FAQ & policies
Questions and policies
If your question isn’t here, call (828) 631-2531 or email [email protected].
Staying here
Is breakfast included?
No. There is a complimentary coffee bar in the Great Room every morning, and the Kress Family Suite and Blue Ridge Suite have full kitchens. For groups, meal packages and a private chef can be arranged in advance. Restaurants in Dillsboro and Sylva are about 15 minutes away.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out is at 11 AM. There is usually someone on site, and we send self check-in instructions if you will arrive late.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, pets are welcome, up to two per room. We ask that they stay with you rather than be left alone in the room for long stretches. Let us know when you book so we can put you in the right room.
Will I share spaces with other guests?
Your room or suite is private. The Grand Patio, the Great Room (pool table, wood-burning fireplace, coffee bar), the fire pit and the cedar hot tub are shared, so you may meet other guests there, unless your group has reserved the Entire Lodge or the 13-Room Exclusive rental.
Is there Wi-Fi and parking?
Yes, both are free. Wi-Fi covers the lodge, and there is plenty of on-site parking, including room for shuttle buses.
Is there a restaurant on site?
No. Meal packages can be arranged in advance for retreats and groups, and Dillsboro and Sylva are 15 minutes away.
Getting here
Do I need four-wheel drive?
No. Smoky Cove Road is paved, and the lodge is one mile up from US-74. Any car can make it.
Where exactly is the lodge?
1475 Smoky Cove Road, Whittier, NC 28789, on a mountaintop in Jackson County between Dillsboro and Cherokee. It is about 10 miles to Harrah’s Cherokee, 13 miles to Bryson City and 14 miles to the Oconaluftee entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
How far is Harrah’s Cherokee Casino?
About 10 miles, or roughly 15 minutes by car.
Which airport is closest?
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), about 60 miles away, or roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Groups & booking
Can we rent the entire lodge?
Yes. The Entire Lodge rental is all 15 bedrooms (21 beds plus three sleeper sofas) and the whole property, including the Sapphire Suite and the commercial kitchen, for $3,000 per night plus 7% NC sales tax and a one-time $450 service/cleaning fee, with a two-night minimum. Groups can also reserve the 13-Room Exclusive rental ($2,500), the 9-bedroom Top Floor ($1,800) or the 5-bedroom Kress Suite Group Rental ($599 plus the cleaning fee, added at checkout). See Groups & Whole Lodge.
Do you host retreats?
Yes. The lodge hosts yoga, wellness and writing retreats, and you can bring your own group. See Retreats.
How do I get the best rate?
Book direct, on this site or by phone at (828) 631-2531, and there are no third-party booking fees. Four rooms are also listed on Airbnb if you prefer to book there.
What payment methods do you accept?
Online reservations can be paid by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. For cash, check, or Venmo arrangements, please call the lodge at (828) 631-2531.
What is the cancellation policy?
The policy for your dates is shown before you confirm a booking. For group and retreat bookings we put the terms in writing with your quote.
Check your dates
Book direct here, or call and talk to someone who knows the lodge.