Biltmore
4.5
About
George Vanderbilt's historic country estate in Asheville, NC; Biltmore includes Biltmore House--America's largest home--plus gardens, winery, Antler Hill Village, historic farm, 4-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, shops, restaurants, branded products, and outdoor adventures. This National Historic Landmark is an amazing destination offering a wide range of activities for all ages. To access Biltmore Estate, guests must have an admission ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.
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115 within 3 miles
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170 within 6 miles
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- Tommy599Two Rivers, Wisconsin822 contributionsA truly grand experienceWe had previously purchased our scheduled entrance time tickets . Note the price (which provides you with an audio guide you carry along & activate as you enter various areas) cost $116 PP. Note there are other tour formats with a private guide you can pre purchase.. You can go to a parking lot with free bus shuttle a long way from the house or self-park a little closer and walk in yourself, but make sure you remember what lot number (there are 6). Fitbit step counter for today well over 10,000. Note if you do not have a reservation time, you must get into line to “see” if they can find a time space to sell you! The entire mansion was decked out for Christmas. For the purpose of this observation my goal was at compare this tour against a few major grand homes locations we a comparison to Hearst Castle in California, Hampton Court just outside London and Versailles in France. Found it very interesting way down in the basement seeing the steel reinforcement of the floors above. The Biltmore which is more practically put together, of how real people of wealth lived. The home had two master bedrooms and 45 guest bedrooms We observed much more detail / locations that were not observed in other grand home locations. If you have seen the Netflix BBC series of Downton Abbey, you might recall we were exposed to a lot of the inner workings of a British mansion; with the Biltmore we observed all those inner working detail, that was totally missing from other great homes we have visited!Written January 2, 2023
- Allison RBluffton, South Carolina18 contributionsMust See AshevilleThe Biltmore Estate is definitely the reason why my husband and I visited Asheville. Even though we stayed off property, we could have easily spent the weekend at one of the on-site hotels and been entertained by all the venues and amenities available. There are plenty of restaurants and shops to experience. We visited the Estate on a Friday. We arrived around 10:15 AM for entrance into the Biltmore mansion at 11:30 AM. We are glad we arrived early as there is plenty to see. Shout out to the fantastic and friendly staff! We visited the South Terrance and enjoyed dramatic views of the landscape and Biltmore property. We also visited the Stable Courtyard and visited shops before waiting to enter the house. There was a short line to enter the house, but being a weekday, it was not that long and we probably entered the house around 11:45 AM. The house is beautifully curated and the audio tour is very informational. I noticed some visitors exited after walking on the main floor and upstairs to see the bedrooms. I would highly recommend walking through the rest of the house as you paid for the tour and the downstairs of the home is just as fascinating. When we finished the house tour (~1.5 hours later), we went to the Stable Café and had to wait about five minutes before being seated. We had an excellent lunch before walking to the gardens. Please plan at least an hour for the gardens as there is so much to see! Between the house and the gardens, you can spend the entire day at the actually Biltmore house and gardens. Our ticket also included a complimentary wine tasting. Definitely make reservations for this as early as you can as they fill up fast. We were able to get in at 3:30 PM and I made the reservation around 10 AM.Written September 11, 2022
- susanwinetastingPutnam, Connecticut694 contributionsNot Just a Mansion; It's an Immense Estate with Something for EveryoneIf you have been considering touring Biltmore you already know it's the largest privately owned home in the US. The size is impressive, not just of the house, grounds and gardens, but the entire property. There is a conservatory, a winery, a village, hotels, horse back riding and more. You should set aside a day for your tour, which includes a tasting at the winery. Tickets are booked on-line and there are several types of tours to select from. Be aware that you need to drive to a parking lot, then take a shuttle or walk to the mansion. Tour entry is timed and you will likely wait in line to enter. The prices for tours are expensive and not everyone drinks or cares that a wine tasting is included. If you are mobility challenged there is a parking lot for just those with handicap parking permits. There is a wheelchair accessible shuttle to bring you to the mansion, and from the mansion to the gardens, which are a good walk for the able-bodied downhill (and uphill on the way back. A discount is offered to those who cannot climb stairs, which involves a phone call. I did not pursue this and wished I had as I was only able to see half the mansion and some of the gardens. There are four floors exhibited, but the elevator goes from the first floor to the second. I still cannot believe there is only one elevator in a building with 250 rooms. Those unable to navigate stairs are offered a movie of the third floor and basement. It's just not the same, so make the call. The gardens are lovely and I loved the orchid room. I am now absolutely in love with orchids. Since so many people tour this property, it is difficult to take photos that do not include others. I suggest booking a later tour as the crowds tend to thin mid-afternoon. You can arrive early and tour the grounds before the house tour. There are a number of places to have a simple snack or a complete meal. I have reviewed the winery separately.Written December 31, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Tommyboye2020
Lynchburg, United States10 contributions
Jan 2023
We got lucky with decorations as Halmark is producing a movie, so Christmas decorations were still up. Enjoyed the tour of the house especially the library and the main dining are with the massive fireplaces. I would recommend lunch right near the main house called Stables. Excellent meal and service.
