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The Best Places to Stay in the North Carolina Mountains

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North Carolina is a beautiful place to discover no matter what time of year you visit. While I’ve already written about the best places to stay in NC overall, I wanted to focus this post on the best places to stay in the North Carolina mountains.

It can be so time-consuming trying to find good accommodations for your trip with a reasonable price tag. Luckily, this post will help you find some top-rated accommodations to cut your travel planning time in half.

Here are some unique places to stay in the NC mountains with plenty of character to make your stay special. Now be warned, in high season, many of these will get expensive. Try to visit in shoulder season or get on their email list and they might send you deals!

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The High Country

man and woman with puppy in front of mountains

Chetola Resort

Chetola Resort is the perfect accommodation in western NC right outside of downtown Blowing Rock which is one of the cutest mountain towns in North Carolina.

This quaint little town has cute shops along Main Street, great restaurant options, and offers plenty of outdoor adventure. Chetola is right by all the action, but you still feel secluded on resort property.

The resort is located on seventy-eight acres and is right next to Cherokee National Forest. There are a variety of rooms available, which are perfect for up to four guests at a time. You can opt to stay at the Chetola Lodge, Bob Timberlake Inn, or the Chetola Premier Condominiums.

Read reviews here.

The Inn at Ragged Gardens

Another wonderful place to stay in the NC mountains is The Inn at Ragged Gardens. Itā€™s also situated near Blowing Rock, so itā€™s in the same proximity from all the great adventures as Chetola Rock. It is within walking distance of downtown so very convenient.

This hotel was built as a manor home in the early 1900s which gives it a charm that not many places have. If youā€™re looking for a more intimate and local experience, then this is the accommodation youā€™ll want to stay at.

The Best Cellar Restaurant is on-property if you’re looking for an elegant dining experience. They are only open for dinner and I would recommend this if you’re celebrating something very special.

Read reviews here.

Lazy Bear Lodge

Here is a more rustic and relaxed option for those of you who love Bed & Breakfasts. There are five guest rooms in the lodge and three of them have private balconies where you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Located in Valle Crucis, it has gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There are plenty of amenities included in the price, like complimentary breakfast, coffee, and wifi. Each guest will also find a plush robe waiting for them in their room! Count me in for that.

They do offer specials where you can get a discount for staying multiple nights or during a certain time of year. No matter when you visit though you will definitely enjoy your time here.

Read reviews here.

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Mountain Cabins

If you want unique accommodations with plenty of privacy then consider renting a mountain cabin. You’ll find options all throughout the High Country so you can take your pick on which works best for you.

A great thing about renting a cabin is that you usually would have a lot more space versus if you were to stay at an Inn, Bed & Breakfast, or Hotel. This makes it a perfect place to consider staying if you are traveling with a larger group of people.

Find cabins here.

Grandfather Campground RV Resort & Cabins

Last but not least in the High Country is the Grandfather Campground RV Resort and Cabins located in Banner Elk. If you like to tent camp or if you have your own RV then this is the perfect spot. They also have cabins that you can rent.

You’ll be right by Grandfather Mountain State Park and a few minutes from Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, and Boone/Blowing Rock. Best of all, this place is pet friendly! We came and tent camped and were right by the stream. I couldn’t have loved it more.

Grandfather Mountain is one thing that North Carolina is famous for so it’s well worth a visit.

Obviously, this is a much more affordable option on this list. Though with camping you are sacrificing the luxuries. Grandfather Campground has a great bathhouse though and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. It’s open year-round too!

Book your reservation here.

Asheville & Surrounding Area

mountain view in winter

Inn on Biltmore Estate

The Inn on Biltmore Estate is located in Asheville and is an absolutely incredible spot. This is easily one of the best places to stay in the North Carolina mountains if you want a more luxurious stay. Itā€™s particularly popular among couples who are going on romantic getaways to the area.

The Inn was built in the French Renaissance style of architecture based on the Biltmore house itself. Guests will have access to the gardens, grounds, and Antler Hill Village including the winery.

It is built on eight thousand acres of land that are open for guests to explore, where they will find lots of fun trails and wildlife. North Carolina is known for the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and this is the perfect place to stay to enjoy them.

Read the reviews here.

The Foundry Hotel

If you want to stay in downtown Asheville, then the perfect place for you to stay is The Foundry Hotel. Itā€™s part of the Curio Collection by Hilton and is also a four-star hotel like the Inn on Biltmore Estate. What makes this accommodation so unique is that it used to be a steel factory!

The Foundry Hotel is a luxurious accommodation filled with lots of vintage accents that will take you back in time. Some of the rooms even have exposed brick giving it an industrial feel and most rooms also come with a Nespresso machine so you can have your morning cup of Joe.

Read the reviews here.

