Tucked away next to the entrance of the Biltmore Estate in historic Biltmore Village is the DoubleTree Biltmore. It is a full-service, upscale property that makes a great base for exploring Asheville, N.C.  



When I say full-service, it means the hotels offers the following: room service, a restaurant on site, and a person to assist you with your luggage. This is an upscale property, not a luxury property by definition. The hotel owners though have raised the bar on the Hilton brand to make this Doubletree doubly special, which is why I feel confident giving it a very good rating for my #outaboutnc travel community, which serves all travel budgets for N.C. 


I want to encourage you to browse hotel websites when you plan your vacation destinations because many times, they offer great packages that will save you money while exploring an area.  Packages usually come with great perks. It's time for travelers to get beyond the "old phrase" that sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard to me, "It doesn't matter where I stay. A hotel is just a place to sleep." 





That saying may be true if you are going from Point A to Point B, and you need to stop to rest, but for vacations or weekend escapes, a hotel is NOT just a place to sleep. The right hotel can help enhance your travel experience. I found this to be true with the DoubleTree Biltmore on my trip to Asheville this month. 

The Doubletree Biltmore, which is owned by Biltmore Farms, has a majestic jewel within a two-minute drive of the hotel. Asheville's Biltmore  Estate is its' neighbor. 




Location to the Biltmore Estate and easy access to good restaurants makes Doubletree Biltmore a good lodging choice for Asheville. 

Staying on the Biltmore Estate vs. Off the Estate

I've stayed at the Inn at Biltmore on the estate, and it's beautiful. I recommend staying there, too which is evident from my "Pack Your Bags"  




However, that Inn is perfect for couples and families who are willing to pay around $700 a night for a room and up. It's that simple. In peak season, such as this spring with Biltmore Blooms, a regular room at the Inn is priced at almost $750 per night and that does not include Biltmore House admittance or breakfast. Packages with house entry and breakfast start at over $1000 per night.  Day tickets purchased online to experience the Biltmore Estate begin at $47 for seven-day advance purchase tickets for adults, and $52 for tickets purchased with one to six days before a visit.  




The estate is building a new hotel for Antler Hill Village, but it will not be ready until December 2015. The price point will be lower than the original Inn, but packages will still hover around $500 in the winter and around $900 in spring. Room-only rates will be around $600 in the spring. If you can afford this, and are dying to stay on the estate, do it. You will love it.  I personally think a few days of being on the estate, and treating it as a resort vacation is fabulous. There is a spa, afternoon tea, and an outdoor pool. There are a lot of estate resort amenities that make you feel like you are living the life of a Vanderbilt.The new Antler Hill location will be even better than the Inn, in my opinion. But, not everyone can afford those rates, and those who may not want that type of expense for a weekend getaway in the mountains. 

The  DoubleTree Biltmore lets guests have fun revealing what brought them to town. My daughter said, "Elsa and Anna", but that is all she knows how to spell really well besides her own name, and she added that, too.

A Good Family Hotel Choice Close to Biltmore Estate



But, let's talk about a great alternative at a lower price point outside the gates of Biltmore. For couples and families wanting to spend less than $500, I have found a good alternative, and you can even get more savings through its hotel packages. First you must know, I'm not an advocate of hotel packages that offer just offer champagne or strawberries on arrival. To me, that just adds unnecessary expenses to your bill unless you are really wanting something special for an engagement or anniversary. 

I think these "romance" type of packages in the limited-service to upscale hotel market are what many travelers think of when they think of hotel packages and as a result, they never really check into them when seeking out a vacation destination. 

But you are making a mistake if you don't check the hotel site for packages to see what is offered. I'm a strong supporter of hotel packages that can help you save on excursions, give you a flavor of the area with dining, wine and  beer experiences, breakfast offers, spa treatments, or extra family perks. This is what you need to look for when booking a hotel. You will save on your vacation and your travel experience will be greatly enhanced. 

