Exquisite and tranquil beauty, attention to detail, and a gracious and professional staff are the impressions you will have upon your arrival at Richmond Hill Inn. During our stay, each of these initial impressions were consistently re-emphasized as we noticed all the small details that added up to a great getaway.
When my husband and I arrived at Richmond Hill, a young gentleman approached us with a warm and enthusiastic welcome. He made sure we found our way into the mansion and to the front desk. There we were welcomed once again, by several staff members, and offered tea. It seems we arrived just in time for afternoon tea. We were given keys to our room, a thorough set of literature and explanations to allow us to get settled in and begin exploring the Inn, its history, and the surrounding areas in Asheville.
Richmond Hill Inn is comprised of the original Victorian era Inn, which has been restored, guest cottages, and a newer set of guest rooms called the Garden Pavillion. The Garden Pavillion has about a dozen or so rooms, all unique, some with fireplaces and some with small garden patios. Ours, the Battery Park Room, had both. The theme of each room in the pavillion, as well as the mansion, is focused on a specific person, place or event from the history in the area. For example, the Battery Park was once a popular hotel in Asheville during the early 1900's. Other rooms included the The Richmond Pearson Room, for whom the mansion was named after, the O. Henry Room, based on characters from the author, and the "Chess Room."
For our first evening during our stay, we met with others from our party of 16, who were also staying at the Inn, and had dinner at a restaurant in the mansion called Gabrielle's. Some of the choices for dinner included: Mi Cuit of Foie Gras with Verjus and While Grape Vinaigrette, House-Made Dill Fettucine with Slow-Roasted Smoked Salmon and Mascarpone Cream Sauce, Baby Spinach Salad with Duck Proscuitto, Sweet & Sour Vinaigrette, and Warm Quail Egg Crouton. For the Entree, we could choose from Lobster with Ginger, Bison Steak and many others. The Executive Chef at Gabrielle's, Brian Ross, obviously is dedicated to please and delight the guests and patrons. We were not disappointed. Each course was beautiful to behold and a memorable culinary experience. The wine choices included Stagsleap Chardonnay and Merlot, which we enjoyed with our meal. Even if you cannot find the time to stay at the Inn, do not overlook the talents and offerings of the chef at Gabrielle's.
On the grounds of the Inn, one can find beautiful gardens, a waterfall, and a Koi pond. Breakfast is included with an evening's stay and features a menu that reflects great creativity. We were not disappointed with the morning fare and appreciated the willingness of the staff to make exceptions or substitutions at our whim.
We were truly pampered and treated like royalty during our stay. A traditional "bed turning" is also included. Each night when you return to your room, there are chocolates on the pillow and bedtime music playing from a small stereo on a night stand beside the bed.
In retrospect, the one question I would suspect most guests might have on their mind when remembering their stay at Richmond Hill Inn, is "When can I go back?".

Recommended: Yes