Mountain Inn & Suites

The Mountain Inn & Suites gives a tidy and welcoming home base to a diverse mix of tourists visiting the spectacular Western North Carolina mountains, including those on bus tours. Out front, a quiet, grassy lawn is set with picnic tables. Patio sets of umbrella-topped tables and chairs also flank the front door, providing additional spots to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Inside, the lobby gives off a bit of a traditional, old fashioned vibe with tan, polished granite floors and oak paneling on the front desk and an adjacent staircase. Unfortunately, the faux flowers throw off the elegant vibe a bit, as do the giant black leather sofas and armchairs that feel more appropriate to a rec room. Still, the latter are very plush and comfortable, inviting a bit of lingering, as does the sunny breakfast area just behind. Overall, this is a friendly and relaxed hotel where any travelers should feel at ease. 

The Mountain Inn is located just off Interstate 26 in the picturesque Western North Carolina town of Flat Rock. It’s a convenient and relatively quiet spot with three restaurants within a five-minute walk and several more just a short drive away. A few other hotels are also in the immediate area. Hendersonville is a 10-minute drive, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to drive to Asheville, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock. Spartanburg is 45 minutes away by car. 

For a value hotel, guest rooms here are rather pulled together with tasteful, traditional decor. Black-and-gold striped carpeting with thick stripes and gray velvety bolster pillows and drapes set the tone. The matching wood furniture has an amber gold finish and it includes nice headboards. However, grayish-brown walls, smallish windows, and soft lighting leave the rooms a bit dark, and generic artwork feels more cheap than classy. And while rooms are clean, some of the furniture we saw was showing signs of wear. Throughout, rooms are comfortably sized, with the Deluxe (standard) Double Queens offering enough room for corner armchairs and small tables with chairs. Larger Suites have separate living rooms with sleeper sofas, and some Suites include whirlpool tubs in their bedroom areas. Bathrooms are average in size, with roomy faux-marble vanities and white acrylic shower/tub inserts. Coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi come standard, and Suites add mini-fridges and microwaves. Rooms are generally quiet.

While the Mountain Inn & Suites is missing a few desirable features, such as a pool and an on-site restaurant, it does offer a fair amount of freebies that enhance its appeal, particularly its generous free laundry service that includes washing, drying, and folding. It also features a free breakfast buffet that includes eggs, a waffle-making station, and other hot dishes. Coffee and tea are free all day, and vending machines sell sodas and snacks. The lobby has a computer and printer that guests are welcome to use, and Wi-Fi is free along with parking. Pets are welcome with a modest per-stay surcharge.