Highlander Mountain House
Location: 270 Main Street, Highlands, us
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Inns
About this Property
Historic Inn in Highlands, North Carolina
Exquisite Dining Experience at The Ruffed Grouse Tavern
Indulge in delectable meals at the on-site restaurant, open seasonally for lunch and dinner.
Charming Rooms with Modern Amenities
Relax in rooms adorned with antique-inspired decor, offering a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and select rooms with a private balcony and clawfoot bathtub.
Convenient On-Site Bar and Lounge
Unwind at the Cocktail Lounge with a variety of beverages and appetizers. Enjoy the garden, shared lounge, and complimentary parking during your stay.
Experience the allure of Highlands at Highlander Mountain House. Book now for a memorable getaway.
Important Information
Please note that this property does not accept American Express.
Please note The Ruffed Grouse Tavern, the on-site restaurant, is closed from December through April.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Pets allowed
- Non-smoking throughout
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Outdoor furniture
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- First aid kit available
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
Rooms Available
-
Main House Deluxe King 2,3
Decorated in antique furnishings, this room includes linens, a flat-screen cable TV, WiFi, cathedral ceilings, a private balcony, and a private bathroom with a clawfoot bath tub and separate shower.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Bathrobe
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
-
Main House Deluxe Queen 1,6
Decorated in antique furnishings, this room includes linens, a flat-screen cable TV, WiFi, cathedral ceilings, a private balcony, and a bathroom with a clawfoot bath tub and separate shower.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
-
Main House Standard Queen
This room features linens, a flat-screen TV, WiFi, and a private bathroom.
This room can accommodate up to 2 guests.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
-
Bunkhouse Standard King
This room features linens, a flat-screen TV, WiFi, and a private bathroom.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
-
Bunkhouse Standard Queen Balcony
This air-conditioned double room is consisted of of a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with an inner courtyard view. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Clothes rack
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
-
Bunkhouse Standard Queen Patio
This double room features a private bathroom and air conditioning. This double room offers a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
-
Main House Deluxe King 4
This double room has a private bathroom and air conditioning. This double room features a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
-
Main House Deluxe King 5
This double room features a private bathroom and air conditioning. This double room offers a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
-
Bunkhouse Standard Queen
The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
-
Main House Standard Queen 7
The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
Guest Reviews
- Harold (9/5): - It was too cold.
- Christopher (10/5): Amazing gem in Highlands NC - Just an absolutely amazing place. Great decor and atmosphere. Our room was beautiful with cool wallpaper and decorations. Staff was always great. Food for brunch and drinks at all hours were the best in Highlands. Parking was crappy but expected given the area. Pizza oven was down while we were there but fixed the day we left. Beyond no issues.
- Ed (9/5): -
- Cynthia (10/5): -
- Patrick (10/5): -
- Proulx (9/5): Warm, cozy, welcoming and beautiful - Loved the location, the feel and cleanliness. It was such a nice treat The only negative which was out of anyone’s control was we were able to shower due to the pipes freezing. We only stayed for one night so it wasn’t a big deal.
- McAllister (10/5): The dreamiest few days at Highlander Mountain House. It was so cozy and very dog friendly. We will be back! -
- Frank (8/5): -
- MICHELLE (8/5): - Restaurant on site Parking and traffic noise
- Rex (10/5): Perfect location! - The location is perfect for a trip to Highlands. All of shops and restaurants on main street are an easy walk!
- Matt (10/5): - We enjoyed our stay at HMH. The tavern food was delicious, the room was comfortable, and the location was perfect for exploring Highlands. The HMH bikes were a fun way to see the town.
- Barry (10/5): - Great food in the bar and restaurant!!
- Ladson (8/5): - Eclectic in older structure rooms and very unique dining area, gardens . Parking is very limited- be prepared to climb steps …
- Jane (10/5): - Our bunkhouse room was rather small but efficient & nicely furnished.
- Lance (10/5): - We had a great one night stay for a wedding! Loved the place and the room and staff were excellent.
- William (10/5): - Friendly, hospitable staff. Also, two common areas with period decor and stone fireplace + fire created a warm, relaxed, inviting atmosphere that we'll want to return to.
