My husband and I recently got married at Sugar Hollow Retreat, and we have very mixed feelings…read moreabout our experience. First, the positives. The property is absolutely beautiful. The scenery is stunning, the ceremony locations are gorgeous, the lodging was excellent, and the food was fantastic. Those aspects truly deserve praise. Unfortunately, the organization and communication leading up to our wedding were extremely disappointing, especially considering the cost. Our contract, payment schedule, and amounts due were inconsistent throughout the planning process. Different staff members gave us different information. When I reached out for clarification, I was told their contracts and payment plans were generated using AI and had mistakes. I was promised a corrected contract, but after multiple calls, voicemails, texts, and follow-ups over three weeks, I never received an updated contract or even a reply from Kaleigh. About two months before our wedding--after we had booked the venue over a year earlier and paid all deposits--Sugar Hollow advertised our wedding dates on social media as still available and even offered a discount. I had to contact them to let them know they were advertising our already-booked weekend. Our biggest concern before booking was whether the reception hall would stay cool during our late-June wedding. We asked multiple times and were repeatedly assured the air conditioning would not be an issue. Instead, during dinner the AC shut off and had to be reset, leaving the hall over 80°F with almost no airflow. Several guests had to leave, and some became sick from the heat. The venue had no fans available, and another vendor thankfully brought fans out to help. This was especially frustrating because summer heat is completely predictable for outdoor Tennessee weddings. We also discovered our catering contact no longer worked there only because my emails started bouncing back. No one notified us of the staffing change or set up an automatic response. Another disappointment was accessibility. We booked in part because golf carts were available for our amputee family member and elderly guests, signed liability waivers for them, and then were told just one month before the wedding they no longer offered them. I also strongly recommend hiring an independent day-of coordinator instead of relying on the venue's coordinator. We hired Nicole because she knew the venue, but many décor and setup details we had planned and discussed were missed or incorrect. Throughout the day I had to send bridesmaids and family members to remind her about tasks that had already been planned. A coordinator should be executing the plan--not needing reminders from the bride. Sugar Hollow has incredible potential because the property itself is beautiful. However, the organization, communication, and attention to detail simply did not match the price we paid. Future couples should keep meticulous records, double-check everything, and have an outside coordinator advocating for them. With stronger management, this venue could easily be a 10/10. Based on our experience, I would rate it a 4/10.

I had an amazing experience during a corporate retreat at Sugar Hollow. Our team stayed in the…read morelodge and the accommodations were clean, quaint, and comfortable. The staff was welcoming and made sure we were happy with our stay. The location is breathtakingly beautiful and from the lookout deck you can catch the most amazing sunrises. There are plenty of places to relax, drink a glass of wine, read a book and take in nature!

It's a nice unit 4605 feet elevation with a beautiful view off the balcony. 103A is a two level…read moreunit with the master upstairs with a huge bathroom and loft area with a pull out couch. There's a fireplace too but we didn't use it, washer and dryer, and no air conditioning, but we didn't need it. King size beds in both bedrooms. Little things like a balcony door not locking, bedroom door misaligned so it didn't close properly, remote control inoperable due to not the same as tv, and coil style stove caused deduction of one star. Pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and exercise room, along with game room with pool table, ping pong table, Foosball table, and two gaming tvs on site as well.

We enjoyed our stay. We did stay in one of the refurbished buildings so there was no…read moreJacuzzi in our unit. However, we did enjoy the heated pool in the game building one evening. It did need to be cleaned but we swam anyway. The main comwas there were little bugs in the water. But we pushed them away and enjoyed it. The room was clean, and we felt safe. The drive up to the resort is twisting and curving and a bit unnerving.. however!! What else do you expect in the mountains!!?? We enjoyed our weekend and even lit a fire in the fireplace twice!! We had a lovely time and were thrilled to wake up to see Grandfather Mountain right out our living room!! We enjoyed our stay.

Older furnishings and over priced. It was a last minute booking and nothing else was available.read more

Unfortunately, I'm one of those people that usually only writes poor reviews, because something…read moreisn't up to the standards expected, but this place makes me excited to travel and a good review was a must. On a recent trip to North Carolina, I stayed here and wasn't sure what to expect because it was small and new. Many times, new businesses aren't up to the standards of well-established places, but not true with Banner Haven. It was 5-star service with beautiful grounds and a spectacular property. I had everything I needed and the innkeepers were very helpful with questions about the area. I highly recommend Banner Haven Bed and Breakfast, if you're in the Banner Elk area.

Beautiful home, great location, friendly owners, fabulous breakfasts, comfy beds. Felt like home,…read moreonly better! Oh, and reasonably priced, too!

Cabins are older, fine, mountain ambiance. View from the porch, nice, until dark when none of the…read morelights worked. The whole cabin was filthy. Glass doors and mirrors full of fingerprints, glasses the same. The 2 seat table was disgusting, and I definitely wouldn't eat at it. Carpets were filthy as well, wear socks. We paid $400 A NIGHT to have a jacuzzi tub I wouldn't step foot in. Coffee maker? Yes. Coffee provided? No. Refrigerator was barely even cool. Don't waste your money.

