As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

One of the most historic places to sleep in North Carolina is also one of the most famous hotels in the state. The Omni Grove Park Inn boasts 513 rooms and suites and is considered a five-star luxury fit for a queen, or even a whole list of U.S. Presidents. That is not to imply that a queen has stayed here, but a long list of U.S. Presidents has. Even still, this isn’t what makes the Omni Grove Park Inn so notable. Let’s take a look at Omni Grove Park Inn’s history.

It's the hotel's history and dedication to sheer opulence that turn heads.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
The Grove Park Inn (now Omni Grove Park Inn) first opened in July 1913 after remarkably completing construction on the five-story stone structure in less than one year.
Omni Hotels
The concept, design, and construction were overseen by Fred Seely, the owner's son-in-law, who hand-drew a sketch from which the hotel would be built.
Seely put to work 400 men who worked in 10-hour shifts six days a week to complete the hotel, including hauling tons and tons of boulders down from the top of Sunset Mountain.
The Omni Grove Park Inn/Facebook
Mules, wagons, and this car train were used to transport the many boulders that make up the facade of the Grove Park Inn.

Related Stories

Best Hotels & Resorts In North Carolina: 12 Amazing Places To Stay

Best Hotels & Resorts In North Carolina: 12 Amazing Places To Stay

 The Celebrity-Owned Gordon Ramsay Food Market Is One Of The Best Places To Grab A Bite To Eat In North Carolina

The Celebrity-Owned Gordon Ramsay Food Market Is One Of The Best Places To Grab A Bite To Eat In North Carolina

 Channel Your Inner Pioneer When You Spend The Night At This Covered Wagon Resort In Robbinsville, North Carolina

Channel Your Inner Pioneer When You Spend The Night At This Covered Wagon Resort In Robbinsville, North Carolina
Upon opening, it was presented that the walls at the Inn were five feet thick and made of boulders.
The Omni Grove Park Inn/Facebook
During WWII, Grove Park would be utilized as an internment spot for diplomats from around the world as well as a navy rehabilitation site for returning sailors.
Today, this five-star delight has expanded a great deal since its opening nearly 110 years ago.
Management/TripAdvisor
It now boasts 513 rooms and suites, a world-renowned underground spa called The Grotto, at least 10 restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools for guests, and even separate pools just for the spa...
Including this underground pool in The Grotto, and oh-so-much more.
Management/TripAdvisor
Not all of us will get the opportunity to spend the night in the luxury of the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville in our lifetime, be we can dream, can't we??
Management/TripAdvisor


Watch this video overview of all that the Omni Grove Park Inn has to offer, especially that spa area to die for!

Now that you’ve seen Omni Grove Park Inn’s history, what part fascinates you the most? If you’ve had the undeniable pleasure to spend the night at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville would you agree it’s one of the most historic places you’ll ever sleep? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Then, read about another historic hotel in North Carolina – the Old Marshall Jail Hotel.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

More historic hotels in North Carolina

Chris Muras | January 20, 2023

What famous people stayed at the Grove Park Inn?

With such a rich history the Omni Grove Park Inn has had a lot of notable guests over the years. From famous actors to politicians, and even famous entrepreneurs and scientists. Here is a list of a few famous people that have stayed at the Grove Park Inn:

  • F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Michael Jordan
  • Henry Ford
  • Barack & Michelle Obama
  • Woodrow Wilson
  • Elbert Hubbard
  • Anthony Hopkins
  • Thomas Edison
  • John D. Rockefeller
  • Dan Aykroyd
  • Harry Houdini

 

When did Grove Park Inn become Omni?

The Grove Park Inn added the Omni to its distinguished history in 2013 when Omni Hotels purchased it from the Texas businessman Charles A. Sammons. Sammons had owed the inn since 1955 when the first major restoration was done at an expense of $100,000.

What are some of the historic hotels in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a rich history dating back to 1789 when it became the twelfth state. With over 200 years of history, there are some pretty old hotels that could tell a story or two. Here is a list of some of the most historic hotels in North Carolina:

 

Read about each of these historic hotels in NC, along with a few more. Then, pack your bags and set out on an adventure to experience them in person.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Omni Grove Park Inn - Country Club, 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, USA