8 Reasons Why These Asheville Hotels Provide an All-Inclusive Experience
In the late 1800s, Biltmore — and its main family home, the largest such residence in the United States — was built by George Washington Vanderbilt, son of one of the most well-known families of the Industrial Age.
More than a century later, you can experience the same gracious hospitality, luxury, and culture of Biltmore at one of their two splendid hotels: the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate or the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate. Guests of Biltmore gain access to what lies beyond the gates of their sprawling property that only those staying on the estate will experience.
Why should you stay at Biltmore? Because of these eight things:
1. The house itself is the most breathtaking residence you'll ever see.
The crown jewel of Biltmore is the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt, a 179,000-square-foot, 250-room French Renaissance chateau that you can visit and tour. Your self-guided tour of the home will take you past hundreds of priceless cultural objects, from original art by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and 16th-century tapestries to ornately carved furniture and a 10,000-volume library. 
2. The gardens and grounds look as if Versailles were brought to the United States.
America's greatest landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, designed Biltmore's acres of preciously manicured gardens. The paths within and around the gardens are as diverse as the gardens' flowers themselves — and the Rose Garden features more than 250 varieties.
Biltmore's 2.5 miles of paths will bring you to the Italian Garden, with its classical statuary and serene water gardens ideal for contemplative moments; the 15-acre Azalea Garden, home to evergreen firs and one of the country's finest collections of native azaleas; the Walled Garden; and other locales of stunning natural splendor. Biltmore's network of trails, which run through open meadows, lush forests, and along the French Broad River, will satisfy any nature lover with a penchant for exploration.
Biltmore's gardens are more than just beautiful, however — they're a legacy of George Vanderbilt's commitment to environmental protection, conservation, and, with the recent installation of six acres of solar panels, sustainability.
3. You get to enjoy all of the activities that lie beyond Biltmore House.
Biltmore offers activities for everyone, all without ever having to leave the estate. Enjoy Antler Hill Village & Winery where you can experience Biltmore in a whole new way. With a historic winery, shopping, dining, and the Outdoor Adventure Center, you are steps or a shuttle ride away from the many activities Biltmore has to offer.
The most-visited winery in America, Biltmore Winery is a highlight of the Biltmore experience, especially for those looking to develop a deeper understanding of the Biltmore winemaking philosophy. Pair your visit to the state-of-the-art winery with complimentary tastings, and enjoy Biltmore's classic specialty pairing of red wine and chocolate. Or expand your palate with their specialty tours and tastings that are well worth the additional fee.
4. The dining — and the wine — are world-class.
The 15 culinary offerings at Biltmore provide options for every palate or occasion, all menus featuring fresh produce and meats from the estate itself. From fine dining at The Inn on Biltmore Estate to a meal in the historic stables of Biltmore to more casual family dining in Antler Hill Village and Winery, all provide cuisine that adheres to their century-old field-to-table philosophy.
Like their dining, Biltmore's wines are similarly time-honored and award-winning. It should come as no surprise that they offer delectable wine pairings in every restaurant on the estate.
5. The outdoor activities are surprisingly diverse.
Only an estate as grand as Biltmore could be an outdoor enthusiast's dreamland. Let Biltmore be your 8,000-acre backyard, a place to go fly-fishing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding —all, perhaps, in the same day.
6. The shopping lets you own timeless pieces inspired by the Vanderbilt legacy.
Continue in the tradition of George Vanderbilt, who spent years traveling the world to acquire the wonders that adorn his magnificent house, by visiting one of their charming estate shops. With a diverse assortment of items sure to suit your shopping fancy, they invite their guests to discover their own Biltmore treasures.
7. The tours immerse you in the world of the Vanderbilts with fascinating, little-known stories and details.
Biltmore offers a self-guided tour, as well as a 90-minute audio tour that guides you through the grand rooms of Biltmore House. For the curious and adventurous, there are numerous guided tours for purchase that provide an unforgettably intimate look at the Vanderbilts' lifestyle. What were their grand house parties like? Who were their closest friends? Where did their servants live? And what did they do with all that space? For those interested in the grounds of the estate, take a motor coach tour to areas beyond the house to learn about the history of the land, structures, and former residents.
8. The history of Biltmore Estate is a history lesson of quintessentially American ambitions.
Construction of Biltmore House began in 1889 and was completed, thanks to an entire community of craftsmen, six years later. At the time, it was America's largest undertaking in residential architecture. More than a century later, it still is.
To explore Biltmore is to know what it would have felt like to be the invited guests of a revered American family. To stay on Biltmore Estate, in one of their two magnificent hotels, is to experience that classic luxury with all the modern amenities and diversions you'd expect from a quality lodging establishment. There's no better place to experience the history and fascination of the past with the comfort and fun of the present.
Biltmore has safely adapted estate experiences and enhanced their stringent disinfection procedures in accordance with CDC guidelines and industry best practices. You can learn more about their health and safety measures here.
