Grove Park Inn, Asheville?

[Boo]

Has anyone stayed and/or used points at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville NC? We are driving to HH in a couple weeks from Chicago and are planning an overnight in Asheville. Is the Grove Park Inn worth the points to just stay for one night? We couldn't afford the rack rates, but before we use precious points we like to hear if an overnight is something we really should consider because of the resort itself. We figure its going to cost about $100 bucks for a place like a Hampton Inn or $100 to book Concierge Club. Is it kid friendly? Are the views of the Smoky Mts. worth it in an of itself?
Thanks for the advice on helping us to decide!

 

[RobDoc]

We have stayed at the <a href="http://www.groveparkinn.com/">Grove Park Inn</a> on points and enjoyed the visit very much. The view was great ( we were told it was the Blue Ridge Mtns though) and the resort is beautiful. It reminded us of WL with the expansive lobby and HUGE fireplace. Be sure to check out the spa- or at least walk thru the area even if you don't use any of the services. The structure is an elegant example of early 20th century architecture and physical effort to construct such a building. The rooms have been upgraded and are quite comfortable and up to current standards.

As for kid-friendly, the nature of the resort is very enticing to children. Just exploring the public areas can be a lot of fun. In the evening on our stay, they had an ice-cream sundae station set up where guests could make-their-own (complimentary). The old photos adorning the walls are very interesting too. Lots of history in that area.

If you have time, plan on a visit to the Biltmore Estate- a wonderful glimpse into the past.

We really enjoyed our visit and were well treated by the staff. In spite of the common rhetoric on this board NOT to use points for non-DVC resorts, we found it to be a good value and would enjoy a future stay there.

Enjoy!

 

[Boo]

Thanks Doc! It seems like a gorgeous resort on its website. Blue ridge mts- oops! We were in fact planning a visit to Biltmore- looks amazing!! I've heard that if you go after 3 p.m. they will honor your ticket for the next morning too, which would work very well with our driving schedule.

I'm with you- I've seen all the mathematical equations posted on how using points outside of WDW isn't cost effective, but for us it's a matter of current cash flow. We consider points "free vacation money" as it is already bought and paid for.

Thanks again!

 

[new_yawka]

We did 4 nights on points at Grove Park Inn a few years ago. It is an awesome place! Beautifully appointed rooms in a old stone building. The view from our room was nothing special, but the views from the resort overall are amazing. Eating dinner on the Sunset Terrace really made us appreciate what diverse and beautiful country we live in.

I'm a fan of the historic resorts and this is at the top of my list. As a side note, we were placed (without our asking), in the "Pink Lady Room." It is a room that is "haunted" by the spirit of a young women who died at the Hotel in the early 20th Century. It is a legend that is included in the Hotel materials in your room (or at least it was when we went).

Doc is right. The Spa is something incredible in and of itself. The golf course is perfectly groomed and I had a fabulous round there. The food was all very good. BTW - We were there at a time when my wife was pregnant and our older son was 3 1/2 years old.

One problem with going for one night. You'll want MORE!

Enjoy it, if you go.

 

[mowog]

We've stayed at Inn at Biltmore and Grove Park Inn. The Grove Park had beautiful public rooms but we thought the room was like staying in a monastary. We cut our stay short by a day as we weren't into the spa thing. We prefer the Inn at Biltmore and have done it twice so far. The Park Grove looks good on paper but we didn't care for it.

Jean and Bob

 

[cruise-o-matic]

We have AP's for Biltmore and have stayed at the GP too. One word of advice, do not get adventurous and drive past the GP and up the mountain. The road gets windey with lots of blind curves. Not really any good place to turn around.

The Biltmore Estate is really cool. If you get a chance, eat at the Stable Cafe. That would make an awesome theme for a restaurant at SSR. If you have the time, take a rooftop or behind the scenes tour. They cost extra though. Also, take a tour of the winery and do the free wine tasting too .

Since our DD was 1 1/2, we've taken her to have Breakfast with St. Nicholas at Biltmore. Nice traditional St. Nick (w/real beard too). Our streak of 7 years has ended since we will be at WDW this December.

Enjoy.

