The Inn on Biltmore Estate — Hotel in Asheville

We stayed at the Inn for our 10th wedding anniversary. While the Inn itself is beautiful and the views were absolutely breathtaking, many things about our experience were disappointing. The morning of our arrival, I contacted the Inn to request early check-in as we expected to arrive around 2pm. We were told that they usually do the best they can to accommodate early check-ins but added that it would be guaranteed by 4pm. When we arrived to the property at 2pm the bell hop welcomed us and mentioned that she had seen several people check in early so we were hopeful for an early check-in. When we checked in they confirmed our request for an early check-in and said they would call us as soon as our room was ready. They added the disclaimer that it was guaranteed by 4pm. It seemed odd that this was reiterated given that this is the regular check in time. (At $700/night my room being ready at the scheduled check in time should go without saying.) At any rate, after an hour of waiting I checked again and they said they would call when the room was ready. After another 30 minutes I went back to the desk and was told again it wasn’t ready. I realized I was speaking with a manager and shared that it was a little disconcerting that we would have to wait so long for an early check-in. He reiterated that it would be guaranteed by 4pm and suggested that I have a seat and wait since he had a line and there was nothing further he could do to assist me. I shared that I would like to speak further because I was not pleased with his response. In a condescending tone he said he would be happy to hear my concerns after he helps other customers. I went back up after the line cleared to speak with him. I shared my frustration with the long wait and expressed to him that “clear is kind.” I explained that it would have been kind to just tell us upfront that the room would not be available until 4 so that we could have made better use of our time rather than sitting in limbo for 2hrs (after a long 7 hour drive). He then reminded me that this is on their website and thus they had been very clear. Again all his responses were in a smug tone. I asked if there was another manager I could speak with. The second manager was very professional and demonstrated empathy. He acknowledged that things could have been communicated more clearly. Again, I had no issue with the time, my concern was with the lack of basic courtesy of checking to see when the room would be ready. My husband and I have traveled all over world and stayed in hotels from Holiday Inns to 5 star hotels like the Waldorf Astoria and this was the longest wait for early check-in and worst communication ever experienced on something this basic.

We ate breakfast in the dining room each morning. Breakfast was cooked to perfection. We had dinner on our anniversary in the dining room. Our food was served at room temperature and it seemed like it had been sitting for a bit before it was served. The lamb was tasty though. Also my husband ordered a drink and the waitress forgot to bring it out. She came out to us later and apologized about forgetting it and offered it to him at no charge. Also the senior manager had been very gracious and had arranged for the chef to send out a special appetizer for our anniversary. That was a kind gesture.

On the day that we were leaving I called to see if we could check out at noon since we were out on a bike ride. We were told that we could not and were told that there might be a charge if we came back late from our ride. That said we quickly rode back to the hotel and hiked fast back up the hill to check out by 11. I got back to the room and called to request assistance with our luggage and was told that they had granted us a late check out until 12:30 since we were on a bike ride. Now I almost had an asthma from over exerting myself to make it back in time. Seriously, a hotel of this caliber should do better with basic communication...

World Class Luxury in a Breathtaking Setting or Spendy but Worth It!

I'm not going to lie, this is a bucket list luxurious 5 star experience that's quite spendy, but totally worth it. Worth the splurge and the 8 hour drive from Annapolis. This is a long review, so see below for the TL: DR.

Short Version or TL: DR: Stay on the property, consider splurging for a balcony room, and get the full package - this way you will enjoy unsurpassed luxury and service, and explore everything the Biltmore estate has to offer. Don’t miss the Cedric’s Tavern Lusty Monk mustard, winery tastings, & enjoying a cheese platter on the verandah outside the library weather permitting. Best hotel stay ever! So good, we’re going back next week!

Long version: We stayed here last April 19th for 2 nights at the Inn in King Balcony Rooms that opened up to spectacular views.

The morning we arrived, it was pouring rain of Noah-like proportions, flooding, closing roads, and overflowing river banks -- but no amount of deluge could dampen our wonderful experience.

From the moment we drove up, the gracious, attentive, and seamless service starts. Dad was so excited that there’s a TESLA Super Charger on property! (Mom & I are convinced that’s why he finally gave in to our requests to visit!) The service here - it's like living in cashmere - everything is soft and lovely from the beautifully appointed lobby that opens out onto gracious terraces to the vast fireplace on the far right that gave us the warming we needed after the soaking rain.

Our lovely King Balcony rooms (my favorite - Room 734!) on the top floor for the BEST view ever of the mountains and Antler Village. You can even hear the music at night! This room featured a covered stone balcony with lovely patio furniture and breathtaking views (see pictures!), a luxurious bathtub with jets, separate shower, sumptuous bedding, and all the amenities one would want - except for a small refrigerator. I have meds that require refrigeration and I had requested that and it was delivered minutes after I arrived. You can can also rent one for $10 a day.

