The Henderson

The location was perfect, and the restaurant's pancakes and bacon were fabulous. We also had a very good dinner there. But I really wanted to like this place, and we don't plan to return. At more than $200 a night, we expected a better experience. Our suite was far too hot when we arrived. The bedroom's window air conditioner showed 78, while the bathroom and entryway with the massage chair were even hotter. We eventually realized it was on eco mode with the fan set low and turned it up, but we were already sweating. I was surprised it hadn't been set higher to cool the room before we got there. My husband nearly fell getting into the jacuzzi tub to cool off, and the handheld sprayer's hose was too short for him to stand and use it. I told the owners, and the next morning they let us move to a room where the air conditioner could keep things cool enough. We were often trying to leave before 8:00 a.m. so my husband could get to his conference meetings and I could reach the hiking trail. Before 8, the only breakfast to go was a store-bought bagel with cream cheese or butter, a granola bar, and a piece of fruit. More grab-and-go choices would have helped, maybe homemade treats or a breakfast or cold-cut sandwich. We also like daily room service to make the bed and straighten things up, and were very disappointed it wasn't included, even when requested. A few simple changes could have made this much better for us. The first room would have been cooler with the air conditioner set to high fan before arrival, and another unit in the entryway might help keep the bathroom area cool too.

The complimentary gourmet breakfast was the cherry on top, and the hospitality made the whole stay feel like a weekend with a close relative. The staff thought of what we might need, and the room was cozy, with a really comfortable bed and sheets. The home is well maintained and has such a lovely historic inn feel, with old music playing in the public areas and 50s movies on the TVs. I was in the area for business, but I'd come back for pleasure. Thank you! 11/10.

Michael, a renowned local chef, regularly prepares amazing dinners on site that guests can join. Jeanne runs everything seamlessly and is very accommodating. The owners are friendly, too. You're only a very short block from the main downtown street, with places to eat, shop, sight-see, or just sit and watch. A group of us, including another couple, make this our first choice when we meet up. It's the most eclectic hotel in Hendersonville, a hundred years old, and its quirks make it interesting. Think B&B, but a hotel rather than a house. The decor is a bit of everything, and the public area furniture is an attractive jumble of fun things. The floors squeak like they should at that age, and you start imagining the stories they could tell. No elevator, but at 80 I did fine with the stairs. There's plenty to look at in the hallways, too. It's old and worn, a bit like visiting grandma.

Michael and Jeanne are some of the best people in town, and they give generously back to the community. The Henderson is cozy, the food is impeccable, and the customer service is great. Those five star reviews are well deserved. I'm grateful to know them and support their business.