last year and loved it.

http://www.biltmore.com/stay/inn/default.asp

Hi - Oakland Cottage B&B www.oaklandcottage.com, is about 1.5 miles (5 minutes) from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate. They also sell discounted Biltmore tickets that are also good for 2 consecutive days at the Biltmore Estate and they can even upgrade the daytime ticket with the very popular candlelight or evening tour. Christmas weeks can get booked up early in the Asheville Area, so I'd get you plans taken care of. I like spending several hours over the course of two days at the Biltmore. Oakland Cottage also sells Asheville Trolley Tour tickets and Chimney Rock Park Tickets.

To do everything at the Biltmore, plan on spending the day there. You can buy discounted tickets online from the Biltmore website.
There are lots of places to stay in Asheville. You may want to request a free Visitor's Guide at www.exploreasheville.com

The brand new Grand Bohemian Hotel is outstanding. Part of the Kessler Collection of boutique hotels. http://www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/ It's across the street from the Biltmore entrance.

The Grand Bohemian is great and is right at the entrance to Biltomore. The Inn at Biltmore (on the grounds of Biltmore) and Grovepark Inn are both fabulous places (we prefer Grovepark). The spa at Grovepark is phenomenal! We live nearby and spend many weekends there trying out the new restaurants and shops. We love to shop and eat in the downtown area - Bouchon is our favorite restaurant(french bistro). There are so many places to eat!! I would recommend seeing if the candlelight tour of Biltomore is available - otherwise a good 1/2 day tour.

Regarding the tours at Biltmore - to get the full value for your money - spend the day there. Even 2 days isn't enough to see everything.
http://www.biltmore.com/buy_tickets/admission.asp

The Inn at Biltmore -I haven't stayed there but have friends whose parents took the entire family for a 50th wedding anniversay party and they said it was fantastic for everyone (parents, children, grandchildren etc.)

I am partial to The Grove Park Inn and have stayed there several times. http://www.groveparkinn.com/Leisure/
It was built in the early 1900s and is really an old time lodge - if you stay there be sure to ask for one of the original rooms. They have a famous Gingerbread house and competition at Christmas
Another option is the Red Rocker Inn, just of I40 and about 10 miles east of Asheville. A really gorgeous B&B with food that is fantastic.
http://www.redrockerinn.com/

Thank you so much for all the information. It has made my job easier. romance