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We were snowed out last Christmas and now are planning to go this year. I have read mostly positive reviews, such as on Trip Advisor, but wanted some feedback from local recent experiences. We live 2 hours away in SWVA and come to AV occassionally. I realize the cost is $50+ each. What are your personal experiences?
We were snowed out last Christmas and now are planning to go this year. I have read mostly positive reviews, such as on Trip Advisor, but wanted some feedback from local recent experiences. We live 2 hours away in SWVA and come to AV occassionally. I realize the cost is $50+ each. What are your personal experiences?
You're better off visiting the Grove Park Inn when there is an event going on, rather than dining there for the big $$. The food is highly overrated and hyped. In our experience, the best cooks and service people do not want to work on Christmas; they have enough seniority to be with their families. If you want a high end hotel try the Grand Bohemian downtown near Biltmore Village; also check the other threads on here for suggestions. Also check restaurants in the small towns around Asheville, there are some gems out there. www.bestofwnc.com may help as well. There is a nice restaurant at Highland Lake in Flat Rock/Hendersonville. "The Seasons" at Highland Lake. Never been disappointed, and we are foodies. Also, check Vincenzo's in downtown Asheville; the upstairs dining room is beautiful; the food and service among the best around. They also have a website. Enjoy !
The ambiance and the views at the Grove Park are spectacular, and the buffet has lots of options that are nicely laid out. However, we have always found the food to be greatly underwhelming - average at best, no matter when we've gone. I have not been since the management changed, so hopefully the chefs have improved.
Go for the view and drinks. Food is a very disappointing waste of money and calories. I came across the following on another discussion board:
"Also, visitors/diners need to be aware that GPI has now imposed a $10 parking fee from now through early January. That's regular parking spots, not valet or the garage (those fees are higher). And yes, it applies to everyone including people coming to dine at the restaurants. It is designed to "reduce the volume of people" coming to see the gingerbread house display."
Thanks for all the suggestions. Are there any other than GPI ideas for Christmas dinner in Asheville, such as some homey old style buffet? We have the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, but they stopped having their Christmas buffet. Of course, most inns and restaurants understandbly want to be at home that day and not at work.
We visited Asheville at Christmas 2012, and ate at the Grove Park Inn for Christmas dinner. We REALLY enjoyed the entire experience! The food was very good....was it the very best I have ever eaten? Probably not,but,that being said, it was very good. The atmosphere was WONDERFUL! We wandered around the hotel before our appointed time to eat, looked at the gingerbread displays and the decor, and then relaxed after dinner on one of the porches for awhile. Every staff member we encountered was hospitable and friendly. We are planning to return for Christmas 2013! I can't wait!
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