We wandered down to the Library & peeked out onto the lovely verandah with upholstered rocking chairs and small tables, and just as we did, the sun came out! Seconds later a server appeared and asked if we would like anything. Of course! A bottle Biltmore Pinot Grigio & Pellegrino and a sumptuous cheese platter was summoned and we had a delightful and happy hour relaxing and enjoying the spectacular views. Later that same attentive server switched our bill to the inside and we were given a bay window table for dinner. Perfection.

There are many benefits to staying at the Inn or on property and buying the full Estate package. The free shuttle service all over the estate including to Antler Village (dining, shopping, winery, & live entertainment!) and, of course, the Mansion. Free package delivery to your room from any Biltmore shop. Events, tours, activities, walks, carriage rides, and so many dining options you are spoiled for choices.

Included with our package, a buffet Breakfast in the Dining Room that was expansive and delicious - and the view is just stunning! Even though it’s included in the package don’t forget to tip your attentive server.

We had such an amazing visit - it’s so hard to put into words the magical feeling you get whilst staying on property (though I’ve blathered on attempting to do so for more than 800 words!)

Here’s the clincher: my Mom was waxing rhapsodic on our last night at dinner that this was on her bucket list and she was so glad she had a chance to experience it at least once in her lifetime…(we had had some Pinot by this time & were in that lovey entranced mood) Dad just grinned wryly, pulled out his credit card, and urged us to go immediately to the Reservations desk and secure the same rooms to come back for a fall visit to enjoy the foliage -- and that’s what we’re going to...

The Inn on the Biltmore is one of few places in the world that I can truly relax. While you do pay for it (lol), every bit of hospitality is covered.

Hospitality: Every employee of the estate is amazing from the gardeners to housekeeping to the properties owners. Housekeeping does a great job of getting in your room while you're out and straightens things at least twice per day. The shuttle drivers are kind and welcoming. They are a great asset to learn more about and to navigate the estate (thank you to the gentlemen who stopped off-route to pick me up when I ambitiously took on too long of a run!). Thank you to the kind hostess at the Dining Room who offered to send GingerAle and crackers to the room when I cancelled a reservation after not feeling well. Thank you Samuel at the Library Lounge for being very accommodating during my last evening on the estate. And thank you to the wonderful older gentlemen for kindly opening the door each time I entered the Inn; I wish I would have had more time to pick your brain on the stories you must have to tell! Also - thank you to the young lady at the front desk who patiently answered all of my questions and provided change for larger bills from the ATM without hesitation.

Antler Village: The legacy museum is currently closed, but plenty to do see and relax. I recommend going down to listen to music in the center of the village at least once. The train exhibit is also very neat; there is also another in the Garden Conservatory. The creamery and Biltmore Crush (the one with vanilla and cookie dough) is amazing!

The Biltmore Estate: The grounds are AMAZING! Take time to walk the many trails on the property. It was a pleasure to walk the trails that lead from the garden, down the property, to the reflection pond, back to Antler Village and ultimately the Inn. It's a LONG walk, but plenty of spots to stop along the way and you can even order a boxed lunch to take with you.

Gift Shops:I LOVE that you can charge anything, anywhere to your room and they will even deliver purchases to your room so that you don't have to carry them while enjoying the property.

The Library Lounge: This was my favorite spot to hang out. From the patio enjoying sunset, to the fire winding down the night. Most beverages were affordable. They have great complementary nuts and pretzels. Be wary of food prices though. Small plates were good and reasonable. I did experience high pricing on a dinner for a rather small plate, as well as extra charges for things that seemed to be included but were not. Ended up being more than if I would have eaten in the dining room.

The Dining Room: This is pricey. Breakfast is worth it, though, and most dishes can be split. I did not partake in dinner as I read other reviews that the portions were very small for the price and contained hidden surcharges.

Room Service: Room service is impeccable and very, very friendly. They will do anything they can to help accommodate your timelines and needs. Be prepared for the surcharges as those can come as a bit of a shock.

Biltmore House: I did not tour the house this time, but have in the past. It is worth the spend to do it. I recommend also adding on the Reveal or Rooftop tour while you are there. The Annual Pass is also a great deal.

Pool & Hot Tub: The pool is a nice size pool with reasonable temperature, softer water, plenty of places to sit, towels, and poolside food and beverage services. It is very clean and the hot tub is just right - not to hot.

Coffee: Take advantage of the free coffee and tea downstairs in the early mornings. A) they charge $5 for it in the dining room and B) it's nice to come get a cup and mingle with the other folks in the morning.

Uber & Lyft: Ubers are non-existent. Lyfts are great and very reasonably priced. Please use the shuttles to navigate the estate vs. Lyft. And remember that Lyft drivers give up at least 20 minutes just...