Escape to Dillsboro: Riverfront Luxury Awaits at Best Western Plus!
Escape to Dillsboro: Riverfront Luxury Awaits at Best Western Plus!
Escape to Dillsboro: Riverfront Luxury… Maybe? My Very, Very Opinionated Review of the Best Western Plus!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived (and I mean, survived) a stay at the Best Western Plus in Dillsboro, North Carolina. "Riverfront Luxury Awaits," they crowed. Let's see how luxurious it really was, shall we? Fair warning: I’m going to be brutally honest, and if that offends you, well, maybe you should stick to travel brochures.
Metadata & SEO Stuff First, I Guess… (Ugh)
- Keywords: Dillsboro Hotel, Best Western Plus, Riverfront Hotel, North Carolina Hotels, Accessible Hotel, Swimming Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Spa, Restaurant, Pet-Friendly (…ish), Clean Hotel, Family-Friendly, Dillsboro Attractions.
- Meta Description: My warts-and-all review of the Best Western Plus in Dillsboro, NC! Dive into accessibility, cleanliness, dining options, and whether that "riverfront" actually exists. Find out if it's worth the hype (probably not). Honest opinions, plus the good, the bad, and the slightly-ugly.
Let’s Dive In! (Deep Breath)
First impressions? Fine. The exterior looked like your standard Best Western, which, let's be real, doesn't exactly scream "luxury." The lobby? Cleanish. The staff? Mostly friendly, though I swear one of them looked like they'd seen a ghost when I asked about the "spa." (More on that later). But hey, did it feel like an escape? Kinda, yeah. From my own messy life, at least.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Okay!)
Okay, this is important because I have a friend with mobility issues, so I always check this stuff out. The website promised "facilities for disabled guests," and that, generally, seems to be true. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, elevators and ramps were present (though, the ramps could have been a little smoother). Bathroom situation? Decent. Grab rails, mostly accessible showers. They get points for that. Elevator? Yes, thank god. Warning: getting to the pool (which is a big seller for this hotel) is not as super accessible. You could do it, but it would be a journey.
Cleanliness and Safety – Pre-Pandemic Standards, Maybe?
Okay, so pre-pandemic standards are very, very different to the standards of today! Yeah, they mentioned all the buzzwords: "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items." Blah, blah, blah. Did it FEEL clean? I mean, it wasn't dirty, but it also wasn't the sterile, gleaming dreamscape of a hospital room. Let's just say, I wasn't about to lick any surfaces, and I made liberal use of the hand sanitizer they did provide. Rooms sanitized between stays? I’m sure they said they were. I didn't see any "Sanitizing in Progress" signs or anything. They did offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which, honestly, felt a bit backwards.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Hunger Games of Hotel Food
Alright, let's get brutally honest about the food. If you're expecting gourmet, lower your expectations to basement level. Breakfast [buffet]? Yup. A vast expanse of… well, mostly carbs. Cereal that tasted like cardboard, rubbery eggs, and the ever-present, suspiciously pink breakfast sausage. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was drinkable, which is a win, right? They have an Asian Breakfast, although I didn't try it (I think my heart couldn't take any new experiences). Restaurants: Yes, but what is it? What are my choices? What did I get? No clue. Snack bar: Yes, but what is it? I didn't see it. I probably should have asked. I’m a fan of a bottle of water in my room, so I'm happy to see it here. Room service [24-hour]? Now, that’s a game changer. I considered calling for a late night pizza, but decided to go out and eat pizza instead (more on that later).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… or Just Survive
This is where things get a bit dicey, folks. The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Looked inviting, though the view was less “riverfront” and more “slightly-distant parking lot.” Pool with View: Nope. Fitness center? Yes, but the equipment looked like it hadn't been updated since the '90s. I’m not one for Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Spa, Spa/sauna, or Steamroom. That makes me a bit sad, but there you have it! Massage? Nope. I'm still wondering where the "spa" they advertised actually was. I half expected a massage chair in the lobby, next to the vending machine.
