McCloud Mountain Lodge Wedding & Event Venue — Hotel in La Follette

I grew up in this area and have only ever eaten at the McCloud Mtn. Restaurant over the years, which was always excellent. Unfortunately, the restaurant was closed, hopefully not permanently, but for the season. I had previously expressed my desire to stay at the lodge, so my husband thought it would be a nice treat to stay here while visiting nearby family for Thanksgiving. I was ecstatic to finally stay at the lodge! We arrived Friday night, a little later than expected, but the security guard was still there waiting for us. He was friendly and extremely helpful. It was nice to be in a gated community, and I believe we were the only guest Friday night. Our suite was notably clean and comfortable. The jacuzzi tub was a little odd in the bedroom, but to each his own. They provide most amenities for the stay. Towels, soap, and a few kitchen essentials. The room did not have a microwave, only a toaster oven, but no foil to cook on. I also thought paper towels would've been practical to offer in the kitchenette. They also offered a few beverages and snacks in the refrigerator, which was a nice touch. We had a wonderful stay, but if I had any negatives from it would be that I could not turn the floor heater on in the bathroom, which isn't a deal breaker. The shower could use a nicer shower head. This seemed like a cheap replacement shower head, whereas everything else about the resort was modern and upscale. Also, when we turned the fireplace on, our room filled with what smelled like sulfur; to the point where we decided to turn it off, and air out our room by opening the sliding glass door. I hope this wasn't caused by a gas leak, but we weren't taking any chances. We reported it to the staff via text. They do have central heating & air, so this wasn't our only source of heat. I can't say the cost justified the stay considering the size and limitations. It is a little bit of a trek to get there, but well worth it in my opinion. The best part of the stay was the breathtaking views of the valley, mountains, and lakes from our room. The private deck had a table, & chairs, along with a privacy wall, which was a nice touch. We had a king size bed, with luxury bedding. I have even looked for the same down pillows for my bed since staying here. The sitting area was comfortable with 2 large recliners. The T.V was substantial, and offered both Christmas movies, and the TN football game. We were happy campers! We stopped at Dominos on our way there, and the next morning we were looking for a biscuit from one of the convenience stores nearby, but the B&B Market at the end of the resort road only took cash, and they do not have an ATM. We were heading further up the mountain, not into town, so I figured the corner store in White Oak would have breakfast, unfortunately they claimed the kitchen was closed on the weekends. Seems to me that would be the time to have it open. This is not a reflection of McCloud Mtn., but for guest anticipating something to eat in the area, be aware you will likely have to go into Lafollette, which I believe is only 11 miles or so. I hope to return for more enjoyable stays in the future. Perhaps if they allowed a 1 night stay it would be easier on the budget, because as it is these rooms were on the...

This is a LODGE (and restaurant) review.

We stayed 2 nights for our first anniversary and definitely made the right choice! What you get for what you pay is incredible. I will, however, give some pros and cons to consider that I wish we’d known before booking and checking in (make sure to read this novel to the end😊):

Cons: It was rainy/cloudy after one hour of checking in until the end of our stay. Because of the elevation, we could not see past 10 feet outside our porch. I would probably wait and book when I know there is a high likelihood of sunny weather as we totally missed the gorgeous view we were hoping for. Thankful we saw it for an hour when we first arrived. There is minimal personnel on site and no phones in room or cell service. If you need anything, the only way to find help is to walk to the restaurant and hope someone is there. It’s a kind of hands-free experience after check in (think Airbnb) Ask for the gate code when you arrive. Our last evening we went down into town for dinner and returned to a closed gate at 8pm (hadn’t been told about this possibility). My husband had to walk up to the security guard’s little house in the dark and thankfully he was there and gave us the code. Was also bummed because the fireplaces weren’t on yet for the season, though we’re a week into October. The seal in the bathtub in our room (Steamboat) was broken, so we couldn’t stay in the bath long. The hot water also runs out when it’s halfway full. Our first night, the maids came to clean the room above us at 8pm while we were trying to relax. I think the floors are thin because the vacuum was VERY loud and we could even hear the housekeepers talking. Not sure why they were cleaning so late, but I’m thankful other guests weren’t staying above us because I probably couldn’t have slept, if so. Recommend bringing earplugs.

Pros: SPARKLING clean. I mean, seriously, we were super impressed. Smelled so fresh without the scent of chemicals. There is no bad room view! Though we had clouds on our stay, I imagine they are all breath taking on a sunny day. All rooms and balconies are very private Rooms are decorated very simply (in a good way) and are modern. HUGE shower, comfy chairs, huge TV with great sound! Restaurant is really yummy (just sure to make a reservation) and our waitress was so sweet :) Can’t remember her name but she had short hair and a subtle southern accent... and she gave us a free dessert for our anniversary! Shrimp and grits is a must-try The Sky Walk is gorgeous... even in the fog! Definitely check that out during your stay.

All in all, it was perfect for us, even though it was missing some elements we would have wanted. For the value and price, I give it 5 stars! Would come again in good weather! Thanks, McCloud Mountain for a...

The views are amazing. The room was well appointed, spacious and relaxing. The bed was very comfortable and the linens were nice. The room was very clean. It was wonderful to wake up to an amazing view. The staff was helpful and directed us to trails in the area for hiking. Note that you cannot drive up here without a dinner or lodging reservation. It is gated and there is security. ||Reasons for a 3 star:|1. The first thing I noticed was the grounds were not well kept. There were lots of weeds in the landscaping. The cross that lights up at night only partially lit and needed repaired. The fountain was full of leaves and debris and appeared to have not been working for a while.||2. We came for a romantic getaway and the restaurant was disappointing. It was very family friendly with children running through the restaurant. It would’ve been helpful if they had seated families at one end and couples at the other. We were celebrating a special occasion and there was no effort to help make it special by giving us a more private table. We later noticed a very private dining area that would have been nice. The atmosphere was cafeteria like. I was expecting more upscale and attention to detail to go with the amazing views. ||3. The food was acceptable. We each ordered only 2 items after multiple items on the menus were not available. My husband did not receive his salad until he asked for it half way through his entree. I received my salad with a different dressing than I had ordered but never received my side. I ordered the apple pie cooked in cast iron skillet after the mixed berry cobbler was not available. It was not presented in a cast-iron skillet and the dough was soggy with oil. ||The view was amazing and we managed to enjoy our dinner anyway but was not what I had hoped. On the way out I noticed some laminated panoramic pictures of the view showing the different mountains and things you are looking at. If you dine here be sure and grab one of those cards so you can identify the scene before you. On a clear day the view is over 60 miles. I would not have known about it had I not seen someone else pick one up. If you are looking for a large family gathering that was kid friendly, this would be a great place. There was a birthday party while we were there.||Advise— if you come bring binoculars. Ask about the trails and the overlook. If it is a couples getaway, ask for the private dining room. I’m not sure if it’s available but it would be worth asking. Bring tea and hot cocoa To enjoy on your porch. Coffee and soda is provided. If you come on a Sunday night, note the Restaurant is not open on Mondays. I would definitely come again for the comfortable room and the...