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The Omni Grove Park Inn

From $425/night • Score: 4.6★ (5120 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Approaching The Omni Grove Park Inn via the winding, tree-lined ascent of Sunset Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina, is a cinematic experience that immediately sets a tone of historic grandeur. Perched majestically on the ridge, the resort reveals itself not merely as a hotel, but as a monumental work of art carved directly into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Erected in 1913 in a staggering eleven months under the visionary direction of Edwin Wiley Grove and his son-in-law Fred L. Seely, this legendary Arts and Crafts masterpiece defies conventional architectural categorization. It is a structure of immense, almost defiant scale, constructed from massive, unhewn granite boulders harvested directly from the surrounding mountainsides—some weighing as much as 10 tons. These colossal stones, paired with sweeping copper roofs that have oxidized to a regal verdigris green, anchor the sprawling 513-room resort into the earth with an organic permanence that feels entirely symbiotic with the rugged North Carolina landscape.

Upon stepping through the porte-cochère, guests are immediately swallowed by the breathtaking scale of the Great Hall. Spanning an awe-inspiring 120 feet in length, this cavernous, cathedral-like lobby is framed by four massive structural stone pillars and towering Georgia pine beams. The room is anchored at either end by twin, 14-foot-wide native stone fireplaces that burn roaring fires during the cooler months, casting a warm, amber glow over the room's legendary collection of original Roycrofter furnishings and plush leather armchairs. The floor-to-ceiling stonework, paired with wrought-iron chandeliers and handcrafted copper lanterns, transports visitors instantly to an era of unhurried elegance. Step past the Great Hall onto the iconic Sunset Terrace, and the architecture yields to nature in a dramatic crescendo. Stretching along the back of the historic main inn, this stone-lined terrace overlooks the Donald Ross-designed golf course and offers what is unequivocally the finest panoramic view in Asheville. As the sun dips behind the rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge range, painting the sky in violent shades of violet, amber, and rose, the terrace becomes a social theater where history, luxury, and mountain air coalesce.

The legacy of the Grove Park Inn is etched into the very fabric of American history. For over a century, this sanctuary has played host to an extraordinary pantheon of figures, serving as a mountain retreat for ten U.S. presidents—including Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Barack Obama—as well as literary giants like F. Scott Fitzgerald, who spent long, melancholic summers residing in room 441 during the depths of his struggles. Yet, despite its monumental scale and storied past, the property manages to maintain an intimate, deeply welcoming atmosphere. The air carries the faint, comforting scent of burning hickory and old pine, while the gentle hum of hushed conversations in the Great Hall reminds you that you are inhabiting a living museum. At an average price point of $425 per night, the property delivers an immersive historical and sensory immersion that few modern luxury hotels can replicate, proving that true architectural heritage cannot be manufactured.

The Room Experience

Accommodations at The Omni Grove Park Inn are divided into distinct eras and wings, offering guests a choice between the historic charm of the 1913 Main Inn and the contemporary comforts of the Vanderbilt and Sammons wings. For the true purist, a stay in the Historic Main Inn is non-negotiable. These rooms wear their history as a badge of honor, characterized by sloping plaster walls, antique oak furnishings crafted in the quintessential Arts and Crafts aesthetic, and structural granite exterior walls that are sometimes visibly integrated into the bedroom decor. Walking down the low-ceilinged, creaking corridors of the historic wing feels akin to stepping back into the Roaring Twenties; you can almost hear the faint strains of jazz drifting from the lobby below where F. Scott Fitzgerald once penned his dispatches.

In contrast, the resort’s newer wings—particularly the recently renovated club-level rooms—cater to travelers seeking contemporary luxury married seamlessly with traditional mountain motifs. Standard guest rooms are surprisingly spacious, averaging around 350 to 400 square feet, and are meticulously appointed with rich jewel tones, custom-woven plaid wool textiles, and warm leather accents that pay homage to the surrounding wilderness. Beds are dressed in high-thread-count crisp white linens, plush down comforters, and an abundance of feather pillows designed to induce an immediate, restorative sleep made effortless by the crisp mountain air drifting through the windows. Modern amenities are thoughtfully integrated without disrupting the historic illusion: flat-screen televisions, high-speed Wi-Fi, Keurig coffee makers, and bedside USB charging ports are standard, discreetly housed within custom cabinetry that mirrors the room's rustic woodwork.

