The Inn at Foster Falls — Hotel in Hillsville

We had a delightful stay here during a chilly spell this April so we could do three days of bike riding on the New River Trail, which runs right below the hotel. The modern renovation of this historic structure is nothing short of amazing. It has a bright, airy, modern feel on the inside, while maintaining its historic charm, which includes a stunning wrap-around, two-story porch. Our first floor room (Hiwassee) had a 14 foot ceiling, huge windows with a double row of plantation shutters for privacy, an antique desk, sitting chair, microwave and mini-fridge. The queen bed was super comfy, with four substantial pillows, and a cozy comforter. Plenty of thick towels in the HUGE bathroom (shower only, which was fine with us). There are two staircases and an elevator to the second floor, where most of the rooms are. The only negative in our stay was a noticeable noise from the HVAC system, which cycled on once or twice an hour for a minute at a time. It didn’t keep us from having a nice stay, but if you are sensitive to noise, avoid the Hiwassee room.|The complimentary continental breakfast (Mon-Fri) is high-end, and includes three hot food options. If you want onsite breakfast on the weekend, you have to pay for brunch, which offers a limited menu. |A fancy dinner is available on site Wednesday through Sunday. The food (chef’s choice) is excellent. Our night, the menu was appetizers (served in the parlor), main course of shrimp and grits, with crème brulee for dessert, but at $45 per person, we thought it was expensive for what you got. Dinner service starts early at 5 pm, with the appetizer course in the parlor. |The hotel is inside the state park on a rise a fair ways back from the water. You probably won’t hear rushing water from the falls – but the hotel won’t get swept away in the next big flood.|We spent a warm afternoon on the huge porch, enjoying a breeze, when a convoy of siren-blaring emergency vehicles showed up to rescue three fishermen in a boat that got stuck in the falls. All hands and boat were brought to shore safely. Big-time excitement in a quiet corner of Wythe County.|The staff is very welcoming to bike riders (though a secure indoor storage area for bikes would be nice!). We had a late-breaking change to the timing of our visit, and the Inn graciously accommodated us. |I definitely recommend it as a place to escape bustle of urban life or enjoy a luxurious a base of operations for biking and hiking on the New...

Stumbled on to this unique 10 room hotel while searching for places to stay with direct access to bike on a rail trail. It is a historical site that has been completely renovated, opening just over a year ago. Everything in our room and the common rooms were new, clean, and comfortable. I chose the Cliffview Room with a separate sitting area and king bed. I booked a few months in advance to assure my 1st choice. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The "views" of the park were more of a glimpse with the trees fully grown in and the "falls" were small rapids but the New River Trail is lovely and well maintained. I loved to relax in the morning on the wrap around porch with rocking chairs. The continental breakfast was good with eggs, bacon, grits, fruit, sausage gravy and biscuits, breads/pastry, drinks and an excellent yogurt. The signature 1887 blend coffee is so good, I brought a bag home. There were no items specifically noted as gluten free but we had brought our own just in case (celiac). I had entered the gf need in our reservation comment but not sure if they noticed it. I didn't mention it on arrival since there was enough variety to choose from. I did catch the free afternoon coffee/tea and cupcake one day which was a nice way to meet the other guests. We did not have dinner at the hotel. I had reviewed some of the past menu items on their website and preferred to eat elsewhere. Likely further into the busy season, reservations will be needed so check ahead. There were casual restaurants within 20 minutes in our price range and with gluten free options so this was just a personal choice for us with more flexibility as we explored different parts of the trail and the towns close by. |At the hotel, we left our bikes in our overed truck, but others left theirs out/locked on a bike rack provided. It rained all week, so one suggestion would be to have a covered area for this purpose since most everyone there is biking. We will definitely return, perhaps in the Fall for a recommended...

What a sweet little Inn! I reserved the Allisonia Room during the weekend I was participating in the New River Trail Challenge Triathlon in 2024 (and will be returning this September to stay to do the same race).|The front porch is charming with the rocking chairs facing the New River Park/river. Right inside the front door is the reception area and comfy furniture on the other side. |My check-in was simple and quick, and I was given the key to the room on the second floor. I made my way to the elevator since I had lots of equipment with me for the triathlon. Once I got to the second floor, I made my way to the room which was situated in the corner of the house and I had my own private balcony :)|When I made my reservation months earlier, I made sure to also put in a reservation for dinner at the Inn. When my friend caught up with me, we headed to the dining room. It was a small, secluded area with two other tables with couples at each one. The dinner was absolutely fabulous, and the wine was great (I'm a sucker for very sweet Reisling kind of wines). The dessert was a tasty blackberry kind of pie with graham cracker crust. Superb!|The morning of the triathlon brought a good arrangement of oatmeal, cereal, fruits and other things at the breakfast bar. We didn't have much time before the race began, so I kind of shoveled my breakfast before heading down on my bike to drop off gear. |The race went very well--ended up 2nd in my age group--and the hot shower after the race in the Inn was well worth it.|The only thing that I noticed that made the experience a little uncomfortable was the invasion of stink bugs along the hallway walls up by the windows. They didn't bother me, but I did notice the staff doing their best to shoo the creatures out of the windows and doors. Some even went as far as vacuuming them up when other guests were gone during the day.|I'm very excited to be staying once again at the Inn, and I'm looking forward to the dinner...