- Theodore (10/5): - Enjoyed our stay. Room was a little small, but that was not an issue for us.
- Sandra (8/5): - The property is quaint. Very friendly staff and great little bar. Love the location!
- constance (5/5): -
- Alexander (10/5): THIS IS THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE - This is one of my most favorite stops anywhere in the country but if in Highlands, NC A MUST STAY!
- Cynthia (6/5): - Room was extremely small. Staff not great. No coffee in lobby as promised. Not a great value but ok
- Sarah (10/5): - Amazing!
- James (6/5): - Comfortable room but very worn and tired looking furniture, floor coverings and paint.
- Amiram (8/5): -
- richard (8/5): Highlands - Room was located in a great area, room was very small building was made of wood so a noise from everywhere including adjacent rooms with amplified. Staff was very helpful and room was very clean.
- Kimberly (6/5): - I would rather had been in the main hotel My room was in a separate building
- Margaret Ann (10/5): Highlands Weekend - It was a friendly environment,met, convenientbtimdisnrown Highland's, and quiet. Very walkable, close to many restaurants and would stay again.
- Greg (10/5): - Very good rustic experience.
- Elizabeth (10/5): Once settled in, it was wonderful! - Staying in a bunkhouse at Highlander was wonderful — free parking on the street just behind, clean room, cute welcome note and unique, welcome vibe overall. Checking in was a little troublesome with no one answering the phone and no parking/unloading details on their website, but once I got to my room, I was delighted. It was just very cute and right in the heart of the main drag in Highlands with so much walkable. The patio out front with free coffee and banana bread in the morning was absolute perfection. I didn’t eat a full meal on property, but it looked good, was quite packed, and the chef was smoking a pig for the 4th! I’d stay here again.
- Lori (10/5): - It's like staying in a piece of history with the convenience being downtown. You can walk & shop without getting in your car.
- Kendra (10/5): Definitely worth it! - The property was beautiful and we could walk to eat or shop! Nothing
- Judith (4/5): - The people up on top floor was very noicy and had bad night sleep had to leave to go to a different hotel eat money never gave me a night back
- Emma (6/5): A camping experience rather than a hotel stay - I stayed in the bunkhouse, so I can’t speak for the main Highlander House. The bunkhouse rooms are tiny. If you’re staying with another person like I was, it is going to be close quarters. I can tell this was once a sleepaway camp or something like this that has been turned into a part of the main Inn. There is no central AC, there is a window unit for the air. It is so loud and since it’s not quite climate controlled, it gets so humid. Our clothes, the sheets, pillows, towels, all felt wet. Our patio area would have been great, but there were rusty nails everywhere, and the table and chairs were so dirty I had to wipe them down. It looked like they weren’t ready for people to stay there. There are no amenities like a fridge or iron. The bed wasn’t too bad comfort wise. The bathroom is also tiny, very average. I guess for the price, I was expecting like a proper hotel experience. This is way closer to camping. Not a bad thing, just be prepared to have a buggy, humid, absolutely tiny room. The sconce light next to the bed was also broken and the light wouldn’t turn off the entire time, but hopefully this got fixed.
- Ann (8/5): - Wonderful stay in the bunkhouse. Just as described. Rustic and well appointed. This is a dog friendly property so know that you might hear barking.
- Sonya (8/5): Very good -
- Roberta (8/5): - Very much like a luxury cabin with air conditioning. The bed soft and took up most of the room.
- James (6/5): - Great location, but very poor internet/TV reception.
- John (9/5): Superb -
- Stanley (9/5): It was very satisfying. - No breakfast served. Location was excellent. I couldn’t get the window shades to work. I feel like the snack bar items offered in the room should have been complimentary considering the cost.
- Christopher (8/5): - Nice place overall if you want to be close to downtown
- Farrell (10/5): Exceptional -
- Sarah (10/5): - Beautiful inn!
- Thomas (9/5): Lovely - I liked the wood burning fireplace in the hotel lobby
- Thomas (8/5): - Quaint, comfortable, convenient to all of downtown Highlands
- Lewis (10/5): - Great place.
Located within walking distance from the downtown, my wife and I could enjoy both Restaurants and shopping. There was a great highing and trails to follow with in a few miles.
