The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

The spa was a great experience and worth returning for, and the shared spaces still feel comfortable and ruggedly luxurious, with huge fireplaces, lots of chairs, and great service. Breakfast was included with our stay and we enjoyed it a lot. At $35 each otherwise it isn’t cheap, but the food was really good, there was a wide selection, and service was great. The room was our main disappointment. We upgraded for the mountain view, which was great and worth recommending, but at around $400 a night, high for Asheville, we expected something more elevated. It felt like a standard mid-range chain room, and the bed was just okay, nowhere near as good as the Westin’s. Maybe we were in a room due for renovation, but I don’t know. The grand old hotel is starting to feel tired. Parking at $35 or valet at $45 also felt pricey. Our non-Tesla EV couldn’t charge without a converter. We had a reservation at their higher-end restaurant, the Vue, for Valentine’s Day, but the strong seafood smell drove us elsewhere, even though my wife loves seafood. The manager was very apologetic. Next time in Asheville, we’ll almost certainly return to the spa, but stay somewhere else.

This was our third visit to the Grove Park in recent years. Before, it had been a peaceful retreat that made us want to come back. Christmas was a very different experience. We expected extra visitors for the Gingerbread display, but not crowds arriving by the busload, including people who weren’t hotel guests. After paying nearly twice the usual room rate, we couldn’t enjoy the resort amenities or even see the whole display. We waited more than 45 minutes for a $15 hot chocolate, then were offered a gingerbread cookie in several broken pieces for another $7 because that was all they had left. Every lobby seat, including the rocking chairs, was taken by people lingering for hours as the long Gingerbread lines stretched through the lobby. Breakfast was frustrating too: too many people, no reservations to help manage the wait, and too few servers to handle tables and refills. I wouldn’t return at Christmas without assurances that hotel guests can use the resort they’ve paid a premium for. We paid over $650 a night for a basic room and were highly disappointed that the severe overcrowding kept us from enjoying the amenities. Also, although late checkout had been arranged before we arrived and confirmed at check-in, our keys stopped working at the regular checkout time, locking us out. This stay didn’t meet expectations.

The place is huge and clearly dated, and there didn’t seem to be many staff around for a property that size. Food and the bar were basic, while the boutiques had high-end hotel prices, though the quality seemed good. At about $420 a night, with parking at $35-45 per night, I’d be happy to stay for one night or a weekend, but probably get bored over a whole week. You can also visit just to look around at the historic artifacts, have a drink, and walk the grounds. The first hour of parking is free, then it’s $15 for the next two hours. If nostalgia and old-money charm appeal to you, it’s worth a quick look. Come for the golf and stay for the nostalgic feel.

Caroline, the manager on property, sorted out a small room issue quickly and professionally. The resort has so much to do that we never needed to leave, and the Dueling Piano Bar was a blast. The spa is one of the best I’ve experienced and could be reason enough to make the trip. The atmosphere and service were great, and we’ll definitely be back. Five stars all the way.