We stayed at the High Hampton Inn to hike Chimney Top, a trail that's on their property. We wanted to do it for years and didn't want to trespass to get up there. Add some fall color into the mix, and we thought this might be the perfect time.

Before I get to the lows, I will describe the highs. The lodge is a rustic gem. Fires were always alight, and the people couldn't be more helpful. Mealtimes were probably my favorite part of our stay. Tables are assigned for the stay, and it was fun to try to get to know our neighbors. The outdoor spaces on the property are also immaculate. We enjoyed strolling around any time of day. Breathtaking views abounded from pretty much any vantage point. Having many of the trails to ourselves lent the illusion of being exclusive guests on a private estate.

Until we found our room. When we made the reservation, we requested a two-bedroom suite. What we found was a two-bed room on the second floor underneath a wedding party, and boy, did they like to party. We complained to the front desk, and they gave us the adjoining room for 1/3 the price. Fine, you say? Not so much. The rooms are rustic, and I know that's part of the 'High Hampton Way.' I was fine with the electric heater in the wall, and the ancient closet, and the circa 1980 institutional carpeting and the straight-from-the-woods furniture. What I wasn't prepared for in a room that cost $300 per night was the bathroom. Moldy linoleum on the floor. A toilet that had been in there so long the handle had moisture crystals growing on it. A shower fixture that made a loud whistling noise every time one turned it on - IF one could garner up the courage to climb into the horrid hole with moldy curtain and rusty bar. No shelf was provided in the bathroom for anything, meaning we had to use the back of the toilet and worry that we would drop things in it. Plus, no GFCI outlets in the bathroom meant risk of electrocution upon plugging anything in. No excuses can be made for bathrooms to be left in this state and not upgraded. The toiletries were also abominable for a hotel of this stature. I've had better soap at Motel 6.

If you go to High Hampton, plan to be outside - rocking in the provided chairs. Even sitting on the dock at the lake, hiking the many trails, reading in the lodge in front of the fire. DO NOT plan to stay in your room. And, use the public bathrooms whenever you can.

The High Hampton is like a mansion belonging to a once-rich family that has lost its money and can no longer keep the place up. There is still a lot to like. The setting in the North Carolina mountains is tranquil and lovely.The grounds are green and speckled with dahlias. There's a small lake and a 1956 George Cobb golf course. The main building is a rough-shingled wooden structure with lots of fireplaces and cosy alcoves for reading. The staff members are attentive. It's a place that still requires jackets and ties in the dining hall.
My wife and I visited for a family wedding. We didn't mind that the rooms had no TV and no phones and that the only Wi-Fi service was in the main building. We did mind the fact that our cabin was so old that it seemed to be listing on the side of a steep hill. The doors were out of plumb. The furnishings were very tired; the dresser drawer kept jamming. The towels were threadbare--I get better when I go to the gym. The walls were so thin we could hear people conversing in the other rooms in our cabin. The golf course was both shaggy and soggy. It seemed that the fairways hadn't been cut in a week.
My impression was that High Hampton badly needs an investor with deep pockets to finance a renovation. It should stay rustic, but it needs to be elegant rusticity.

I planned a surprise getaway for my husband's 75th birthday, and it was a success in every way. Instead of the full meal plan, I had asked for breakfast only, and the reservations hostess couldn't have been more accommodating. Because the website tends to be general, she was able to offer room/cottage descriptions that helped us make an excellent choice.

Our cottage was immaculate, comfortable,and well-located.
Breakfast buffet was varied, well-prepared and well-staffed so that everything was always hot/cold /fresh--delicious! The service was also excellent.
The Inn's high standard of maintenance only enhances the natural beauty that is part of the Cashiers area. Many activities are offered that will appeal to people of all ages.

We enjoyed ourselves so much we will be returning in September--to celebrate my birthday at High Hampton too.

I wanted to love this place. The setting is spectacular and the rustic environment really encourages you to "get away from it all". We were disappointed with two things: all the food is served buffet-style (they refer to it as "family style" which is different from buffet where I come from). So we didn't love the food. Second, we were *extremely* disappointed with the children's program. My kids were there for an evening and they spent the whole time sitting in metal folding chairs watching a tv screen not much larger than a smartphone. The were fed chicken wings for dinner and water from the bathroom sink. I had been told that they would be making Disney-themed costumes and having chicken tenders for dinner, but the staff did nothing creative or fun with my kids while they were there. We did go on some great hikes, though, and enjoyed the lake. So overall, a mixes bag.