Sure enough, to lessen the costs, staff were expected to share rooms (2 people per room). I was very lucky to have a room to myself for the first night since I had to be there early for my presentation. Sharing a room with my coworker for the other 3 nights was not too bad, but I will admit that it is awkward to sleep in the same room with someone you only know from work.
When I arrived at the hotel, or rather "resort," I was impressed with the enormity of it all. Everything just seemed massive! From the golf course, to the buildings, and even fireplaces on either side of the lobby were enormous. I was most impressed with the brick facade and stonework inside the building, until I experienced the spa. I'll share more on the spa experience later.
One of the two giant fireplaces in the lobby
The courtyard of The Grove Park Inn from one of the hallways
The outdoor portion of the spa in the foreground, golf course in the background
The view of downtown Asheville (to the left) from the courtyard
on one of the beautiful sunny days
My hotel room was unimpressive. It looked like a room inside any hotel and the double beds were actually very small. I didn't mind since I had the bed to myself, but it would have been very cozy for two people. I assume they had king beds for couples. I also had a room without a view. It looked out to a driveway and some bushes. I did appreciate a K-Cup coffee machine with regular coffee, decaf, and tea. Other than that, there were no exciting amenities in the room.
My hotel room
During the conference, North Carolina had a room that was used as the hospitality suite, which was stocked with snacks and beverages. The first day of the conference ended with a reception that brought most people to the hospitality suite for an "after party." The room was packed and there were a few people that definitely had too much to drink! Other than the first evening, the room was used for people to hang out and relax together. The theme for the room was the 1950's and the decor was fabulous. It made for a perfect place to get together. That, and the amazing view of the mountains and downtown Asheville! My favorite part was the Murphy Bed. Colin and I talk about getting one someday!
The 1950's room at The Grove Park Inn
The conference itself had some high points and low points. The sessions I attended, and the one I co-lead were all very informative and very good. It was also nice to see people that I work with from all over the state. There were a few good keynote speakers as well, except for the final speaker at breakfast on the last day. I did not enjoy the storyteller, Bill Thompson, share his "Front Porch Stories" about traditions in North Carolina and The South.
I could go on a rant about how terrible the food was, but I'll only describe the breakfasts, which were the worst I have ever had at a conference or in a continental breakfast. On the first morning, the only choices were sausage or ham biscuits. And they put out jelly - for what, I'm not sure. Then there was juice and coffee. That's it! As a dietitian and someone who strives to eat well, I was appalled. The second day wasn't much better when they put out 2-3 varieties of pastries. I heard that the food vendor at The Grove Park Inn changed after the conference costs were agreed upon, so the menu had to change and that food was all that could be offered at the approved price. It angers me that pastries are so much less expensive than real food like fruit! Thankfully, I did enjoy some good dinners by leaving the hotel and eating downtown. Asheville is a foodie's paradise with lots of options for local farm-to-fork foods, vegetarian, and vegan options. You would think that a place like The Grove Park Inn would strive to bring some local foods to it's patrons. But I think that everything about the resort was expensive (to keep with the "enormous" theme).
A conference room in The Grove Park Inn looks just like one in any other hotel
I did take some time for myself to enjoy the highly acclaimed spa one evening. We had the option to go on a tour of The Biltmore Estate, but since I have been there twice already, I decided to go to the spa instead. I debated between the Spa Access Twilight Pass and the 50 minute Classic Massage. I mainly wanted to spend time in the spa, enjoying the pools, sauna and steam rooms, but I also really wanted a massage. The pass to the spa for the evening was only $50, while the massage was $129, which included being able to go to the spa all day. I decided it would be unlikely that I would ever go back to The Grove Park Inn - unless I could convince some girlfriends for a weekend retreat - so I went all out with the massage. The massage and a couple of hours in the spa was just what I needed after 2 weeks of travel in the Pacific Northwest and 3 days of the conference! I enjoyed the hot and cold contrast pools, steam room, sauna, waterfalls, and swimming pools for an hour before the massage and then went back for another hour after the massage. I wasn't allowed to take pictures in the spa, but there are a few on the hotel's website.
In my experience, the hotel is not worth the $300+/night price tag, but the spa is definitely worth a visit. I know Colin wouldn't enjoy it, and we wouldn't be able to enjoy the steam room or saunas together since they are in female and male-only areas. The spa would be a great experience for a girls getaway. Maybe I'll convince some ladies to go to Asheville with me some time. We can stay in a less expensive hotel, go to the spa, and eat delicious local food in downtown Asheville! Any takers??
Have you ever been to a conference where the conference rooms were amazing and the food was delicious? If so, where was it?
In my opinion, conference rooms look the same everywhere I go. They usually have hideous carpets, fluorescent lighting, and dark walls and chairs.
