RweTHEREyet
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 4, 1999
- Messages
- 6,642
We recently had the opportunity to spend three nights at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C., which is a resort available in the Concierge Collection. We were not staying there on points, but I thought I would share our experience for anyone that might be considering doing so. The hotel in itself is fabulous, it is built in the side of a mountain, such that when you take the elevator to your room (if staying in one of the wings), you actually are going down because the lobby is on the main floor. That is with the exception of the original rooms located in the main part of the building.
The lobby is cavernous with a huge fireplace, small bar and there was a trio playing music each evening. There is a large open-air verandah off the main lobby that is Chops Restaurant. Rather pricey ($24.00 for a 10 ounce ribeye and all side dishes cost extra) but the view and ambience are worth the money. Nothing like watching the sun set behind the mountains as you are having your dinner.
The rooms are huge. We had a king-sized bed, extremely comfortable and they offer the same mattresses for sale. The bedspread is almost like a heavy tapestry. The furnishings are not standard hotel fare. Lamps may have shades made from mica or leather. There is a loveseat and another club chair, also a nice desk with two chairs with a computer port. Huge windows give you breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bathroom is large enough with an additional sink outside the main bathroom to facilitate more than one person getting ready in the morning. There is a huge cabinet that houses the t.v., a vcr, a stereo system, small microwave and mini fridge and coffee maker. I was told these are in all the rooms. I am not a good judge of dimensions, but I would say that the room is much bigger than an OKW studio.
The true star of the hotel is the 1-year old world-class Spa. I was lucky enough to have treatments there on 2 days. The first was a short day with just a pedicure. Second day I spent the better part of the day there getting a manicure and facial and enjoying all the other facilities. I have no words to describe this place. If you are not having any treatments, there is a $35/day charge to use the Spa. If you have a treatment, it is all included. There is beautiful stonework, a lap pool, therapeutic pool, therapeutic waterfall pool, jacuzzi, plunge pool, dry sauna, inhalation room, steam saua, outdoor pool with fireplace and beautiful lounge areas with fireplaces, elixers, tonics, flavored waters to drink and healthy snacks galore. The hours were from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., so you can make a full day of it or go in the morning to swim and then return in the evening. I can tell you that you are pampered and treated like royalty. There were just as many men as women using the spa. The music is very calming and soothing and the entire experience peaceful and relaxing.
I would not hesitate to use points to stay at the Grove Park, mainly for the use of the Spa. Other things in the area to do include golf, the Biltmore House, many arts and crafts galleries, Grandfather mountain and not too terribly far from Cherokee that has Harrahhs Casino..
Any questions, please feel free to ask.
The lobby is cavernous with a huge fireplace, small bar and there was a trio playing music each evening. There is a large open-air verandah off the main lobby that is Chops Restaurant. Rather pricey ($24.00 for a 10 ounce ribeye and all side dishes cost extra) but the view and ambience are worth the money. Nothing like watching the sun set behind the mountains as you are having your dinner.
The rooms are huge. We had a king-sized bed, extremely comfortable and they offer the same mattresses for sale. The bedspread is almost like a heavy tapestry. The furnishings are not standard hotel fare. Lamps may have shades made from mica or leather. There is a loveseat and another club chair, also a nice desk with two chairs with a computer port. Huge windows give you breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bathroom is large enough with an additional sink outside the main bathroom to facilitate more than one person getting ready in the morning. There is a huge cabinet that houses the t.v., a vcr, a stereo system, small microwave and mini fridge and coffee maker. I was told these are in all the rooms. I am not a good judge of dimensions, but I would say that the room is much bigger than an OKW studio.
The true star of the hotel is the 1-year old world-class Spa. I was lucky enough to have treatments there on 2 days. The first was a short day with just a pedicure. Second day I spent the better part of the day there getting a manicure and facial and enjoying all the other facilities. I have no words to describe this place. If you are not having any treatments, there is a $35/day charge to use the Spa. If you have a treatment, it is all included. There is beautiful stonework, a lap pool, therapeutic pool, therapeutic waterfall pool, jacuzzi, plunge pool, dry sauna, inhalation room, steam saua, outdoor pool with fireplace and beautiful lounge areas with fireplaces, elixers, tonics, flavored waters to drink and healthy snacks galore. The hours were from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., so you can make a full day of it or go in the morning to swim and then return in the evening. I can tell you that you are pampered and treated like royalty. There were just as many men as women using the spa. The music is very calming and soothing and the entire experience peaceful and relaxing.
I would not hesitate to use points to stay at the Grove Park, mainly for the use of the Spa. Other things in the area to do include golf, the Biltmore House, many arts and crafts galleries, Grandfather mountain and not too terribly far from Cherokee that has Harrahhs Casino..
Any questions, please feel free to ask.