Packages at the DoubleTree Biltmore




You can stay at the DoubleTree Biltmore, visit the Biltmore Estate, the Dressing Downton exhibit, and enjoy breakfast for rates starting as low as $280 for 2-double-bed room. And it can be as high as $416, depending on dates and demand. 

With your complimentary admission as part of your hotel package to Biltmore Estate, the estate is yours to explore at leisure The Spring gardens are magnificent right now. 





The food is always wonderful at Biltmore. I enjoyed a break with Cedric's Beer and a pretzel. 




My kids will never leave the estate without visiting the creamery for ice cream. 





The Biltmore winery is also celebrating 30 years this year so a wine tasting there is always fun. Plus, they will have extra events going on to celebrate this milestone. On this trip, I purchased Biltmore Cardinal's Crest, the House Red, and of course, Cedric's Brown Ale.


The Downton Abbey exhibit was outstanding. That exhibit ends on May 25, 2015.  If you can, go see it.  I really enjoyed seeing these clothes.The dresses are stunning in person, and Michelle Dockery, who plays Lady Mary, is so tiny. I bet she is a size zero.  This was one of her dresses displayed in the library. 

Photo courtesy of Biltmore Press Office. Photography is not allowed inside the home by visitors.

When visiting Biltmore, allow a full-day for sightseeing. The tickets the Doubletree give you are for two days so you have that wonderful feeling that you are able to go back the next day, if you didn't get everything done on your sightseeing list. You must check in at the visitor's center to get a time for admission into the house.  We arrived at noon.  You all know we're slow movers, and we could not get into the house until 4:45 pm (the last entry of the day).  Peak times are busy. 

In reality, Biltmore has become such a popular tourist destination that every season is busy. The best lodging deals are in January, February, and early March for you future planners. 

After that, rates just soar and so do the crowds. 

The DoubleTree Bilmore experience

The Doubletree Biltmore is a top-notch hotel with great management and you can tell that they want your stay to be the best.  It was clean, staff members were friendly, and the hotel did little extras that made it special. We were there over the Easter holiday so they had crafts for kids and an egg hunt. I asked Liza what she loved about our trip once we got before I starting writing this story, and she said, "Going to the indoor pool and hunting eggs with the bunny." 




So, it doesn't take much to make the kids happy when traveling, but its those extras that make things special and memorable. 




And of course, the DoubleTree chocolate cookies make everyone smile when checking-in. Any hotel that gives away cookies gets my kids' blessing. 




The Doubletree Biltmore underwent a renovation in 2013. The lobby has an upscale feel with cranberry and tan tones. Regular double rooms are small for a family of four, but it's great for a weekend. The beds were cozy and upscale with good bedding. I had one child with me, and Will had one with him. Two adults in one double bed is harder to do, in my opinion, but it can be done.




If you are staying longer, it would be my advice to invest in a suite or junior suite with a sleeper sofa, robes, microwave, and fridge. All bathrooms in the hotel are small, but they look nice. We were there on a holiday weekend with all rooms filled by guests so I experienced a room at the lowest price point for the package. Ideally, the 2-queen premium room or a suite would be my recommendation if traveling with your family. It's not that much more in price, probably $20 to $75 tops for the Downton Abbey package, which is the hotel's most expensive package because of the official tour guide book. 




On Friday night, the hotel opens the Treehouse Bar in the courtyard. There is live music, and of course, beer and wine at an additional cost, but it's a great place to kick off the weekend. It's really fabulous when you check-in after you've been traveling all day. The Treehouse Bar usually runs from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday only. 

Breakfast is Best Feature of the DoubleTree Biltmore

This hotel aims to impress with its breakfast buffet. Breakfast is included in the Biltmore/Downton Abbey packages, and it is exceptional. The cost for adults is something like $11.95 and it is worth every penny. The public is welcome to dine there, too. The Ducker Tea room is small, but I loved the intimate feel of it. 