Definitely a return visit will be scheduled.
- Dallas (10/5): - Wonderful experience!
- Lauren (6/5): - We stayed in the bunkhouse. The room was extremely small. The queen bed basically took up the whole room. No bedside outlets or smart tv. The walls are so thin we could hear the people next to us all night. For the price, we didn’t think this stay was worth it.
- MELINDA (8/5): - Unfortunately this was our second stay at HMH in the past 12mos and each time we were greeted with a surprise. We want so much to LOVE this property but unfortunately feel it is quite overpriced considering the lack of attention to detail and disclosure.
Positives - Bed and linens were cozy, comfortable and clean. The fireplace was roaring and lobby warm.
Cons - This visit we were "surprised" by learning the restaurant was closed for 2 weeks. We prefer the convenience of an all in one property and typically at a boutique style hotel we plan to take in ALL amenities disclosed. I did go back to the website and drilled down on the restaurant tab to find a small print disclosure of this. Unfortunately this was not disclosed on the hotel main website tab when I attempted to book directly, nor expedia as an amenity that was not available. While the HMH is charming in style they lack in attention to detail and these types of disclosures.
Our room was in the bunkhouse and was rather chilly and drafty. The hair dryer was extremely dated and only blew cold air to which I shared with the front desk staff. The trash can had not been emptied and there was only one tiny trash receptacle available in the room. The front porch was quite scattered with firewood and exterior somewhat neglected.
We will try other lodging options next time in Highlands but still love the coziness of the Ruffed Grouse onsite restaurant and will return for dining only in the future.
- Jeffrey (10/5): - Stayed at this property numerous times over the years. They’ve made wonderful updates and it truly feels like a mountain lodge with an amazing bar and gorgeous seating area. The restaurant was closed so we didn’t get to try it. Would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a quiet escape to a truly charming inn.
- Brittany (10/5): - One of the best days that I’ve ever had! This charming mountain getaway feels like you’re walking through a Hallmark town. Would highly recommend this to anyone that is looking for a charming fall getaway.
- Barbara (8/5): Cozy in with happening restaurant and bar - Great inn with a nice bar and band on Thursday night from 6-9pm. Outdoor music is a bit loud and off-putting, but service was very good at front desk and cozy fireplace was nice in lobby.
- Ann (10/5): One night in Highlands - Great location, very clean and safe.
- Verified traveler (4/5): - Location was A+ as well as bedding. However, the bed filled most of the room therefore not leaving room for anything else. The size of the closet was 1.5 ft x 4.5 ft at best.
- Donald (10/5): - A few things inside unit needed fixed. Definitely need a larger trash can.
- Linda (6/5): Great location but tight quarters. - Bunk house room and bathroom extremely small. Mattress was extremely soft. Wall unit extremely noisy.
- Joe (10/5): - Location, it quiet and close to restaurants I liked the way things were in walking distance and was able to enjoy the culture and different shops and eateries. I would recommend it to everyone as a great weekend getaway.
- Richard (10/5): - We travel with our dogs and they made the stay easy and enjoyable for us and our pets. Will definitely stay again.
- Kristen (7/5): Over priced and disappointed. - Property was clean and centrally located to everything in town. I follow HMH on Instagram and was excited to spend the extra money in booking a place that had such unique and beautiful perspective in decorating, I was very disappointed that our room did not look like any pictures that they advertise. It felt like the room we had was thrown together with the last couple “leftover” pieces of other rooms. I should have saved the money and booked else where.
- CHARLES (10/5): - No thanks.
- Kelsey (10/5): - Beautiful property in such a great location! The rooms were on the smaller side but so beautiful & cozy, and honestly we wanted to spend most of our time on the first floor by the fire or outside enjoying a glass of wine!
- Jody (8/5): - Convenient to downtown, easy to walk to dining. Only thing the rooms need are bigger garbage can(s) and USB ports for charging. Staff was wonderful, Delores, Jane, Suzanne and Sherry the manager. All helpful and friendly. Oh Yea, need to get the propane tank filled for the outdoor fire pit.
