Snowbird Mountain Lodge - All-Inclusive Adventure

After reading a number of negative recent reviews, all by people who had gone to the lodge many years ago, I was nervous about going here with my spouse for our anniversary. I can't say how things were when those other reviewers visited, but the place was wonderful for us. The accommodations were good (not super fancy but the bed and pillows were very comfortable and we really enjoyed having a private two person hot tub). The food was great! Service was very good, and it was just gorgeous and relaxing up there in the mountains with amazing views. We went on a hike in the nearby national forest and took the lodge's paddle boards out on Lake Santeetlah. We barely saw any other people or even structures on the lake! All around, it was just what we were looking for, a relaxing getaway with lots of nature and adventure options.

Was in Fontana for a car event, and drove over to Topoco for breakfast. The food was delicious and the server Jasmine was excellent . Food came out fast, and they have plenty of fresh coffee to drink. I’m definitely coming back for breakfast while I’m here.

The staff here at Snowbird Mountain Lodge was incredible. They were always attentive and attempting to provide the best service ever. This extended into the onsite restaurant. Every meal exceeded expectations. The chef was creative and accommodating to special dietary needs. I highly recommend your booking time at this lodge.

We initially booked a hotel in Gatlinburg for our Smoky Mountains trip, but found the town too hectic for our taste. It wasn’t the serene nature escape we were hoping for. Luckily, we discovered Snowbird Mountain Lodge. Perched on a mountaintop in the secluded Nantahala Forest, this charming 1940s lodge was exactly what we needed. The moment we drove up the steep road, we knew we had found our haven. Corey greeted us warmly, making us feel instantly at home. Our room in the main lodge was small, cozy, and rustic, with the delightful scent of chestnut wood. It was impeccably clean, and the linens were fresh. Dinner that evening was a delightful four-course meal, with each dish being fresh and delicious. The next morning, we woke up to a breathtaking view of misty mountains and clouds still sleeping between the peaks. The only sound was the forest slowly waking up, no cars or motors for miles around. Pure perfection! Breakfast was delicious, and we were also provided with a backpack containing our lunch and supplies for a day out in the park. We enjoyed every moment in the Lodge and wished we could have stayed longer. We will be back! Thank you, Corey and Arin, for your wonderful hospitality, for meeting all our needs, and for making us feel at home.

Snowbird Mountain Inn has always been a unique and very special place for us. Set on a ridge overlooking the beautiful peaceful mountains, it is surrounded by National Forest lands as well as Cherokee lands which makes it seem like an earthly paradise of serenity. Staying in one of the private cottages with a balcony offers a true getaway, especially when this is couples with the wonderful breakfasts and dinners in the inn, as well as a sack lunch to facilitate exploring the area. The Inn provides kayaks and paddle boards at its Santeetlah Lake access, a short distance from the lodge. The property has always been owned by people who were passionately devoted to its remote charm and who have worked to improve and maintain it. This may present a financial challenge at times, owing to relatively small number of rooms and the remote location. The new owners have made very few changes to the property since its long time owner, Robert Rankin departed. We can only hope the new owners remain dedicated to preserving the inn for years to come. It is such a privilege to stay there and the new staff and manager, JR, are very dedicated and enthusiastic. We look forward to our return in the October.

We have been coming to Snowbird Mountain Lodge since 1981. We have witnessed the impact of several owners. Robert Rankin made the largest positive impact. After his changes the lodge was magical. Now that Indigo Road owns it, it appears that no one is interested in taking care of the details. 1. spider webs in window in lobby. 2. outside artful water feature broken 3. igniter on fire pit broken 4. Beautiful large wine bottle paintings in bar- removed.(did an Indigo Road VIP take them to their lakehouse?) 5. wine bottle lamps-removed 6. lovely artful water feature in sun room removed. 7. menu was never up to date. They never had the smash burger and when they ran out of pasta, they didn't run to Ingles to get some. They just said they were out. But didn't change the menu. 8. fruit in the lunch is a mealy red delicious apple. We used to get grapes or tangerines and in apple season- local apples 9. Hardly any employees around. 10. no self service tea area and no fruity water in lobby. no cookies in the afternoon. 11. no one is feeding the birds 12. Yard needed mowing. 13. swing was taken down and never put back up. This is not the place that it used to be and I think that the issue is no one is paying attention to details that this lodge has been noted for in the past. It is still a beautiful view. The breakfast is still good and is the best thing that comes out of the kitchen. The coffee is still good but for the price and trek to get there, more attention should be paid to the guests' experience.