Asheville Glamping

Glamping is a new fad and hopefully one that will stay, so why not experience it while visiting one of the most beautiful parts of the country? This glamping retreat is located just outside of Asheville in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.

Itā€™s honestly one of the most unique places to stay in the whole state. When booking with Asheville Glamping you have multiple types of rentals to choose from.

There are bell tents, safari tents, domes, and their brand new treehouses. Each one ranges in price depending on which one you choose and the accommodations can host between two and five guests at a time. If you want an Instagram-worthy place to stay, you should book a spot here!

Check availability here.

The Buck House Inn on Bald Mountain Creek

The Buck House Inn on Bald Mountain Creek is located in Burnsville. Of course, itā€™s right next to Bald Mountain Creek and a great place to explore if you love the outdoors. Itā€™s north of Asheville almost at the NC/TN border.

This bed and breakfast is very popular among couples as it’s a great romantic getaway. It was initially built to serve as a home, but over time ended up on the National Registry of Historic Places and is now a popular inn.

Guests have access to lots of different amenities, including a bottomless cookie jar, a full breakfast on the veranda, and hiking trails right on the property.

Check availability here.

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Pilot Cove Forest Lodging

These are the CUTEST little private cabins in Pisgah National Forest. These are luxurious cabins with modern architecture and decor. They have spacious decks where you can relax and soak in the forest after a day of adventure.

Located a short drive from Brevard, these are in the perfect location for hiking, fishing, or mountain biking. While these would be another great romantic getaway spot they are also perfect for families as the cabins are secluded and sepearated from other groups.

Find out more here.

The Firehouse Inn

Next is The Firehouse Inn, another of the best places to stay in the North Carolina mountains. Itā€™s located in Rutherfordton, which is a historical destination in the state. 

As you may have guessed from the name, this modern day hotel used to be the Rutherfordton city hall and firehouse way back when. Today, the inn houses six different suites elegantly decorated and perfect for anyone wanting a bit of luxury.

Read the reviews here.

Red Rocker Inn

A hotel in Black Mountain, the Red Rocker Inn is an excellent spot within an old Victorian Home. Rates are very affordable for how lovely this inn truly is! Black Mountain is about 20 minutes east of Asheville down Highway 40.

This nineteenth-century inn has various room types, all of varying sizes and amenities. One of the most popular rooms is Elizabethā€™s Attic. Rooms include complimentary breakfast, and potential amenities include a huge tub or fireplace, depending on which room you choose to book for your stay.

Nearby, you’ll find incredible restaurants in Black Mountain and plenty of outdoor adventure that the mountains are known for.

Read the reviews here.

1898 Waverly Inn

The last excellent accommodation in the Asheville area is the 1898 Waverly Inn, a fantastic Bed & Breakfast in Hendersonville. This is a great city known for its history and location near the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a great place to visit in the state.

The 1898 Waverly Inn is incredibly historical and is the oldest inn located in the city. The unique thing about this place is that they also have family suites that you can rent.

Rooms are relatively affordable considering the authentic charm of this place. Breakfast is served daily for guests as long as you don’t book the basic rate. There is also a social hour with charcuterie and drinks included!

Read the reviews here.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Linville Gorge near best places to stay in the North Carolina mountains

Pisgah Inn

The Pisgah Inn is an unassuming hotel located in Canton! This small town isnā€™t that far from Asheville and is situated inside the Pisgah National Forest. The inn, in particular, is known for being tranquil and for having fantastic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the balconies.

Guests can enjoy the restaurant and the country store, which is filled with tons of fun souvenirs and gifts for you to remember your trip. The inn opened in 1964 and has been a staple in Canton ever since. They have rocking chairs and an observation deck where you can take a load off and enjoy the view.

Find out more here.

Switzerland Inn

The Switzerland Inn will make you feel like you’re staying in a gorgeous Swiss chalet! Itā€™s located in Little Switzerland, right off the Parkway, and has elegant rooms with beautiful views, areas to relax, and even a spa that guests can go to.

There are tons of restaurants at the Switzerland Inn, including Terrace Dining, Chalet Restaurant, and The Fowl Play Pub and Tap Room. If youā€™re traveling with a larger group of people, you can even rent a cottage with two different bedrooms and four double beds.

Find out more here.

Doughton Hall Bed & Breakfast

Doughton Hall Bed and Breakfast is a genuinely charming place to stay in Laurel Springs. Historically, it was the residence for Robert L. Doughton. People who stay here have a much more local and personal experience, as there are only four rooms available to reserve.

The house is truly beautiful, and itā€™s even used as a wedding venue by locals. Itā€™s situated on lots of land which guests are welcome to go out and explore. Thereā€™s also a lovely porch area which is the perfect place to sit and get fresh air while enjoying views of the manicured lawn.

