Stonebrook Lodge Bryson City — Hotel in Bryson City

A clean hotel sometimes is just not enough. The hotels exterior is modern and clean, the rooms are modestly appointed and clean but lack USB ports for charging. The parking lot is small and the layout can make it challenging for trailers. Although I called prior to booking to be sure they could accommodate trailers and are motorcycle friendly, the staff was put out by the same when we arrived. Even suggesting we park across the street in another business’s lot. The swimming pool is on the inside and the hot tub is located outside. While the hotel posts signs that they are a smoke free facility, smoking abounds at the buildings perimeter. We were set back at the ongoing smoking of marijuana in and around the hot tub. What stood out most here is the acute lack of hospitality throughout our five day stay. There were 5 adults in our group and we all felt it equally. They say it starts at the top and I can see how it moved throughout the staff. The manager really had a chip on his shoulder. He just wasn’t pleasant, ever. We decided to go out of our way with kindness from the very start. Sadly, he showed no movement from his “I don’t want to be here; I’m doing you a favor” ways. A continental breakfast is served in the morning. However on one of the mornings there was no coffee available as the dispenser was not working. This garnered a clear chuckle at the ineptness of staff by many of the guests who had come down for their morning cup. Fortunately someone in our group was able to fix the machine with the approval of the staff. It simply required a new coffee dispenser unit to be installed as the old one had been depleted. Cheers abounded for this Morning Java Saver guest, who I might add also had to advise staff that the garbage was overflowing and there was nowhere to place the garbage from breakfast. Keeping in mind this was all in close proximity to the front desk. I have included pictures. One of a faucet that did not have the aerator attached and therefore was spraying water like a fire hose. One of a broken toilet seat. One of the view of a room with a balcony which overlooked a hill of grass just feet away, totally blocking any view other than the grass. One of unwrapped utensils that where supplied in bulk for the guests at breakfast time; concerning anytime but certainly in this time of a global pandemic. And lastly, one of an unattended front desk that lasted...

It’s pretty basic but our room was clean, and the beds were comfortable for us. Glad to have the microwave and the basic hotel refrigerator. The location was decent, within walking distance to the many shops, restaurants, and train depot. Not much of a lobby. One couch facing the check-in desk by the front door and the rest of the seating is pub style tables and chairs. Nothing comfortable to hang out in. No on-site restaurant. The free continental style breakfast only consists of cereal, bagels, waffles -all carbs. We skipped it, better options off site for breakfast. The front desk staff was friendly enough, but they will NOT allow you to check in early, not even a few minutes before three. We were willing to take any type of room just to get in early, but it was a hard no. The rooms are tiny, standard hotel rooms, double queen or king bed, some with balconies, some without. I paid to have a room with a balcony, but it wasn’t what I was expecting and didn’t serve us any value as our balcony looked squarely at the roof over the check in breezeway. There was only a slight, peek a boo view on one side of the balcony. I had asked for a top floor room, but we got a 2nd floor instead. Our room was also directly across from the elevator. Now I understand that we can’t always get what we request but between having to wait to check in, only to receive what we did with the floor level, the proximity to the elevator, and the roof top view – I was disappointed with it all. We booked our room far in advance and for the price, I was expecting better. We had just left a place that was far superior, more upscale, with more amenities, at a comparable price – that’s the place I’d return to. I wouldn’t...

On the good side, very nice rooms with balconies available for many of them.

Pool was open as was the hot tub and both were very pleasant, particularly since I pretty much had them to myself every time I used them.

Staff was very friendly. One kind of gruff woman but I think that was just her nature.

My problem was the price. Maybe I'm just cheap but the jump for the weekend was pretty huge and it's not as though these room were cheap to begin with.

The part that really bugged me though was that a fire alarm went off at 8:45 in the morning and woke me up with a start. I went downstairs to find out that it was a false alarm. Now that's fine, I'd rather have alarms that are too sensitive than ones that won't go off. My problem came with the fact that all the hotel would do about it was say that they were sorry it happened.

I'm a Veteran and let's just say that being woken from a sound sleep by a shrieking alarm does nothing except pretty much ruin my whole day and make me a bit of a wreck.

So, I paid over $180 to be woken up early by a defective alarm and get an apology. While I do appreciate the apology, I'd also appreciate something off my bill for the serious inconvenience. Now, maybe they would have done something if I had asked but I'm not the ambulance chaser type. The hotel should, in my opinion, have done something for its guests without having to be asked. I'm guessing that if I broke something in a room that a heartfelt apology wouldn't pay for it.

So that was my issue, and the cause for two stars. Nice staff. Nice facility. Horrible handling of a fire alarm. And I don't mean horrible handling by the staff. Ownership should give the staff the authority to make things right...