Evening Shade River Lodge Motel and Cabins — Hotel in Chimney Rock

Our early October 2023 stay at Evening Shade was a big disappointment in several ways. Units are right on a busy main road, just feet off the road. Traffic and its noise are alarming and impossible to ignore. Cabin #4 has dark paneling and nothing about it is clean, new or welcoming. A/C unit is deafening and we had to sleep with our door open for cool night air. Shower wasn’t clean, showerhead was lower than our heads, and there was a mold-covered, rotten wooden window within the shower. Late at night our smoke alarm issued an ear piercing “low battery warning.” Management responded promptly, but it shouldn’t have happened. Significant leak from bathroom sink. Were told sink is cracked and replacement would take longer than our stay, so our bathroom trash pail stayed under the sink to collect what flowed out — with the leaking water splashing on our legs on its way into the pail. We brushed our teeth in the bathtub. Mattress was awful, one bed pillow each, overhead light in the room didn’t work, had to request a hairdryer — none in room. Closet was a dark cave in the wall. Don’t want to be unkind and don’t consider ourselves terribly fussy but there’s a lot of work needed to bring Evening Shade’s rooms to better, acceptable standards. Discussed lousy experience with management but a week later and no resolution. Is it close to Chimney Rock Park? Yes. Is there a pleasant river behind the property? Yes. Is self-service coffee set up outside the locked office at 7:30 am? Yes (no hot water for tea). But be aware of what the accommodations are like indoors. There’s rustic...

We were looking for a place to stay one night in Chimney Rock area as we head back home. Loved the reviews from others about Evening Shade so we decided to give it a try. It did not disappoint. Yvonne and Jim were so pleasant. They were running errands when I called but said they would hold the room until we arrived. I inquired about places to eat nearby. We tried the Lake house for dinner and Victory Restaurant for breakfast. Both were excellent recommendations. Our room was perfect. Small area but plenty big for us. We Loved it had a front and back porch. Parking in front of your room. Inside there was a small couch, side tables have lamps and plugs in for chargers, there is a small refrigerator, TV, bed, closet, and basic bathroom necessities. The room was Spotless!!!! The towels and sheets smelled amazing. I would love to know what they use as it smelled that good. The sheets were super soft and the comforter and decor was beautiful and welcoming. The bed was perfect. They also have creek and chimney rock views along with a view of Hickory Nut Falls. They have several fire pits near the water with chairs (folks please take out your trash. Sad to see what folks leave). There are picnic tables and swings for guests to enjoy down by the water. We loved it there so much we stayed...

Exactly what I was looking to find. A local getaway right on the river. Asheville won’t rent to locals and I’m so glad!!

My room was so comfortable and had a view of both Hickory Nut Gap Falls and Chimney Rock from my patio - an unexpected bonus.

For those who want tv entertainment- they have all the streaming you want and local cable too. The internet worked great as well.

The backyard park along the river is another added bonus. I’ve spent my life sitting by the river and rock hopping. To find this sweet place to enjoy over the two days I stayed was really magical. There are “porch” swings adjacent to the river, a fire pit, picnic shelter, grills, benches and so many other little river lovers joys!

Yvonne and her husband are very accommodating. I did not get to go across and see the cabins on the other side of the road but I’m sure the view is beautiful as well.

God led me to this haven and I’ll defiantly be back!!...