Prepare to be wowed by the superb choice of lodging at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Asheville’s crown jewel in accommodations is more than a place to rest your head; but more of a vacation in itself.
From the enormously tall stone fireplaces to a world-class spa and grotto, top sunset views to cozy seating nooks throughout the property, North Carolina’s Omni Grove Park Inn is where the line between mountains and paradise become blurred.
(UPDATED OCTOBER 2022)
My Omni Grove Park Inn Guest Room
Check-in was super easy, as was valet parking. Though I was wowed by the lobby and its gorgeous seating arrangements, I couldn’t wait to see my actual room.
I stayed on the 6th floor of the Sammons Wing. Guests may also be in the Vanderbilt Wing on the other side of the resort. I’m not kidding when I say I walked five minutes from the lobby before reaching it—this place is enormous!
Inside, the room was just average but spacious and comfy. It had a king-sized bed with a Serta mattress, excellent linens, flat-screen HDTV, a desk, and a corner seating area. The bathroom had a shower/bath combo, a light-up mirror, and Nest toiletries (thumbs up!).
The Grove Park Inn has dozens of different room types, so they can be as basic or fancy as you wish. My visit was only for an overnight, so any room type worked.
Views from the balcony, overlooking the spa and picturesque mountains, were incredible. I also enjoyed having pay-per-view movies, something many hotels have gotten rid of and a favorite of mine.
Many of the rooms at the Grove Park Inn (Vanderbilt wing) are pet-friendly.
The Famous Sunset Terrace
The Holy Grail of the Omni Grove Park Inn is the beloved Sunset Terrace, serving lunch and dinner all week. My friend Angie and I enjoyed a memorable meal, starting with poached asparagus with English peas and mushrooms, which is a must.
Our server talked us into it, which was truly the highlight of our dining experience.
For our main course, we both had the 5 oz. Miyazaki Beef Ribeye, one of the most fantastic steaks available and cooked to perfection. I had mine with a side of béarnaise sauce and seasonal vegetables.
Save room for dessert because the list of choices will have you drooling!
Angie and I settled on the S’Mores dessert, which was sheer heaven. The mousse-like chocolate on the buttery crust with toasted marshmallow on top was sensational but really heavy. Luckily, the chef added what I think was a mango puree which leveled out the dish and made it absolutely fantastic.
Reserve your spot in advance at Sunset Terrace to see the most magical sunset in Asheville and watch the skies go through the colors of the rainbow as the sun goes down.
Other Omni Grove Park Inn Dining Options
Another popular eatery at the Omni Grove Park Inn is The EDISON, craft ales + kitchen. It is an artistic and sophisticated space, open all day for locally-sourced sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, and tasty starters.
This is where you can sink your teeth into Fried Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese Toast, Shrimp and Grits, and Scottish Salmon.
Another tasty choice is Blue Ridge, where a food attendant makes plates for you of the buffet-style menu items. Check out their highly desirable Sunday brunch from 12:30 to 2 PM.
Get your coffee fix along with a nice selection of grab & go foods and pastries at The Marketplace, which opens at 6:30 AM. They have food and beverage, some great gifts, and Grove Park insignia merchandise.
Seasonal dining at the Grove Park Inn includes Cabana Bar & Grill at the outdoor pool.
The Incredible Grove Park Spa
At the time of my stay, the Spa at Omni Grove Park was offering limited services and treatments. Appointment are required and only on-property guests only can qualify for bookings.
Guests enter the world-famous subterranean 43,000 square foot space through the Spa Tunnel, a memorable walk through cavernous rock walls with gemstones cut into them. Inside, a grotto lap pool transports you to another world through tranquility and beauty, while ten mineral-based and chlorine-free pools soak your troubles away.
Though I didn’t have a spa treatment or tour of the facility, I have heard from countless people that this is one of the most spectacular spas in the whole country. The next time I visit Asheville, this unrivaled indulgence is #1 on my to-do list. I can’t wait to hear the underwater music in this $50 million facility for myself!
Grove Park Inn Property and Amenities
The Grove Park Inn sits atop Sunset Mountain and offers a beautiful setting for mountain lovers. The Blue Ridge Mountains are viewed from the rooms and are a sight for sore eyes.
Golf is a big draw at the Grove Park Inn. To book a tee time at the Donald Ross-designed course, contact (828) 398-3858. Omni Grove Park Inn’s outdoor pool is another real treat on the enormous property, weather permitting.
The Omni Grove Park Inn is a member of Historic Hotels of America, a title that shows dedication to historic properties’ preservation and authenticity. Historic Hotels of America has 280 hotels across the country.
This 100+-year-old property is genuinely in a league of its own. I can see why it is continually voted one of the best in the United States.
Pin This Post For Later!
Read more of our North Carolina posts at:
Awesome ThIngs to Do in Asheville