When I think of hotel stays that I’ve had, most of them seem pretty generic. Sure, I love waking up in new places, but most hotels have the same basic layout, decorations, and food. However, during my recent getaway to Asheville, North Carolina I stayed somewhere that raised the bar as to how I will view all places in the future. This spectacular experience happened at the Inn on Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt, who opened the Biltmore House in 1895, had plans to open an inn on the Biltmore property in the early 1900’s, but it never happened within his lifetime. The Inn on Biltmore Estate finally opened in 2001 though and it is the only accommodations at the Biltmore Estate. The Vanderbilt’s were renowned for their hospitality and you can experience that same generous hospitality at the inn.
Upon arriving at the inn, I saw a huge Christmas tree in the lobby. There were beautiful ornaments and plenty of toys under the tree. The toys are for sale and you can even buy a gorgeous rocking horse that sits at the front of the tree for nearly $4,000. While we’re speaking about prices, the cost of the inn can be quite a lot. Rooms average between $300-600 per night during the holidays, but if you are looking for a once in a lifetime Christmas experience then it’s definitely worth it. Trust me when I say that this was the most amazing place that I have ever stayed, and I’ve stayed in too many hotels to count.
Dining at the Inn
The Library Lounge is located near the lobby and comes equipped with a large fireplace and terrific views of the nearby mountains. The Lounge is the most casual restaurant at the inn, but it still has a luxurious vibe to it. Unfortunately, I didn’t actually dine at the Library Lounge, but I did stroll through it and sat at one of the outdoor tables to enjoy the view.
However, I did eat at The Dining Room, a more formal restaurant, twice during my stay. Once for breakfast and once for dinner. This restaurant is located on the first floor of the inn and for breakfast they offer a buffet or an a la carte menu. I opted for the a la carte and ordered biscuits and sausage gravy (my weakness), turkey bacon, and a peanut butter & banana smoothie. It was perfection. As a peanut butter connoisseur, I really can’t recommend the smoothie enough. My table for breakfast was right by the window and the views were majestic.
For dinner, it was a much more formal affair and I was seated in front of a cozy fireplace. This was a nice contrast from the cold weather that I had been rolling around in all day as I toured the Biltmore House (more coming about this at a later date in a future article). You can choose from a 3 course, 5 course, or 7 course degustation menu. I chose the 3 courses and had Heirloom Squash Bisque for my appetizer, Tasmanian Salmon for my entree, and Chocolate Orange Crémeux for dessert. Everything was delicious, but the dessert was the clear winner. It was served with a raspberry sorbet that was to die for.
My Room at the Inn
I stayed in a wheelchair accessible deluxe double room (room number 369) and it had everything that I needed and more. There was plenty of space to maneuver my wheelchair around in the room, even with the two beds. I didn’t take my hoyer lift this time, but I did notice that there would have been plenty of space for it to roll under the bed as well. The room also came with a desk, flat screen television, a full length mirror, some magazines (including my personal favorite, Travel + Leisure), and a Keurig coffee maker with K-cups of coffee and teas.
The bathroom came equipped with both a roll-in shower and a tub. I didn’t use the tub, but the roll-in shower was perfect. The shower sprayer was lightweight and easy to hold. The bathroom sink was also easy to roll under.
Everything Else at the Inn
As I said before, the inn comes with some epic views and I got a little camera happy while I was there. Sooo many amazing photo opportunities! This is my favorite photo from my stay…
Pretty epic, huh? That shot was taken on a paved trail beside the outdoor pool and jacuzzi area. It was cold while I was there so the pool was closed, but I did notice that there was a chair lift at the pool. There was also a chair lift at the jacuzzi. Accessibility is an important aspect that the Inn on Biltmore Estate has mastered.
There are various trails all around the inn and the great part is that they are all paved. I easily rolled all over the place and enjoyed soaking up the crisp mountain air. I’ve always kind of considered myself more of a city person, but I really fell in love with the natural beauty at the inn.
If you prefer not to take the trails and walk/roll everywhere, there are shuttles that arrive at the inn every 15 minutes or so. These shuttles can take you almost everywhere on the Biltmore property and many of the shuttles come equipped with a lift and tie downs. Not all of them do however, so you might want to call down to the desk and request an accessible shuttle before you are ready to go. I never had to wait long at all and this was extremely convenient, allowing me to have more time exploring the property instead of waiting on a ride.
While the Inn on Biltmore Estate was perfect for my pre-Christmas getaway, I know that it would be just as special at any other time of the year. I can just imagine how beautiful the outdoors would be in the Summer and Fall with the vast colors of the leaves. No matter what season you are looking to take a mountain getaway in, the Inn on Biltmore Estate is truly the most majestic place to do so.
*Thanks to the Biltmore for hosting my stay. All opinions expressed are my own.
**A Note from Curb Free with Cory Lee: This post includes affiliate links. When you click on a link, I may receive a small compensation, which will help this blog grow into a better resource for disabled travelers.
Wow, the Biltmore redefines the concept of “cozy” for a winter stay! Whenever I spend some time back in the States, I’m looking forward to a road trip with an early southern lilt. My wife would die for a night at the Biltmore, so I’m be bookmarking this post.
Dave Cole recently posted…History and Empty Beaches at Grand Bassam, Cote dâIvoire
Wow, very regal! I love staying in Inns and Lodges rathe than regular generic hotels, they feel more personal I think. The Biltmore looks stunning, wish I was in that jacuzzi right now, I am somewhat obsessed with them
Katie @ The World on my Necklace recently posted…My 2015 travel plans REVEALED
This looks amazing! Would love to stay there some day! It really looks like a stately mansion of classic luxury, but very cosy as well. And the food looks really yummy too!
