Frommer's Review
Here's your rare chance to have a glimpse of what it was like to stay on the lavish Vanderbilt estate at the turn of the 20th century. A. V. Cecil, Jr., great-grandson of George W. Vanderbilt, poured $31 million into the creation of this elegant inn, set 2 miles from the French Renaissance country estate originally built by the tycoon himself. The hotel lies deep within the grounds of the Biltmore Estate. No one can drive up to it without proof of a reservation or a general pass to tour the compound. Most rooms are sold as part of packages that include admission to the grounds and mansion.
Each season brings new pleasures here -- cozy fireside evenings in the library, tranquil Indian summer afternoons rocking on the big veranda, or spring brunches on the dining terrace as daffodils burst into bloom. The inn faces Mount Pisgah, with 270 degrees of uninterrupted wilderness on view from the windows.
Guest rooms are spacious, comfortable, and elegantly furnished, with state-of-the-art bathrooms. Suites are sometimes named for friends of Vanderbilt, including the suite honoring novelist Edith Wharton. The fine furnishings throughout were inspired by English and French manor houses. The cuisine -- one of the reasons to stay here -- is among the finest in western North Carolina.
Facilities:
2 restaurants; bar; outdoor pool; fitness center; Jacuzzi; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
