The Inn on Biltmore Estate

I treated my mom to a mother-daughter Easter weekend at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, and it was perfection. Staying here makes you feel like an honored guest of the Vanderbilts; the hospitality is 'Vanderbilt style'—super fancy and incredibly welcoming. Our Mountain View room was stunning, complete with plush robes and a beautiful tile bathroom. Pro-Tip: Get the breakfast package! It was the perfect start to our days. We also loved the property shuttles—the drivers are so accommodating and give great commentary. Shout-out to Laura! The gardens were breathtaking for spring; the tulips and daffodils were in full bloom, and the azaleas had just popped. At night, the Luminere show was the highlight. It’s a modern, educational twist on the estate’s history that I think George Vanderbilt would have loved. We brought folding chairs to sit on the lawn with the music and candles, then walked through the whimsical garden lights down to the Conservatory. It’s a dreamlike experience you shouldn't miss!"

Exceptional property on The Biltmore Estate. Quiet rooms and centrally located on the estate grounds. We were able to walk to the Winery/Village. Restaurant had a good semi-formal dinner and excellent breakfast buffet. Only issue is shuttle service a bit confusing. Some shuttles only go to the Biltmore House, others to the hotels and winery.

All employees were helpful and super-gracious during our 4-night stay, but a special shout-out to Amanda, the bartender, who managed singlehandedly to keep things running smoothly for a big holiday crowd in the Library Lounge -- which really expands to be more of a "Lobby Bar" with foodservice. I guess I thought this was going to be an "historic" hotel just because of the location, but it was built in the last 25 years. So I don't understand some of the main-floor design choices, or why it hasn't been improved in renovations. The "bar" is really just a service bar -- about 4 barstools and a table in a tiny room tucked into a corner. That would be OK -- I probably don't agree with another customer that night who wondered why they didn't put a decent-sized horseshoe-shaped bar in the middle of the lobby. The actual "Library Lounge" itself is charming -- very tall windows and a cozy feel due to the framing that sets it off from what I call the Lobby Bar. The problem is that most of the tables -- which are obviously needed because it's probably at capacity seating most of the time -- are outside the confines of the Lounge in a great barn of a room. The ceiling is the same height as the Library Lounge, but because it's so large -- it just feels like a Lobby Bar in an upscale Hilton. The fireplace was a decent focal point in December, but I imagine it feels even more cavernous in warm months. In my nonprofessional opinion (but the architect with me agreed) -- the big room could have been made more like a true extension of the Library Lounge and less like a Lobby Bar with some kind of dropped ceiling or even a framing that divides sections of the room. All that said -- our room was outstanding for 2 items in the bathroom that are missing from a lot of other 4-star hotels: 2 drawers fitted around the plumbing in the bathroom so that you don't have to look at your sundries on the countertop every time you go in there, plus a full-size lighted makeup mirror. 1 other issue on the negative side: I was paying @ $1K per night, with taxes, for a deluxe renovated room with a view -- holiday rates. AND there is a notch built into the cabinetry for a refrigerator. So why in the world did I have to make a special request for one in advance of our stay?

The location of the Inn was convenient for visiting the Biltmore House with stunning views of the mountains surrounding the area. Our room was lovely, (a renovated superior king) nicely appointed with beautiful furnishings. Check-in was smooth and the front desk staff was helpful and friendly. We also had dinner at the Inn. The restaurant was upscale with excellent service and delicious food. I would not hesitate to stay here again. The views alone were stunning, and the lobby area was warm with a roaring fireplace to add to the ambiance.

We have traveled all over the world and I’m not sure we have ever had such amazing service as at our experience at the Inn. From the minute you check in you are treated like a truly special guest. We had a Mountain View room and it was gorgeous. The concierge assistance before our trip was very fast to respond and found ways to meet our every need. When we checked in, our room wasn’t ready (we were early) but they he’d our bags and gave us options and directions. The woman who checked us in (Dina) was fantastic and wonderfully helpful and even held her composure while there was an extremely rude guest going crazy next to us. We received a text as soon as our room was ready which was great - we didn’t need to keep checking back. Our favorite bottle of wine was sent to our room. The bellman answered several questions for us and delivered our bags very quickly. At the library lounge the staff was friendly and helpful and gave us amazing recommendations. At the Dining Room our waiter Hank was knowledgeable and extremely professional. They even found us a last minute window seat. Every place we went on the estate the service was impeccable. The valet drivers talked to my husband about his car (which made his day :) ). The car was always delivered extremely quickly. Everyone from the spa to the ticket agent went out of their way to help us and find a solution no matter what the question! This was our first trip and we can’t wait to come back. If you are trying to g to decide where to stay around the estate, I would HIGHLY recommend the Inn - worth every penny in the service alone, none the less the beautifully appointed rooms and views.