Stayed at the inn portion to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary. It's right in town, so you…read morecan literally walk pretty much anywhere you want to go. We booked in advance over the phone. Check in and out were both super easy. The office has movies and books (even for kids) that you can borrow. They also have coffee, water, and ice available at all times. The room was very small-- two beds, bathroom, mini fridge, desk, and tv-- but that was okay since we didn't really spend any time other than sleeping and showering there. Someone came and emptied our trash, made our beds, and gave us fresh towels every day. Everything seemed nice and clean, zero complaints. Outside they have other little cabins and a fire pit with multiple chairs and maybe one picnic table. Really cute, well kept area! There were also several benches outside of the rooms where guest can sit and enjoy the weather, talk to each other, play music, etc. We frequently saw a lady outside her cabin painting the garden scenery. Blowing Rock seems to gather an older crowd, so being in our 20s and heavily tattooed, you get some looks. However, the staff at the inn was very friendly and enjoyed talking to our infant daughter. Not sure when we'd be back to visit, but I'd stay here again!

The Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock, NC was our first time staying there. It was walkable from the…read moreextensive shopping area on Main Street and the website seemed to present a good place to stay. We booked through Expedia and paid through them also. The Inn itself had about 62 rooms but could use a bit of upgrades, not in the rooms which were furnished nicely with the standard being two queen beds. Added to that was a desk as well as two comfortable chairs, close to the window. Nothing at all was in the slightest wrong with the furnishings of the room. The problem I had was that the Wi-Fi never, ever was usable other than one time about 3:30 in the morning when I happened to wake up and read on my Kindle at that outrageous hour. I communicated with the front desk a number of times, probably three times for the 3 days when we stayed there. When I checked out I told the General Manager who was running the front desk that they needed some extenders or something regarding their Wi-Fi but she informed me that they had them at either ends of the hallway on the second floor (where all rooms are located) and in the middle. I thought perhaps our room 204 being at the end of the hall that was the problem but obviously it was not. Also advertised on its website was that they had a bar in the lower level but it was not open or usable with the explanation being that they did not have enough people using it to keep it open other than for the special events which were booked at the Inn. The parking area had 4 spaces close to the front door, but the rest were on higher ground, requiring a bit of exercise to reach the Registration desk. The Wi-Fi and the not open bar are the reason for the deduction of one star, almost exclusively due to the Wi-Fi. In addition to the rooms, other good attributes was a large indoor swimming pool and a sumptuous breakfast, served buffet style from 7:30 AM to 10 AM. The breakfast dining area had outdoor seating which we used on one cooly comfortable morning. Added to the metal tables and chairs with a covering umbrella was the joy of a dozen ducks. TIP: Ask at the desk for bags of seeds to feed the ducks, adding to the joy of the exterior, raised patio above a smaller water feature.

I was pleasantly surprised by this place. Usually if a place has "Inn" in its name I think of old…read morerun down but this place was upgraded and VERY clean. You can tell they take pride in the cleanliness of this place. It's in a great location that is walkable to all the shops and restaurants and short drive to sight seeing or activities. We went in March so it wasn't super crowded. I was disappointed that the indoor pool was closed, that is one of the reasons I booked this place. But I love how they even had a nice little area for kids to play with games and coloring books. The staff was very nice. The breakfast was good too. I would book this place again.

Peaceful retreat for massage! We booked a day spa massage…read morefor our friend group. We had to stagger the times, but it was a nice mountain location. The view in the quiet room was beautiful even in the rain. I had a good massage. I would go back again. They had a lunch menu, but only a few options in the spa. They do give complimentary snacks and fruit and water! Nice staff and great service! Definitely need a reservation and make sure to follow up.

Jennifer was delightful upon check-in and Emma and the entire weekend staff cared for us so well…read more Wonderful accommodations with Comfortable beds and all the amenities. Breakfasts were delightful and delicious. Our spa experience was relaxing and renewing. Our plan is to return next year!!

The Azalea Garden Inn is a lovely little motel situated between the various shops and park on Main…read moreStreet in Blowing Rock & the Chetola Resort area. With a really charming garden area, as well as a little patio/gazebo-type area with firepit, the aesthetics of the place really draw you in. Various shrubbery and window boxes are situated along each room as well. When you walk into your room itself, the wooden panels and rustic-feel provide a sense of comfort. The rooms are generally comfortable, though might be missing an amenity or two. Rooms have Keurigs, for example, but don't include microwaves. The pillows aren't great either. That said, any issues are very minimal. The Azalea Garden Inn is a truly lovely place to stay - so if you're looking for something comforting and rustic? Don't miss out on this gem.

This small retro motel has a can't be beat location making it a certainty that we will return again…read morein the future. Literally parked the car and walked everywhere we went in Blowing Rock for meals and shopping. With parking spaces at a premium in this small popular mountain town the location is a huge selling point. As for the motel itself, as mentioned it is retro with a rustic roadside 1960s feel. That doesn't bother me and in fact I rather like it for mountain destinations. The furnishing and bedding is fine: the carpet however is worn out and stained and probably has a lot to do with the unpleasant dank smell of the room. There is a Keurig and small fridge but no microwave. TV service is only the 3 basic national channels and maybe 4 other lesser stations. WiFi signal was fine. Walls are thin. The hot water shows up but only after a long time of waiting for it. The bathroom itself is more updated with newer tile and fixtures.