4 Things to Know About North Carolina’s Omni Grove Park Inn Before a Stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Asheville, North Carolina, but few can compare to the Omni Grove Park Inn. Nestled on 150 acres about 2,000 feet above sea level in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this luxury hotel in Asheville has been a bucket list-worthy destination for many travelers since 1913, and it’s earned its accolades as one of the best places to stay in North Carolina. Whether you’re looking to play some golf or just sit back and enjoy those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views, Grove Park Inn is the perfect place to call home while you explore Asheville.

Here are four things to know about the resort and the surrounding area to help you plan your trip to Asheville.

Central Location

One of the best reasons to stay at the Grove Park Inn is its location. The resort is situated approximately 2.5 miles north of Downtown Asheville, providing a perfect base for exploring all that Asheville has to offer. Several of Asheville’s top attractions are within a 15-minute driving radius, including the Asheville Botanical Garden and the iconic Biltmore Village.

Should you wish to explore beyond Asheville, several cities are within a day trip:

• Greenville, South Carolina: 1 hour
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee: 1.75 hours
• Charlotte, North Carolina: 2 hours
• Knoxville, Tennessee: 2 hours
• Columbia, South Carolina: 2.5 hours

Naturally, taking the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must, especially when you’re in the area. This stunning 469-mile scenic road showcases the best views of North Carolina, and there are endless side quests along the way. Hit up a hiking trail, stop off at a park for a picnic, or pull over at one of the many viewpoints to admire the mountains. 

Dining at the Omni Grove Park Inn

Asheville is a foodie lover’s paradise, and while I encourage you to check out one of the many restaurants in downtown Asheville, the restaurants at the Grove Park Inn are not to be missed. From casual dining and cafes to fine dining, there’s a variety of cuisines on the resort’s grounds, including American, Southern, comfort food, and French cuisine. 

The Blue Ridge Restaurant embraces a farm-to-table concept and serves up some of the best Southern cuisine in the state. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and boasts some sensational views to boot. In the evenings, check out Sunset Terrace. Here, you can soak in even more Blue Ridge views while sipping a glass from a rather extensive wine list and feasting on delicious seafood and steak in an upscale atmosphere. 

Check out all of Grove Park Inn’s on-site restaurants to learn more. Reservations are recommended for the majority of these restaurants, so plan accordingly!

Things to Do at the Grove Park Inn

There are so many amenities at this resort that we wouldn’t blame you if you never left the grounds during your stay. (Check out the resort map to see for yourself.) One of the main reasons to stay at a resort like this is to take advantage of all of the on-site experiences. From the 50,000-square-foot Sports Complex to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, there’s truly something for everyone. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Spa

The spa at the Omni Grove Park Inn leans into the four elements (fire, rock, water, and light) to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere to ensure you leave rejuvenated. The 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa with cavernous rock walls, arches, and tunnels is the perfect place to start. There’s also a mineral-based relaxation pool, a lap pool with 6,500 fiber-optic stars and underwater music, plus two waterfall pools. After a swim, head over to the inhalation rooms and saunas before grabbing a cup of tea from the Spa Cafe. Sip and savor the moment in one of the comfy chairs by the fireside lounges for the perfect spa day.

The Golf Course

Tee off at the legendary 18-hole golf course at the Grove Park Inn for a fun-filled day. Designed by Donald Ross in 1926, this course has consistently been named one of the best golf resorts in the country. Many PGA stars have played the 6,113-yard championship course, including Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan. After your round, swing by the Cabana Grill and Bar to refuel and reflect on your game.

Hotel Rooms at The Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn features 513 rooms, offering a variety of tiers to choose from. The largest hotel room is the Premium Club Room, which boasts a spacious 700 square feet of living space. If you don’t need that much space, there are plenty of mountain-view rooms that are a fraction of the price without sacrificing those sweeping vista views. There are also 12 suites, and nine accessible rooms are also available, ensuring that there’s always an acceptable accommodation waiting for you.

Visit the official website for The Omni Grove Park Inn to book your stay. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.