 

[mowog]

I'm adding to my previous post- We stayed at Park Grove the weekend prior to 9/11/01 so perhaps they have done room updates since then. If they have then I would perhaps give it another shot. If not I think it's overpriced. The rooms at AKL seemed bright and cheery compared to the room we had at PG ( and I find AKL sort of depressing). I still find the setting and public rooms at the PG gorgeous and hope they have redone the rooms to match.

If you visit Biltmore and drive to the "house"-on your way out you'll hit a flat straight road that parallels the French Broad river. Make a careful left at one of the small stone bridges and take the dirt road along the river. Beautiful spots to stop and enjoy a snack or view the river and house. It looks like you shouldn't be doing it but its OK- anyplace you can't go is well marked as such.

Have fun, Jean and Bob

 

[DVC Chris]

We spent two nights at the Grove Park Inn last June as part of our trip driving the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you like Wilderness Lodge, you'll like the Grove Park Inn. The 'historic' part of the hotel is magnificent. The two wings on either side of the hotel are more modern and HUGE!!... The Lobby and Public areas are great. The restaurant off the back of the lobby (Sunset Terrace??) is a great restaurant and an even better view!!.. We requested and stayed in a room in the orginal part of the hotel. The room was a bit small by DVC standards, but well appointed and included everything we needed (including refrig, coffee maker and micro(?)).

The one thing we were SLIGHTLY disapointed about was that it costs $$$'s to use the 'grotto' pool that you see in all the advertisements. That pool is part of the Spa and you need a day pass ($25/person, I think) to use those facilities. There is another indoor pool in a sports building just to the right of the main building that guests can use for no charge. There is a shuttle bus that runs to it and it can be easily walked as well.

If you're into antique cars, there is a small antique car museum and a few interesting shops located on property as well.

The resort really is a great place to visit for a few days. I also second all the comments about the Biltmore and would add to take one of the tours at Biltmore - especially the behind-the-scenes tour. It's kind of like their version of 'Backstage Magic'.

 

[Boo]

Thanks for the great tips! I can't wait to see the Biltmore. I think I'll give MS a call this morning and see if GP is available! Thanks!

 

[RebelHawk]

.
Welcome to my back yard! My wife and I haven't stayed at the Grove Park Inn but we have had a few meals there and at Biltmore. It is a beautiful place and we take any of our friends or family that visits there and to Biltmore as it is a beautiful place as well. Be sure to call the Biltmore and ask about some of the guided tours as you will get to see a lot of behind the scene stuff. The Biltmore also offers a really fun winery tour if you enjoy that type of thing as well. If you do want to do a bit of driving stick to the Blue Ridge Parkway and you will treat yourself to some great photo opportunities, yes the roads can get a bit twisty but it is the mountains. If you do decide to do a bit of driving it would be a tough call as to which way to go but if you head back toward SC there is a cute little German Town with a couple of great restaurants (if you like German food).

-Tom in SC

 

[wasabi girl]

The Grove Park Inn is lovely. I was married there 24 years ago. I have many fond memories of the Hotel. Driving up on the Blue ridge Parkway is a nice afternoon out too. Mt Mitchell is on the Parkway and is the highest point east of the Rockies in the US.

 

[kweaver]

Another vote for the Biltmore Behind the Scenes tour...and definitely have lunch/dinner at the stable restaurant. I haven't stayed at the Grove Park Inn yet...but it's well known to be a fabulous place!

 

[cruise-o-matic]

.
If you do want to do a bit of driving stick to the Blue Ridge Parkway and you will treat yourself to some great photo opportunities, yes the roads can get a bit twisty but it is the mountains.
-Tom in SC

Some parts of the BRP were washed away from the hurricanes last year. Some places were just recently opened this week but I'm not sure if there are any spots still to be repaired. Might want to check with AAA or the BRP site.

BRP has awesome views, but don't get too entranced and take your eyes off the road. The guard rails are non-existant in some places and the drop off is steep . The speed limit is 45 and there is very limited access, but if you have the time, it is worth the drive.

 

[SnowWitch]

Do they allow children in the original part of the hotel? I thought at one time it was adult only and new wings were for families.