They don’t have a website so you have to call to book here!

Check out the reviews here.

Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages

Located in Linville Falls, you’ll find Linville Falls Lodge and Cottages right by the US Forest Service road that leads the best hiking in the area. The parking lot for the hike to Linville Falls is only a few minutes away so you get first dibs on a spot.

The cottages here are so quaint and beautiful and can host between two and four guests at a time. The Lodge is also incredibly cute and made primarily of stone. It’s the perfect location if you want to spend a weekend in Linville Falls or even as a one night stop if you are traveling the Parkway.

Check availability here.

Smoky Mountains

view of Smokies near best places to stay in the North Carolina Mountains

Route 19 Inn

The Route 19 Inn in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, is located just outside of the Smoky Mountains. This retro hotel just got a complete makeover and will be the throwback you didn’t know you needed. The location couldn’t be better plus there is a stream running through the property where you can fish for trout.

Though this is a restored motel, the Route 19 Inn has a very high-end feel to it. The rooms are filled with fun pops of color and are decorated with a slight nod to southwestern design. Most rooms can house between two and four people but they also have a family suite and entire cabin for rent.

Check out the reviews here.

Highlander Mountain House

Highlands and Cashiers are the hidden gems of Western NC that may not be so hidden anymore. People flock here in the summer for the beautiful weather, quaint towns, and outdoor adventure.

At first glance, you may think that the Highlander Mountain House is out of your price range but make sure to look at all rooms available. Some of their smaller rooms are reasonably priced even on summer weekends.

The house was originally built in 1885 but now the 18-room boutique inn is the perfect spot to stay for a relaxing vacation. Take advantage of all the mountains have to offer then come back to the cozy inn and have an incredible dinner at their Tavern, The Ruffed Grouse.

Check out the reviews here.

Historic Tapoco Lodge

The Historic Tapoco Lodge in Robbinsville is a popular place to stay because itā€™s located right on the Cheoah River. Restaurant seating here actually overlooks the Cheoah where you can watch kayakers and rafters make their way down the river.

The building was first built in 1930 and was used for a power company in the area. It eventually became the lodge that it is today in 2010.

Rooms vary from cabin rooms with epic views of the mountains and river to lodge rooms and suites. As usual, itā€™s a lot more expensive to stay here on the weekend than on a weekday. The accomodations are cozy though and they even have two pet friendly cabins. There are also private hiking trails on property.

Find out more here.

Sky Ridge Yurts

The Sky Ridge Yurts are a perfect place to stay near Bryson City if you want a breathtaking and magical experience! They first opened in 2011 and now are one of the best places to stay in the North Carolina mountains.

This is another opportunity to try out glamping. There are cabins and original yurts to book, and the rooms host between three and six people. The inside of the yurts are actually incredibly luxurious and filled with natural light, thanks to all of the windows.

The yurts either have access to a shared fire pit or have a private one available. Most of them also have a small kitchen with limited amenities. This is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Western NC!

Find out more here.

The Franklin Terrace

Last but not least is The Franklin Terrace, a bed and breakfast in Franklin, North Carolina. The Inn first opened in 1915, but the building itself was built in the late nineteenth century. Over the years, the building has served many purposes, including as a boarding school.

There are tons of room options here which can host up to four people at a time. Most people love staying here because itā€™s close to lots of outdoor activities. In the surrounding area, you can go kayaking, hiking, canoeing, and even ziplining!

Read the reviews here.

Ways to Save on Accommodations

If you’re like me, then you want to save as much money as possible when booking accommodations. Here are my tops tips.

Compare prices on Airbnb. Sometimes this works but with all the additional fees these days and Airbnb becoming a side hustle for many, you don’t find the deals that you used to.

Join Rakuten to get cash back on everyday online purchases. I often get cash back when booking Hilton properties but they also offer cash back with all kinds of companies. They even have a Travel & Vacations section.

Another way to earn cash back is by joining WayAway Plus. This one is a paid service but if you use the code STUCKOTG then you can save 10% on your purchase.

WayAway Plus gives you the opportunity to earn cash back on Booking.com, Viator, Rentalcars.com, and more. If you’re comfortable booking flights using third parties then you can also earn cash back on flights.

It also includes access to travel experts who can help you plan your trips and city guides with local tips for destinations around the world.

My last tip is to utilize credit card points. This is known as travel hacking and the first rule to travel hacking is to pay off your balance in full every month so I am not recommending going into debt for this.

Places to Stay in the North Carolina Mountains

Now you know all of the best places to stay in the North Carolina mountains! There truly is a wide variety of places to stay and many of them are wonderfully unique. No matter where in the mountains you choose to stay, youā€™ll truly have an unforgettable time.

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