Green River Lodge — Hotel in Columbus

The motel rooms do not look like the picture, but they are adequate and clean, nothing quaint or special like the picture shows. It is however located on top of a hill that has an exceptional view! It definitely can boast a breathtaking mountain view, which is why we chose it. The rooms have a back door where you can go outside and sit in a well-manicured area that is very cute with a gas fire pit while you stare at the mountains behind it. I felt like I was cabin camping and not staying in a "lodge". ||The young woman who was running the motel was exceptionally nice and efficient! She said that the owners are in the process of renovating it, so we gave them leeway on the extreme need of repairs. First, they need to put blinds or better curtains on the front windows because the ones that are there did not give you any privacy or prevent the sun from blasting through early in the morning. The thermostat was also inadequate. The room was either incredibly hot or cold. It was a very outdated heater where you turn the nob to turn on the fan. Hopefully this is one of the upcoming changes to this property.||The rooms are huge, but the furniture is sparce. Just a plain bed with very few blankets or comforters. There is a fridge, microwave, and tiny TV but we did not mind because we were not there to watch TV. And I loved the Keurig! She said there were outlets on both sides of the bed, but the outlet was too far for me to use while in bed. ||I recommend this place if you are looking for just a basic place to sleep and be near the mountains. If you can accept that there is nothing fancy about these accommodations, then you are in for a treat to just to sit and stare at the mountains behind it. Hopefully when it is fully renovated, the rooms will be comfortable and cute as well as a lodge...

A Hidden Gem in Saluda — Can't Wait to Come Back!

I had the pleasure of staying at Green River Lodge in Saluda, NC this past March, and I can't say enough great things about it. Tucked into the mountainside, the lodge offers breathtaking views of the Green River Valley and the surrounding landscape — truly some of the best scenery I've ever experienced.

From the moment I arrived, the friendly and helpful staff made me feel completely at home. They go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need, no matter how big or small the request. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and thoughtfully maintained, with many offering stunning views right from the window.

The location is perfect — just minutes from downtown Saluda, countless hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, river adventures, and easy access to I-26 (the Andrew Jackson Highway). Whether you want outdoor fun or a relaxing stroll through town, everything is right there.

The backyard area was one of my favorite parts — a wonderful firepit setup, a cozy sauna, and magical mountain views that make you want to stay outside all evening. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, which is a huge bonus. During my stay, I met a variety of diverse guests, many of whom were locals or had great tips about what to see and do in the area.

And best of all? It's incredibly affordable — a rare find these days, especially for such a beautiful and well-located place. With new owners clearly investing in the property and bringing fresh energy, I have no doubt that Green River Lodge is only going to get better.

This hidden gem might not stay a secret much longer, so if you're thinking about visiting Saluda or the Western NC area, book a stay...

We have traveled extensively and stayed in a LOT of hotels. This hotel is one that EVERYONE should stay in. The owners are extremely helpful and polite. They really care about each and every single guest. The views are magnificent, the rooms are tastefully decorated and clean. BEST hotel we've ever stayed in. Highly recommend. And as their sign says, you are not paying a company like millions of other people on a nightly basis.... you are putting food on a family's table, a kid getting his first car, a little bit of money into a college fund. This FAMILY is remarkable. The attention to detail is immediately apparent. When our reservations on Hilton Head Island were NOT what they looked like online, we opted to continue on towards home in Northern WI and accidentally stumbled across this gem. STAY here. You will LOVE it. Someone said the bed was hard. We thought the beds were perfect. Not those squishy sink into the bed until you disappear hotel beds, but a real nice bed! While you are there, take a moment to look at the craftmanship around you. Stunningly beautiful. If you can pry your eyes off the beautiful room, check out the scenery. Green River Gorge right out back. DEFINITELY...