Maria @ Nerd Nomads recently posted…Happy 40th Birthday To Japan`s Favourite Cat – Hello Kitty!
It looks amazing! We only drove past the Inn when we visited the Biltmore, but it looked spectacular just form the outside. The Christmas decorations and the fireplace seem so cozy. And that picture with you looking out to the mountains is awesome!
Amy recently posted…Exploring Brussels’ Christmas market: Winter Wonders
It looks amazing! We only drove past the Inn when we visited the Biltmore, but it looked spectacular just from the outside and it looks like the inside is even nicer. The Christmas decorations and the fireplace seem so cozy. And that picture with you looking out to the mountains is awesome!
Amy recently posted…Exploring Brussels’ Christmas market: Winter Wonders
Looks like an awesome spot to stay! Those views are gorgeous and that food looks yum! Looks like they are really aware of being accessible for everyone. Things like the chair lift at the pool and jacuzzi, I would never think how unaccessible normal pool areas are. Its great that they’ve really worked hard to make everyone able to enjoy their stay. Good work!
Christine recently posted…Our Favorite Black and White Travel Photos
It’s great to see that you really do get exceptional quality for that price tag. It seems Christmas time might be the best time of year to spend at this Inn.
Veronika recently posted…Winter in Prague: The Most Magical Season
wowwww so pretty! You lucky bum! I LOVE the Christmas decorations (I’m a little Christmas obsessed). Your room looks super cozy too!
Hannah recently posted…Auberge Saint-Antoine: Luxury with a Story in the Heart of Quebec City
Corey the Biltmore looks amazing with great quality and views! I just love those Christmas trees and would love to see the $4000 rocking horse. The food also looks so delicious, the Biltmore certainly looks like it offers the best of everything.
Lyn – A Hole in my Shoe recently posted…High Tea in and Around Perth
I can see why this place stands out to you as one of your most memorable hotel stays! I absolutely love Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday by far and this places is just full to the brim with Christmas spirit! I would love to sit by that fireplace and enjoy one of those big multi-course dinners. Really looks like you had an amazing time.
Jessica @She Dreams of Travel recently posted…Looking Back On One Year Of Blogging
Biscuits and gravy are my weakness too! hehe 🙂 What a cool experience! I would love to stay here one day. Thanks for sharing!
Francesca One Girl: One World recently posted…My Travel Highlights from 2014
What a good place to stay for the holidays!
Trisha Velarmino recently posted…The Quarter Life: Traveling Changed The Way I Think About Being 25
Wow. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville looks like a wonderful place to stay and the view is breath-taking. Being there around Christmas time looks like a lot of fun.
I´ve been recently in Salzburg, Austria and we saw a similar, huge and beautiful Christmas tree.
I like it when I can feel like a child again watching and sitting in front of a huge, beautifully decorated “Christbaum”.
Christina @ City Sea Country recently posted…Salzburg: Impressions from the city along the Salzach
Wow, this looks like a great place to stay, really warm and cozy on those cold Christmas days, just how it should be. Looks like it is worth the money too. We usually stay in the more low budget end of the spectrum but every now and then it’s great to spend a little more, it normally ends up much more relaxing than a hostel! The best places to stay are those that add to the experience as much as the place itself!
The Roaming Renegades recently posted…What to do in KRAKOW, Poland & our Guide!
Kudos to Biltmore for creating a beautiful property that is accessible to everyone. Love that they offer chair lifts for the pool and jacuzzi. I’ve visited Biltmore with my family but we only toured the house and grounds. During that visit, I remember thinking that if I ever returned I wanted to stay at the Inn.
Tonya {The Traveling Praters} recently posted…Good Eats at The Brick Oven Bistro in Sandusky, Ohio
Dude, this place is so pretty isn’t it?!! So glad you were able to go. If you’re not in the Christmas spirit after this… check your pulse! LOL. Looks like you had an amazing time. I need to get up there soon. SOOO JELLY!!!
Christa Thompson recently posted…Exploring Game of Thrones Film Locations in Northern Ireland
Lovely place to hang out for a few days. The Biltmores and Hilton’s left their mark across the country.
Elaine J. Masters recently posted…Travel books for your gift list & reading pleasure
oh i cannot wait to visit the biltmore. your stay looks impeccable and thanks so much for sharing all the details. i’m gonna have those biscuits and gravy. 😉
The Inn at Biltmore looks like an absolutely gorgeous property, I would personally go for the fireplace and the amazing food. I also love how accessible the property is. I have a client who is a wheelchair using Wounded Warrior and is looking for a special place to propose, I’ll have to suggest this to him.
Brianna recently posted…8 last minute gifts for the travelers on your list
It looks very classy and stylish, perfect for the cold winter days! And the Jacuzzi looks very tempting!
Elena recently posted…KOTOR. Laundry, shutters & wires
Loved the pictures. The inn looks majestic and I am sure spending a night or two there would be a memorable thing. The Chocolate Orange Crémeux looks awesome.
Sumit Surai recently posted…Traveling With Kids – How To Make The Vacations Memorable
I love your perspective on the Inn from your point of view. Biltmore was one of my earlier Pack Your Bags feature. I had the family perspective. It is a lovely place. I have stayed there twice. In February and also in August. I think the food is fabulous there.
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