I was fortunate to have a friend attending a medical conference at the Grove Park Inn. I drove up from Atlanta and stayed with her during the conference.

The Grove Park Inn is located in the beautiful mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. This is a major asset to the resort as you are minutes away from interesting art galleries, downtown shopping, the Biltmore Estate and close to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The resort is built on the side of a mountain and overlooks the golf course area. The hotel is built of stone and has a unique look. The large lobby and hallways leading to different wings are decorated in the mission style of Frank Lloyd Wright. The lobby itself holds a huge fireplace and gorgeous light fixtures. The antique furnishings give the hotel character. There is even a small museum that describes the history of the resort and depicts how it was built.

The amenities at Grove Park Inn are expansive. In addition to a golf course, there is a complete work out facility with gym, pool, and weight room equipment. This is included in the room rates. However, there are additional fees for classes such as aerobics and yoga.

The most amazing aspect of the Inn is the spa. It is simply refreshing. We spent one full day at the spa. The spa is also built of stone. It is like being inside a huge cave. Guests of the hotel pay a daily fee for using the spa. Others may spend a day at the spa for a slightly higher price. Facials and massage are available at additional costs. I splurged on a honey and red wine facial that costed more than most dresses I own, but I haven't had a single regret. Not even when the credit card bill arrived.

The spa houses an outdoor pool, an numerous indoor pools. I loved the massaging waterfall pool. It is jacuzzi with water falling from overhead. You can stand under the streaming water for a relaxing massage. My favorite pool was the mineral bath. It is a large pool filled calcium, sodium and magnesium salts that give it water great bouancy. The pool also had relaxing new age/meditation music playing underwater. You could almost fall asleep as you floated.

The spa also offered single sex steam rooms, saunas, and inhalation rooms. The service was excellent in the spa. It was complete service. You sign in when you arrive and you are given a robe and slippers. The dressing rooms and lockers are very nice.

I would highly recommend a day at the spa for anyone. If I lived in the area, I would go every month. I believe the daily price for nonhotel guests is $50 per person. This would make an excellent Mother's Day or Anniversary gift.

I have rated the Grove Park Inn four stars. I wish I could rate the spa separately, as I would give it five plus! The reason the Inn doesn't receive five stars is the quality of the rooms. They were nice and clean, but nothing special. Room service is available and we had good service. The Inn is spectacular and the spa is breath taking, but the rooms are just average. If you go, realize you are paying for all of the amenities and the atmosphere.

Asheville is a truly wonderful town. It is quaint, yet very cosmopolitan. The Grove Park Inn is a beautiful resort nestled in a beautiful town.

Recommended: Yes