My mom & I were there for a conference, having visited the area a year before and liked it. The Terrace Hotel overlooks the lake (ask for one of those rooms!) and the rooms themselves are very simple and super-clean. Towels and sheets were of the thin and skimpy variety. However, the lobby is spacious, with fireplaces, internet access, long balconies overlooking the lake, and nice, cool water fountains. Lake is great for walking/running around--a decent 2.6 mile loop.Gardens are stunning. Service could not be friendlier. This is in a special category, as it is a spiritual center, with lovely chapel and community unto itself. But we saw plenty of folks who were just there pre- or post-camping. Waynesville is nearby, with wonderful shops for those appreciating antiques and fine crafts.

The Lambuth Inn boasts a beautiful setting and friendly service, but the the hotel needs major updating and breakfast options were slim. The prices were on the high side for what was offered. At least they have wi-fi.

We camped at Lake Junaluska's Camp Adventure over labor day weekend. We tent camped. The bathrooms were fine. There is a playground. Right across the street at the Lake Junaluska Retreat Center, they have another playground, free mini golf, paddle boat and canoe rentals, a pool that sit right on the lake, ducks, the lake with a trail to walk on all the way around it, a rose garden, tennis courts, and probably more....we didn't get to do it all in one weekend! The rates for camping was CHEAP!

We went back in October and stayed in one of the rustic camping cabins, and that rate was cheap as well. My husband's parents went on that trip and stayed at the Campground Lodge and it was very nice...like an apartment with a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Plenty of room for us and the kids to play indoors.

It's only 30 mins. from the Blue Ridge Parkway which has lots of beautiful views and overlooks. We went hiking on a couple of the trails on the parkway.

It's only a few minutes from Maggie Valley, which has some restaurants, and only a few minutes from Downtown Waynesville with has cute shops and restaurants.

If you're looking for a quiet, spectacularly beautiful place for a great family vacation, rent a cottage at Lake Junaluska. My family has been doing this for 20 years, and it is a value you simply can't compare. The cottages at Lake Junaluska are actually the retirement homes of Methodist Clergy. Since Methodist clergy live in parsonages, they don't have homes to live in when they retire, so they purchase homes at Lake Junaluska and rent them out during their working years, and then retire to them at the end of their career. These homes range from brand new state of the art homes to more rustic older homes, and the price ranges are incredible (approx $350 - $800 per week). That's a fraction of the price you'd pay for a week at the beach. Lake Junaluska has a large swimming pool, paddle boats, a nature conservatory, a HUGE contingent of ducks to feed, and it is situated between Maggie Valley and Waynesville (like 5 minutes to each), and about 40 miles from Asheville. If you prefer staying in a hotel, the Terrace Inn is just as nice as any Holiday Inn, and the price is right! Single rooms are $65 per night during the peak season. The Lambuth Inn is just as nice. Want to see the leaves? There is NO more gorgeous location in the world. This is the perfect GET AWAY for you or your family! Just look at this picture! Then go to lakejunaluska!