The 510-room hotel sits on the lower western slopes of Sunset Mountain, which is part of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountain chain. It's carved right into the hillside, with an entrance you approach from the top, so that the lobby, restaurants, and grand public areas are on the upper floor of the hotel, and rooms tumble down the hillside beneath. At the very bottom is the snazzy Grove Park Spa, and access to the historic golf course designed by legendary designer Donald Ross. From most parts of the hotel, you're treated to views of the golf course and verdant grounds, and from upper floors you can see downtown Asheville's modest but attractive skyline - plus dramatic sunsets.
Rooms and suites contain both authentic and reproduction Arts and Crafts furnishings designed by the likes of Roycroft and other luminaries. The most interesting and authentic rooms are in the main 1913 inn, with newer but still traditionally furnished units in the two more modern wings. Even if you don't stay here, at least drop by and have a cocktail in the lobby's Great Hall, with its 14-foot stone fireplaces, or enjoy your beverage on the terrace overlooking the countryside. There are also several fine restaurants to on-site.
The Grove Park is one of the city's most famous attractions, so it tends to book up early and because of its extensive facilities and considerable reputation, it draws plenty of families, tour groups, and crowds.
