Peaks Of Otter Lodge

I came for a bit of a reset and left glad I chose this place. The staff were friendly, and the food was good, especially the Crab Cakes. My room was fine, though a little dusty with a few webs, which I guess comes with being in the mountains. I loved the private balcony and amazing view. Driving through the mountains was breathtaking, and I’m planning to come back with my family when the foliage changes.

We’re from south Florida, and lunch at the lodge was a highlight. My husband and I had the chicken bacon ranch sandwich and grilled pork, and both were truly amazing. Chef Dustin was so personable and went out of his way to make sure we were happy with everything. He’s a real asset to the lodge, and we’ll definitely return next time we’re in the area. Thanks, Dustin!

The surroundings are beautiful this time of year, and location is really what this place has going for it. My husband and I have stayed twice for our anniversary, including our 37th this year. If you want luxury or lots of amenities, look elsewhere. There are no snacks, the ice machine badly needs cleaning, and for $264, with check-in at 4:00 p.m. and checkout at 11:00 a.m., you’d think there’d be a microwave. There isn’t one. No phones in the rooms either, so you have to go into the hallway to call the front desk. Getting between the parking lot and the rooms was so difficult that, as someone with a disability, I thought it might kill me. The restaurant area looked beautiful, but the food was bad and very expensive. Breakfast for the two of us cost $47. By the time we got our buffet food to the table, it was ice cold. Since there’s no microwave, the waitress had to bring us untouched replacement plates to heat up. The servers were nice, but also condescending. I don’t want to be called “sweetheart” or “darling” by someone who doesn’t know me. My husband doesn’t even call me that.

Sharp Top is where I fell in love with my husband, and I got to celebrate that love at the most gorgeous venue. I can’t put into words how joyful and grateful I am. Thank you to the chefs, whose cooking impressed my old-school Italian family, and to the front desk staff for answering my millions of questions. Nicole and Dawn helped coordinate everything while I was in Texas, and every staff member played a part in making it the happiest day of my life. Planning the wedding meant rescheduling and replanning through every possible hurdle, and the wonderful staff at the Peaks of Otter were so attentive and patient with me. Going back home to VA made me realize how much I’d missed the Blue Ridge Mountains’ warm hospitality and slow Southern charm. I’ll absolutely come back every anniversary. ❤️