Bathrooms vary significantly depending on whether you are staying in the historic core or the modern additions. Main Inn bathrooms can lean toward the compact side, retaining vintage charm with classic porcelain fixtures, patterned floor tiles, and upgraded granite vanities stocked with plush Turkish cotton bath sheets and high-end botanical toiletries from Pharmacopia. Rooms in the Vanderbilt Wing offer more sprawling, spa-like bathrooms equipped with deep soaking tubs, glass-enclosed walk-in rain showers, and dual vanities illuminated by flattering sconces. For the ultimate lodging experience, booking a Mountain View room is essential. Waking up to pull back the heavy drapes and watch the morning mists slowly burn off the craggy ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains—hot cup of artisanal coffee in hand—is a transcendent ritual. While some historic rooms can occasionally experience ambient noise from the bustling Great Hall below, the trade-off in historic resonance and atmosphere is more than justified.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

Without question, the crowning jewel of The Omni Grove Park Inn—and one of the most celebrated wellness destinations in the entire Western Hemisphere—is its legendary 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa. Carved deep into the bedrock directly beneath the main inn, this architectural marvel is an underground labyrinth of restorative water therapies and sensory indulgence. Upon entering, guests are enveloped in a hushed, subterranean oasis inspired by the natural mountain grottos and mineral springs of North Carolina. The facility boasts a staggering array of amenities, anchored by three massive, multi-tiered mineral pools heated to varying therapeutic temperatures. These pools are framed by soaring stone archways, fiber-optic starry night ceilings, and dramatic rock waterfalls that cascade into the water, producing a soothing acoustic backdrop that instantly melts away tension.

The subterranean spa experience is designed around a holistic hydrotherapy circuit. Guests can drift between inhalation rooms, eucalyptus-infused steam cabins, dry saunas, and outdoor whirlpools overlooking the densely wooded mountain slopes. One of the spa's signature features is its cavernous contrast pools, where plunging from a piping-hot mineral bath into a bracing, ice-fed cold plunge stimulates circulation and invigorates the nervous system. The relaxation areas are equally impressive, featuring massive stone fireplaces surrounded by zero-gravity loungers, cozy fleece blankets, and complimentary stations offering hot spiced cider, infused waters, and fresh fruit. A dedicated spa menu allows guests to sip champagne or herbal tea while wrapped in plush robes, listening to the gentle, rhythmic dripping of subterranean water. Securing a day pass here is notoriously competitive, making advance booking essential months prior to arrival.

Beyond the subterranean spa, the resort offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to on-site amenities. Golf enthusiasts can test their handicap on the prestigious 18-hole championship golf course, originally designed by legendary architect Donald Ross in 1926 and later updated by Kris Spence. Framed by dramatic mountain vistas on every hole, the course has hosted golf legends like Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus and demands strategic shot-making amidst undulating terrain. For racket sports, the indoor and outdoor tennis courts and pickleball facilities are meticulously maintained. Fitness buffs will appreciate the expansive, state-of-the-art Power & Play complex, which includes a modern fitness center, indoor lap pool, and yoga studios. Throughout the property, the service atmosphere strikes a rare balance: professional, polished, and attentive, yet entirely devoid of stuffiness, embodying a warm Southern hospitality that makes every guest feel like a welcomed member of the estate's storied lineage.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Dining at The Omni Grove Park Inn is an expedition through Appalachian culinary heritage, elevated by modern techniques, farm-to-table sourcing, and dramatic architectural backdrops. The resort's flagship fine-dining destination, **Blue Ridge**, serves as the epicenter of its gastronomic program. Set within a dining room defined by massive windows that frame the twinkling lights of Asheville and the dark silhouettes of the mountains, Blue Ridge offers lavish breakfast buffets and sophisticated multi-course dinner menus. Mornings feature an impressive spread of locally sourced farm eggs, house-made buttermilk biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy, artisanal charcuterie, and locally roasted organic coffees. Dinner highlights include contemporary interpretations of Southern classics, such as pan-seared mountain trout, heritage pork belly glazed with local sorghum, and beef short ribs braised in regional craft beer.

For a more casual yet equally atmospheric dining experience, **EDISON, craft+kitchen** offers a vibrant, industrial-chic environment that pays homage to Thomas Edison, who was a frequent guest and close friend of E.W. Grove. The menu here focuses on comforting, shareable plates, artisanal burgers, and an exceptional selection of craft beers sourced from Asheville’s famously prolific local brewing scene. Diners can sit indoors near historic photographs of Edison and Henry Ford or secure a table on the outdoor patio to enjoy their meal against the backdrop of the valley below. Meanwhile, the **Sunset Terrace** transforms into a premier destination for prime cuts of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood, and bespoke cocktails as daylight fades. Sipping a Manhattan crafted with local North Carolina rye whiskey while watching the sun set behind the peaks from this terrace is an unmissable ritual.

When venturing beyond the gates of the resort, guests find themselves on the doorstep of one of the country's most vibrant cultural and culinary enclaves. Downtown Asheville, located a mere 10-minute drive down the mountain, is renowned as "Beer City USA," boasting one of the highest concentrations of craft breweries per capita in the nation. Visitors can explore world-class taprooms like Burial Beer Co. and Wicked Weed Brewing, or wander through the historic downtown core to discover an eclectic mix of independent art galleries, bohemian boutiques, and farm-to-table bistros. For night owls, downtown offers a thriving live music scene, spearmint-scented cocktail lounges, and historic theaters hosting everything from indie-rock acts to bluegrass jams, ensuring that the transition from the secluded mountain luxury of the Grove Park Inn to the vibrant energy of urban Appalachia is seamless and deeply rewarding.

Who This Stay Is For

Practical Travel Notes