The Omni Grove Park Inn

What a scene! Know when you go, e.g., holiday season = huge crowds viewing the gingerbread houses. A fun experience, with beautiful decorations, but very limiting on being able to access any chairs in the Great Hall, tables in the restaurants, parking spots, and/or quiet spaces. Be aware that the Historical Wing is still charming, but Omni moved all of the historical items to its own exhibit in a hallway off the Great Hall. Bed is hard and the windows are cold, but a lovely historical room, with classic tiled bathroom. If you used the Spa Pool in the past and thought access and costs would be reasonable - that is no longer the case. Hard to get a reservation and exhorbitantly expensive (over $200 for a Day Pass). We might consider going again, but only off-season.

This was by far the most exceptional large resort I have stayed at. There is no detail that is not attended to. The cleanliness, the staff, the food, and the facilities were outstanding.

Once upon a time, the Grove Park Inn belonged — at least in spirit — to Asheville. Then it was sold to Omni Hotels & Resorts, better known locally as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Since the acquisition, Omni has turned a historic community landmark into a gated attraction where locals are tolerated only if their wallets are sufficiently ring-tingled. What used to feel like a shared treasure now feels like TSA with better views. The annual Gingerbread House Competition is one example of corporate joy management. Since 1992, locals have gone up the mountain to enjoy it. Now, on Fridays and Saturdays — you know, the days people actually have time off — the display magically becomes invisible unless you’re a hotel guest or hold a confirmed on-property dining reservation. Holiday magic, but make it transactional. And if you are allowed in? Congratulations! You get the privilege of paying $30 to park, whether you stay ten minutes or all day. No hourly option. No grace period. Just a flat “because we can.” The folks running Omni clearly believe community access is overrated and that goodwill does not appear on a balance sheet. Their hearts are two sizes too small, their policies two notches too greedy. Any concern for Whoville has vanished along with Cindy-Lou’s bimble-bops.

Absolutely beautiful venue with a terrific atmosphere. Excellent food and beverages throughout the inn (for the most part), and exceptional service. Gingerbread houses are amazing. And, Elaine's piano bar is not to miss! Only one downside -- they now allow dogs all over the indoors (except in the restaurants). If you're allergic and/or would prefer not to share the iconic Great Hall -- sitting with your food and beverages in rocking chairs by the fire or comfy couches throughout the area -- with other people's barking, shedding pets, you're out of luck.

If you have the opportunity to splurge, go! The spa services are excellent, the hotel is gorgeous, and the area is beautiful. You never need to leave the hotel unless you want to. It is a real treat around Christmas with the Gingerbread houses and all the decorations.