My Personal Experience… or, The Great Pizza Quest
I was expecting "riverfront," and, honestly, I just didn't see enough river! My room was, well, my room. It had a comfortable bed, but the soundproofing was about as effective as a wet paper towel. I could hear every conversation in the hallway, and I'm pretty sure I could hear the guy in the next room breathing. The window did open, but the view from it wouldn’t win any awards. I spent a lot of time relaxing and watching TV. I used the free Wi-Fi to look up all sorts of websites and get news. On the upside, the complimentary tea and coffee maker were a lifesaver, especially after the culinary disappointment of the breakfast buffet. The refrigerator in the room was a blessing, so I could keep the leftover pizza I ordered.
Speaking of pizza, here's where the real story begins. After a couple of hours, I decided to venture out for dinner. I wanted a hot pizza, and that's what I was going to get. The pizza was delicious. Hot. Cheesy. Just how I like it. Then, the staff at the pizza place told me a bunch of things about the area. Apparently, I could have asked the staff at the hotel for that info -- but I didn’t. I ate. I was happy. I came back to the hotel, and went to bed.
The Verdict – Worth the Hype? (Spoiler Alert: No)
Look, if you're looking for a budget-friendly place to crash while exploring Dillsboro and you are undemanding, the Best Western Plus might suffice. But, if you're searching for "Riverfront Luxury," keep searching. This place is… fine. It's cleanish. The staff is generally friendly. But luxurious? Nope. It's more like "Best Western Plus… but with a river somewhere nearby." I wouldn’t exactly recommend it, but I also wouldn’t tell you to run screaming. Just, lower your expectations, pack some snacks, and be prepared for a slightly underwhelming experience. And most importantly, get that pizza! 6/10 stars, and that's being generous.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my potential train wreck… I mean, trip… to the Best Western Plus River Escape Inn and Suites in Dillsboro, North Carolina. Consider this less a polished plan and more a chaotic, slightly neurotic pre-trip journal. Here we go…
A Dillsboro Disaster (Potentially – Fingers Crossed!) – A Travel Itinerary (Or Maybe Just a Rambling Thought Dump)
Day 1: The Arrival – Land of the Free, Home of the Slightly Panicked
- 1:00 PM (ish) – Flight of Fear (Airport Anxiety): Okay, first hurdle. Get luggage safely through bag drop and security. I swear, every single time, I'm convinced I've accidentally stashed something illegal in my carry-on… even though I haven't. Gotta remember to breathe. And maybe pop a Xanax. Just kidding… mostly. Also, I should have packed something less "I'm a sleep-deprived mess" and more "stylish traveler." Oh well, comfort over couture, right? Right? *starts to doubt myself*
- 3:00 PM (ish) – Car Rental Chaos: Picking up the rental car. Last time, I got upgraded to a convertible. This time? Praying for something that isn't a death trap. Also, praying I don't get talked into the insurance I don't actually need. Those rental agents are good. sighs
- 5:00 PM (ish) – The Drive (Scenic, Probably… Maybe): Okay, the GPS is set. Google Maps says it's a 3-hour drive. I'm adding an hour, because I'm notoriously bad at estimating travel times. Plus, nature calls, and I need to stop at the world's largest ball of yarn on the way. Actually, no. I think I'm going to skip that, because this is a serious trip. starts to second guess herself A little.
- 7:00 PM (ish) – Check-In & The Room Reveal: Arrive at the Best Western Plus River Escape Inn and Suites. Pray the room is clean. Pray the air conditioning works. Pray there aren't any creepy crawlies. Pray the bed isn't a sunken pit of despair. Pray, pray, pray! I'm probably going to take a million photos, because if I hate the room, I at least have the evidence.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner (Hangry Hazard): Need to find a restaurant, and soon. "Hangry" is not a good look for anyone. Searching for the reviews. I'm leaning toward the place with the local beer. The reviews can't be that bad, right? Probably…
Day 2: Dillsboro Delights (Hopefully… Maybe Not):
8:00 AM – Breakfast Buffet Bonanza: The included breakfast. Let's be real: Expectations are low. I'm envisioning a lukewarm, rubbery egg situation. But hey, free food! I might secretly hoard some of the little fruit cups for later. Don't judge.
9:00 AM – Dillsboro Exploration (The Big One): The supposed heart of the experience. I’m going to wander around Dillsboro. I love little towns. I'll probably take a million photos of everything, even the things I don't like. This is where things could get messy…
- 9:30 AM – The Shops: Hit the souvenir shops. I will not buy something I won't use. I'll start with the intention of being reasonable, then get completely swept away by a beautiful hand-crafted ceramic mug. I have a problem. I know. But those mugs… sigh. I really need to start thinking about the luggage weight early on.