While we were there, Chef Skip made omelets to order and I thought the "Blue Ridge", made with spinach, bacon, and feta cheese was delicious.Homemade sweets impressed and the blueberry scones got high marks from this scone lover. I could eat it without Devonshire cream. That says a lot. I give this breakfast a triple A plus. Is that even possible? Other guests agree with me. 





The Doubletree Asheville Biltmore consistently ranks as the number one DoubleTree brand within Hilton for the best breakfast in the U.S. My advice to you is not to skip breakfast here, and let Skip make you an omelet or any egg of your choosing. You will be so full that you will skip lunch, especially if you are late breakfast eaters like my family. 




There is a marketplace in the lobby that also sells a few items for you to have on the go. The marketplace also has local beer and wine in stock as well as much-needed items like band-aids and toothbrushes. I needed a band-aid for a boo-boo that really did not need a band-aid, but you pick your battles with children so I purchased a pack of travel band-aids for $1.50. I'm glad it was there for that reason. 

In HinesSight on our Stay



Two-nights in Asheville, N.C. is just not enough time. You definitely need more to explore the city. But, sometimes that is all you have available. The Doubletree Biltmore makes a great base for exploring the Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Village, and downtown Asheville. It's a good fit for family travel. Kids can feel comfortable here. It is also pet-friendly. If I were staying longer than two nights, I would book a Queen Junior suite, which includes a sleeper sofa. You also have the option of getting a connecting double room. 

On your way out, be sure to buy some bags of Doubletree Trail Mix. It is delicious. I didn't eat any of it until I got home, and now we wish we had more. 


Want to Go:
DoubleTree Biltmore
115 Hendersonville Road
Asheville, N.C. 

To plan your trip to Asheville, N.C. visit Explore Asheville. 

Disclosure: This was a hosted stay, and wrapped up a campaign where I gave one Downton Abbey experience to a reader. A winner was drawn on April 1 and she and her family will be experiencing this same package in May. 

My family has given up cable, and the one channel that our antenna does not pick up is PBS. But, I think our Amazon Prime is going to kick in so we can see this season's Downton Abbey. That's our plan, anyway. Downton Abbey Season Five starts tonight.

If you are a fan on the show then you may just want to travel to Asheville,N.C. this winter or spring to see the Biltmore Estate's Dressing Downton exhibit. It opens February 5 and runs through May 25, 2015.





More than 40 costumes will be on display in America's largest home for the public to see. The Biltmore Estate was in operation during same time period projected in the show. You may enjoy reading a post I put together in 2013 following a trip to Biltmore with my family where I highlighted some of the similarities between North Carolina's own estate and Highclare Castle, where the show is filmed.



I think Lady Grantham is my favorite character. In fact, I did a little quiz last year and it said I was most like this character. I'm not sure if that is good or bad, but I'll take it.

The Biltmore Estate is a magical place, and you'll love a trip there. In my four years of blogging, I have worked with the estate on numerous stories.  I still need to have afternoon tea, and visit the spa there. That's on my list. They are also opening at new hotel on property at the end of year in Antler Village. I think that will be a great addition to the estate.

You all know I have a thing for the Inn's fireplace from some past Instagram Thursday posts.  LOVE it, especially with a Toffee Coffee.


Other posts you may enjoy on Asheville and the Biltmore Estate that I've covered:

Pack Your Bags:  A Traveler's Look at the Inn of Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. 
Travel Insight: Traveling with Kids to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.
Travel Insight: An Inside Look at Christmas on The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC

I'm in Charlotte this weekend getting a glimpse of Christmas in North Carolina's largest city. We're staying in uptown at the Ritz-Carlton. I can't wait to give you more details about one of my State's most luxurious properties.

But in the meantime, I do have some photos to share with you from the Biltmore Estate.  Since early November, America's largest home, has been ready for the holidays.  On Skimbaco Lifestyle, I have the inside tips on what it takes to decorate this 250-room French Chateau.

The Biltmore Estate at Christmas

Visit Skimbaco Lifestyle for my story on the Biltmore Estate

And a few miles from the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC,  Holiday lovers can view some of the best Gingerbread Houses in the nation. The Marketing Manager for NC's Restaurant and Lodging Association covered this event for my blog this year. Here's more from Carla Chirico.

Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC

Grand Prize Gingerbread Winner is Ann Bailey from Cary, NC.

Known for its historic charm and captivating panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Grove Park Inn & Resort has been, and will always be, about creating wonderful memories and experiences. One of those memorable moments are on display during the holidays - The 20th Annual Gingerbread Competition. It  started in 1992 with a couple of local folks who built gingerbread houses for the sake of the holiday spirit!



Now, the event is one of the nation's most celebrated events and an ultimate competitive contest. As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges. The panel of judges represents nationally renowned food, arts, and media professionals. The level of competition has attracted artistry and design professionals as well as garnered the attention of ABC's "Good Morning America." Since 1998, the show has broadcasted the Gingerbread Competition on Travel Channel and Food Network. The gingerbread houses sparks the same reaction in people of all ages - one of wonder, awe, and delight. The Gingerbread House display runs until January 2, 2013. To view the winners, please visit the link, http://www.groveparkinn.com/asheville-events

Asheville, NC is certainly a place to visit during the holidays.  And I'll give you a glimpse of Charlotte, and Raleigh when I return. 

I love this time of year. I love to wear jeans again. I love that it gets dark a little earlier so I can be cozy in my house, which usually smells like a pumpkin candle on most nights. I sip a glass of red wine, have my pajamas on by 9:00 pm, and watch a new season of my favorite TV shows. Ah, that is fall to me! But, I know a lot of my Tar Heel friends like to get out and about in the fall so this post is for you.

Courtesy of Visit NC

With the arrival of fall, the leaves are beginning to shade North Carolina in hues of burgundy, burnt orange and golden yellow. Starting with the lofty peaks in the north, color spreads to the south and east in a painterly wash before slowly fading into winter.

No one is going to believe me now, but for the record, the Goring Hotel was on my "hotel list" long before a future princess chose it as the place to spend her last night as a commoner.  Catherine Middleton along with the Middleton family have chosen this family operated hotel adjacent to Buckingham Palace as their base for the royal nuptials.

Likely story, you say!  But, it's so true and it's so me.  You see, my mother-in-law has been to England more times than I can count on my fingers since I've known my husband.   I think she may be even more of an Anglophile than me.  Since I'm stuck, oh...I mean have commitments at home, I live vicariously through her trips.  I'm probably the only one in the family who goes through all of her hotel links when she sends them before a trip in case of an emergency.   She has not stayed at the Goring Hotel, but she had lunch there followed by a tour.  Her travel companion that year was a good friend who is also a travel agent.   Look carefully at the gorgeous rooms.



Do you notice anything that is just....well....Baaautiful?  Look again.




Since my blog is a very kid-friendly blog, I have to tell you that this hotel rolls out the red carpet for the little ones.  The hotel hosts a bedtime story library, children can go to the kitchen where their own apron and chef hat awaits them which they will use to help decorate cookies and cakes while parents enjoy afternoon tea alone.

However, the best perk for the little ones is on their pillows, there will be a gift pack that includes their very own cuddly "Baaa-bara sheep." I wonder if Catherine will get one, too as a little memento of her stay before transforming into a Princess?

Before I say until next time, there will be one lucky Hines-Sight Blog reader who can feel like a princess when she visits the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.  This morning, my son woke way before he should have on a Monday.  I guess he is prepping me for the royal wedding this week because when he tapped me on the shoulder, my clock said 5:00 AM.   He never went back to sleep.

I put him to work.



Congratulations, Stacy Reynolds! You have just won two estate passes to the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC.

I thank everyone for becoming new Facebook fans and Google followers during this give-away.   I hope to have another give-away soon, and I thank everyone who reads my blog.  You are the reason I keep writing.

Until next time, I'll be waiting to hear from Stacy so I can send her on her way to the Biltmore.


I am participating in the Post of the Month Club from Happy Homemaker U.K. If you are hopping over from this site.  Welcome!