- Bridget (6/5): HMH is good, bunk house not great! - Our stay was a lot of fun in highlands, NC. Overall the HMH is good, beautifully decorated and cozy. The negatives were that the hotel bar was closed every night we were there. Also the bunk house is very loud. You can hear other guests and noises outside very easily. Also they definitely lean into the vintage decor, however we had a dresser that was missing 3 knobs so you couldn’t utilize the drawers. There were also sconces on the wall that were loose and falling out of the wall.
- paul (4/5): - Rooms to small, limited closet space, small bathroom, difficult to set the room temp..overpriced on weekends
- Margaret (2/5): - They wouldn’t let me stay because they have no power/water
- Mary (10/5): We had a wonderful stay! - It was charming! The attached restaurant/bar was fantastic! The bed was a bit uncomfortable.
- Heather (8/5): - We stayed for 3 nights, would have given 5 stars but the restaurant and bar were closed for our entire stay, “staffing issues”. Kind of inconvenient, but there are options within walking distance.
- Mike (3/5): Poor - Great location Closed bar, restaurant and fireplace during our stay. Was not aware closed Monday and Tuesday until Sunday night when we wanted a glass of wine and sit by fireplace. The info provided at check in did not mention it.
WiFi was not good in room.
- David (10/5): - The bunkhouse was rustic but comfy. Perfect place for our puppy’s first hotel stay. Very quiet. Walked to all the restaurants and shops.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Relaxed rustic elegance - A wonderful stay. Loved the cozy, rustic charm, though it was a little too luxurious to really be called rustic. Also had a delicious dinner at the Ruffed Grouse, part of the hotel.
- Kent (4/5): - Location of the hotel was excellent and convenient. It was the tiniest hotel room I’ve been in since the UK. Bed was okay. AC was awful, loud, and constantly recycling until I set it to 62. One of the worst rooms ever. It should have been a $50 room except for its location.
- Thuc (10/5): Definitely would stay here again - Excellent location none
- Pete (10/5): - It has a great location and was very clean.
- Steven (4/5): Disappointed -
We would of appreciated a warm welcome from the smile-less front desk attendant. Our small room had a loud window air conditioner that kept coming on and turning off. It kept my wife from sleeping most of the night. Had trouble parking in the skimpy parking lot. We will not return.
- AMIR (6/5): - Good location. The property is nice but rooms are very small.
- Stephanie (9/5): It was a beautiful place! We came for the Mike Cooley solo show which was fantastic! - Front desk staff was super friendly! Owner was also very nice. My reservation was somehow overbooked so I had to take a smaller size room. This was my only complaint. I was unaware of this until checking in. I feel this issue should’ve been addressed sooner.
- Kevin (8/5): Very good - The staff are great and get you whatever you need. We had a minor leak from the upstairs bathroom but all was taken care of. My only down grade was the bed, way way to soft. Wish the resturant was open but everywhere seemed to be closed on Mondays thru Wednesday.
- Scott (6/5): - This is a tired old boutique hotel, jammed full of stuff, in a great location. Our room was very small and cramped. And the property needs a deep cleaning.
The staff was very friendly. We would spend the extra money stay somewhere else.
- Judith (8/5): - Great location.
- Robert A (6/5): Disappointed - Many aspects of the Inn were very quaint. However, in our room 2 on the first floor had several issues. Light bulbs were burned out and not replaced before our arrival. The blind on the door to the balcony was crooked and we were told by the receptionist she wasn't sure how to close the blind (pull it down). I was able to get it down then noticed the next morning it was off the hook. The balcony was so small that when you opened the door it hit the small bistro table and you had to turn sideways to get out. additionally, in the bathroom the hot water in the sink ran very slowly and never got beyond warm. The Inn advertised on Hotels.com that it had a restaurant and bar available. It did, but the restaurant closed after brunch on Sunday, which was our arrival day, but the bar was open until 6:30 that evening. Neither was reopened until Wednesday. Our departure was Tuesday, so we never were able to use either amenity. After our arrival we walked through the stores on Main Street ate dinner then walked more. All hotels had their outdoor lights and firepits lit. When we came back to HMH the receptionist didn't know why the outdoor lights weren't on, so we asked her to light the firepit. She attempted but couldn't turn on the propane tank, so my husband tried, and he was unable to turn the valve either as it had been over tightened. Most of the issues were corrected the next day, but that night the firepit was still not working and he found the lights just weren't plugged in.