- 10:30 AM – The Arts and Crafts Scene: Check out the art galleries. If I get a decent piece of art for the room, I'm sure it will be worth it. Again, I really should consider the luggage.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch: Quick meal at a local cafe. Something light. I have to pace myself, remember to take breaks, and not to stuff myself. I'll probably eat the whole plate.
- 1:00 PM – The Train (or the Idea of the Train): Look into the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. I'm on the fence. It is very touristy, and crowded, and expensive. On the other hand, trains are really cool, and the views are probably incredible, and it's technically the whole reason I decided this route! Should I, or shouldn't I? Honestly… I'm leaning towards 'should.' But the planning is really stressing me out!
4:00 PM – Relaxation (Emphasis on Attempted): Back at the hotel. Ideally, I'll relax. If all goes to plan, have a cup of tea and either read a book or journal about the day (probably while looking at memes on my phone). I'll need it after the big day.
7:00 PM – Dinner & River Views (Maybe): Find a restaurant. This time with better views in the river, if possible. Hopefully, I will be able to find something really good. If not, I will at least enjoy myself!
Day 3: Last Hurrah (and the Homeward Bound Haze)
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Again): Repeat Day 2's breakfast ritual. More fruit cups for the road, perhaps?
- 9:00 AM – Last-Minute Dillsboro Dip: Do some last minute shopping, and maybe take another look at the parts of town that I enjoyed, or regretted not seeing the first time.
- 11:00 AM – Check Out (with a Sigh): Check out of the hotel. Assess the damage (aka, the souvenir haul). Try to remember where I put all my chargers.
- 12:00 PM – Goodbye Lunch: Quick lunch before the drive. Maybe a burger to mentally prepare for the journey back home.
- 1:00 PM – The Long Road Home: The drive back to the airport. Try to stay awake. Contemplate existence. Wonder if I can make it home without making a pit stop.
- 4:00 PM – Flight of Dreams… or Dread: Airport again. Security again. Pray to God I don't miss my flight.
- 7:00 PM – Home (Sweet, Slightly Disheveled Home): Unpack, do laundry, and decide if the trip was actually worth it. (Spoiler alert: it probably was.)
Important Considerations (aka, My Potential Failures):
- Packing: I will inevitably overpack. And forget something vital. Probably my toothbrush. Or my phone charger.
- Navigation: I will get lost. Multiple times. Even with GPS.
- Impulse Buys: See above, "souvenir shops".
- Food: I will eat too much, and the wrong things.
- Pace: I will try to cram too much into each day. I need to remember to slow down and simply enjoy myself.
- Journaling: Will I actually stick with this silly journal? Probably not.
- Mood: I will have moments of pure joy and moments of utter exasperation.
- Overall: This whole thing is an experiment in chaos. I sincerely hope it's a fun chaos.
So there you have it. My Dillsboro "plan." Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'm going to need it. I'll try to check back in, if I can. If you don't hear from me… send help. And maybe a new toothbrush.
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Okay, spill. What's the DEAL with Dillsboro? Sounds... small.
Alright, picture this: you're scrolling through Best Westerns, right? And then you see "Dillsboro, NC." My first thought? "Is that even a real place? Like, does it even HAVE a stoplight?" And let me tell you, YES, it's real, and YES, they *do* have a stoplight! (That was a big deal, okay? My city-dweller brain was expecting a tumbleweed.) Dillsboro is tiny. Think, "charming Appalachian village" meets "slightly quirky art scene." It's not the flashing lights of Vegas, blessedly. It's more "cracking a cold one on the porch overlooking the Tuckasegee River," which, honestly, sometimes feels like *exactly* what you need. Don't expect nightclubs; do expect genuinely friendly people and a serious dose of "slow down and breathe" vibes. I'm, like, 90% sure I actually *lowered* my blood pressure just by driving into town.
"Riverfront Luxury Awaits"... Is that a *lie*? Because Best Western, you know... can be a crapshoot.
