Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Never stayed at the Biltmore, but you are on Biltmore grounds and it feels a little contrived."

I was just at the Biltmore last month and would agree with this.

Can you elaborate further? Contrived as in Disneyish? We're leaning towards this over GPI. Is not as lovely as it looks in the photos?

Disneyish is a good way to describe it. The mansion has its own village, shops, walking paths, separate from downtown, akin to staying at The Grand Floridian. Not really my cup of tea. Grove Park Inn is in a beautiful old Asheville neighborhood with a lot of charm, and the Inn itself is definitely more established than the hotel at the Biltmore. I should add that the nighttime views of the mountains from the Grove Park Inn are worth the trip, even if you do not end up staying there.

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for GPI. I've never stayed at either but visit in-laws in Asheville annually. Grove park is a lovely inn built into a mountain with wonderful views and a great lodge feel.

I haven't been inside Biltmore but the grounds can feel a little theme-y. For example, there is an "irish pub" on the grounds. It's definitely worth a visit to the mansion and some time walking the trails, but I would much rather stay at Grove park inn.

While you are there, also make sure to hit up the Sierra Nevada Brewery. It is beautiful and really fun.

Last thing to note is that while Asheville does have a walkable downtown, the complete lack of urban planning may take you by surprise. It's a cool town but it totally lacks the quaint walkable small town feel you may be envisioning. Many roads throughout the city feel more like Rockville Pike than main street. I'd advise making a list of where you want to visit (and eat! so many great restaurants!) and heading straight to each, rather than just planning to meander through town.

Odd. When we were there we walked everywhere. Draw a circle with a .5 mile radius around Curate (11 Biltmore Avenue) - there are so many restaurants, shops, and breweries within walking distance that you could probably spend an entire weekend there!

Another vote for GPI. I've never stayed at either but visit in-laws in Asheville annually. Grove park is a lovely inn built into a mountain with wonderful views and a great lodge feel.

I haven't been inside Biltmore but the grounds can feel a little theme-y. For example, there is an "irish pub" on the grounds. It's definitely worth a visit to the mansion and some time walking the trails, but I would much rather stay at Grove park inn.

While you are there, also make sure to hit up the Sierra Nevada Brewery. It is beautiful and really fun.

Last thing to note is that while Asheville does have a walkable downtown, the complete lack of urban planning may take you by surprise. It's a cool town but it totally lacks the quaint walkable small town feel you may be envisioning. Many roads throughout the city feel more like Rockville Pike than main street. I'd advise making a list of where you want to visit (and eat! so many great restaurants!) and heading straight to each, rather than just planning to meander through town.

Anonymous wrote:"Never stayed at the Biltmore, but you are on Biltmore grounds and it feels a little contrived."

I was just at the Biltmore last month and would agree with this.

Can you elaborate further? Contrived as in Disneyish? We're leaning towards this over GPI. Is not as lovely as it looks in the photos?