- ROBERT (10/5): - Love the location. Bed was very comfortable. Loved sitting out front having wine.
- Frances (10/5): - Great place to stay!
- Donna (6/5): Insulting Hotel - For the price, it was Average. Came down for coffee & muffin at 9:00 am. Coffee was empty, no muffins as the invite. After lady finished her phone reservations, she got up & made more coffee. Would have paid for coffee, restaurant closed. Thought it took advantage of us for over $400 a night.
- Edna (8/5): - Loved location, but parking was limited. The flagstone paving was a little hard to navigate.
- Judith (8/5): - I like the vibe and the people are very nice. My room was super clean. I liked being in the bunk house bc it’s easy to move luggage with not many steps. I enjoyed my stay .
- Pearce W. (10/5): - Nice property and reasonable cost
- Dawn (8/5): - Great location in town. Walls were a bit thin in the bunkhouse, and we had a dog above our room, so could hear it walking around all evening.
- Elizabeth (10/5): Highlands stay - Staff was very helpful and cheery.
- Pamela (10/5): - Loved being in town
- Andrew (10/5): - Great low-key spot. Enjoyed the Blues and Brews night on Thursday, and the room was comfortable, and well appointed. Fireplace Coffee and Muffin on a rainy Friday was exactly what I needed.
- Margaret (10/5): Charming Retreat in the Heart of Blue Ridge - Highlander Mountain House in the Blue Ridge mountains is just divine! The design and decor are so charming, from the cozy rooms to the lovely common areas. I can't get enough of the warm ambiance throughout the property. And let's talk about the location – being near downtown Highlands is such a bonus, with easy access to trails and activities. But the real star of the show? The restaurant! It's hands down the best part, serving up delicious meals in a cozy setting. Whether I'm traveling with friends, family, or flying solo, Highlander Mountain House always feels like home. Can't wait for my next visit – it's truly a slice of heaven in the mountains!
- Heather (10/5): - Our room was just what we needed as a retreat from our couple of busy days in town. The outdoor space was great and the bar on site had very sweet staff.
- Emily (10/5): We had an incredible time. We will be back! - We loved the cozy vibe of the bar and restaurant and hanging out by the fire.
- Chad (6/5): Cold - Live music at brunch No heat in my room
- Peyton (6/5): - My husband and I stayed at this hotel and had a good time. The front building of the hotel is beautiful however the rooms in the bunkhouse are TINY. They definitely try to make the most out of the room but it’s very dated and a little run down since it is old. Has good character though. I am a very light sleeper and could hear everything going on in the rooms around us and the hallway but that is out of the hotels control. The staff was very friendly and the restaurant was great!! Overall, we would stay here again but probably only for one night - we felt like if we stayed any longer we might go crazy in such a tight space. Loved that it was walkable to everything!
- Mary (10/5): - This was a great place to stay in highlands!! Right on downtown; so we walked everywhere! Had a lovely lobby area with 2 fireplace sitting areas- we would end the day here, relaxing and chatting with fellow visitors.
- Julie (10/5): - Close to town. Hood customer service
- Sarah (10/5): Perfect for a weekend getaway - A warm and cozy place to stay in the best mountain town!! We enjoyed the restaurant and bar each day / night we stayed. The staff was outstanding and the bartender made delicious cocktails.
- Julie (10/5): - The check in staff upgraded my room since my room wasn’t available. I will be back
- Desiree Moreno (10/5): - For the area it is an appropriately nice stay:) you have to appreciate the historic structure and experience.
- Susan (1/5): Freezing in Highlands - The bar was nice We did not get a room inside the inn, we were placed in the bunkhouse. There was no insulation just a room heater, the bathroom was freezing, the temperature outside was 22F. there is no vending machine nor ice machine. The door had an inch opening at the bottom sill and the frigid air was blowing through all night. It was very small and no place to put our suit case. Unless you know your TV passwords, you cannot access anything on television. It was very uncomfortable with the cold air coming in through the leaking windows and the door. Apparently this is where they put guests with pets, so a dog was barking in the room next door at night.
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