Okay, okay, I hear you. "Best Western" isn't exactly synonymous with "luxury." But hear me out! This one? This one’s actually pretty darn good. I was expecting, you know, the usual – thin walls, scratchy towels, questionable coffee. Nope. The room was surprisingly spacious, the view from the balcony? Stunning. I'm talking, you practically *fall into* the Tuckasegee River. Seriously, the sound of the water at night? Pure bliss. Did I mention the balcony? I spent an unhealthy amount of time there, just… existing. It’s not *palatial* luxury, you know? No gold-plated faucets. But it *is* comfortable, clean, and the river view? That's the real luxury. You’re paying for the *feeling*, the escape. And in that regard, it delivers big time.
Let’s talk FOOD. Any decent eats in Dillsboro, or am I stuck with gas station hot dogs?
Alright, food is *important*. And thankfully, Dillsboro dodges the gas station bullet. There's a surprisingly good selection for such a small town. I did a *deep dive* into the local cuisine, you know, for research purposes. First stop, the soda shop. I'm a sucker for a good burger, and let me tell you, the one there? Legendary. Then there’s a more upscale restaurant right on the river. Perfect for a romantic evening (or, in my case, a very self-indulgent solo meal, which was equally enjoyable). And the BBQ? Smoked to perfection, fall-off-the-bone delicious. And don't even get me STARTED on the ice cream shop. I may or may not have gone back every day. Okay, I *definitely* went back every day. It's a serious contender for the best ice cream I’ve ever had. So, in short: you won't starve. You might even gain a few pounds. Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
What's there to *DO* besides eat and look at the river? I get restless.
Okay, yeah, I get the restlessness. Dillsboro's not exactly a thrill-a-minute kind of place. But that’s the point, right? It’s about slowing down. But! There’s still stuff to do, especially if you're into outdoorsy things. Hiking is HUGE. Tons of trails nearby. You can go white water rafting on the Tuckasegee. (I chickened out on that, but the people who did looked like they were having a blast!) There's also a small art scene, with some cool galleries and shops. I got lost in one browsing for an hour, found some cool wooden carvings. It's a great place to find a unique souvenir (way better than a "I Heart NY" t-shirt, trust me). Plus, just *being* near the river is an activity in itself. Grab a book, a cold drink, and just... be. It was *magical* at dusk every day. You won't be bored, just perhaps, like me, you'll find yourself adopting the local pace. Which is… slow... but so good.
Okay, okay, the river view is tempting. But the *hotel* itself… any issues? Like, are the beds comfortable? The horror stories are real!
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The beds? Surprisingly comfy. I’m a chronic insomniac, by the way, and I actually slept *well*. That's a huge win in my book. The pillows were fluffy, not those flat, sad things you often get. The A/C worked, which is critical, especially in summer. The bathroom was clean, and had a decent shower (no weak water pressure, hallelujah!). The only *minor* gripe? The free breakfast. It was...adequate. Think your standard hotel breakfast buffet: pre-made waffles, some sad-looking scrambled eggs, processed sausage. But you know what? I didn't care. I was there for the *river*, the peace, the escape. And the coffee was decent, which is all that *really* matters in the end, right? Also, the staff were super friendly and helpful. That makes a huge difference.
I'm a city person. Will I suffocate from the quiet?
Look, I *get* that. I’m a born-and-bred city dweller. I thrive on the chaos. The noise. The constant hum of activity. The first evening I arrived, I walked around the hotel and felt a wave of…unsettledness. It was just…quiet. Almost eerily so. But then, you know, I sat on my balcony. The river was murmuring, the crickets were chirping… and I started to *relax*. To actually feel my shoulders drop. The quiet wasn't suffocating, it was… liberating. Yes, you might initially feel like you've landed on another planet, but give it a day, maybe two. Your city-slicker soul will almost certainly start to adjust. It's a reset button for your brain, and honestly, we all need that sometimes. I went out of my way to sit on the balcony to actually think about where I was. Incredible.
Is it kid-friendly? My offspring are… energetic.
Hmm, that's a tougher one. Dillsboro *is* kid-friendly in the sense that people are generally welcoming and there’s space to roam and breathe. There’s a great park nearby for the kids to run and play too. It has a playground and a walking trail. However, the hotel itself isn't a resort, youEscape to Fuzhou's Charm: Green Tree Inn Express Awaits!
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