Written January 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Staci J
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • Friends
Beautiful estate. Extremely overpriced, and you don't even get to see all of the property inside, they block areas off through the year. My friend asked what I thought of the indoor pool, never knew it was even there because it wasn't allowed to be seen when I went a few months after her. For that price, you should be able to see the entire house. For the money, it's just not worth it. We had finished our walk through and listen to all audio in just under an hour. Racket! The wine tasting... nice to offer, none of the 5 wines I tasted were good.
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert S
4 contributions
Apr 2022
Overrated and concerned only about money and not customer service. I was a Biltmore Passholder having paid thousands of dollars just to get a membership and perks at the property. In spite of two years of restricted access due to COVID, cancellation of events, and a lack of service I continued to be a member and booked a 25th anniversary stay at the property. Unfortunately my mother had a stroke and we had to cancel the trip. Biltmore gave me an option of leaving my deposit on the account and coming back at another date and time. No restrictions were mentioned and I opted to let Biltmore keep my deposit and rebook.
My mother's condition has prevented me from rebooking, so I contacted Biltmore and was informed that I could not get a refund as it had been more than 6 months since the cancellation. I was never informed of this, never made aware and have now lost $1244. This is not the first poor experience I have had with Biltmore. It is funny that they never mentioned any restriction when I cancelled. Had I been so informed I would have simply taken my refund and moved on.
I have grown up in Western Carolina and cannot count the number of times I have been to the Biltmore, taken family and friends to the Biltmore, and been a member of their wine club as well as a host of other clubs. I hope they enjoy my money because it will be the last that Biltmore will ever see from me, my clients, or my family.
I wonder if the Vanderbilt family would have been treated this way. Don't waste your time or money going to this place. You get a much better experience and treatment by viewing photos on line and you don't have to deal with uncaring employees and management.
My mother's condition has prevented me from rebooking, so I contacted Biltmore and was informed that I could not get a refund as it had been more than 6 months since the cancellation. I was never informed of this, never made aware and have now lost $1244. This is not the first poor experience I have had with Biltmore. It is funny that they never mentioned any restriction when I cancelled. Had I been so informed I would have simply taken my refund and moved on.
I have grown up in Western Carolina and cannot count the number of times I have been to the Biltmore, taken family and friends to the Biltmore, and been a member of their wine club as well as a host of other clubs. I hope they enjoy my money because it will be the last that Biltmore will ever see from me, my clients, or my family.
I wonder if the Vanderbilt family would have been treated this way. Don't waste your time or money going to this place. You get a much better experience and treatment by viewing photos on line and you don't have to deal with uncaring employees and management.
Written January 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NorthStar666421
6 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
Beautiful home and complex! We did the candlelight tour, and the Christmas decor was amazing! Well organized and everything ran smoothly.
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicola C
10 contributions
Nov 2022
We loved this place, whent for a whole day with my family and after doing this whole tour we ended up upgradind to their annual pass because we will have to return in order to see more of it, 1 day is not enough to see it all, we enjoyed every moment in it.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Abden Ivan Gonzalez
Miami, FL3 contributions
Dec 2022
A historical house set in Asheville is great to see but not a must. The property sits in enormous grounds. Driving to the house is a breath taken view even though we did this trip at the end of December 2022 and it was extremely cold. The tour of the house has a cost of $150 per person, personally I found it over priced for the controlled tour by groups. Not really worth the cost.
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveling_Scouter
Cincinnati, OH308 contributions
Dec 2022
A great experience to see how the upper class lived at the turn of the century. Lots to walk around and see from inside to outside in the gardens
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
joan n
Calhoun, LA25 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
If you are ever in Ashville , the Builtmore is a must to see. You can use a whole day to see the grounds, house and village. We ate at the Stable Cafe, which was good and the tour of the house was awesome. It was nice to see in December with all the lights and Christmas trees in the home but I would love to go back in the spring/ summer to view the grounds with all the flowers in bloom.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian D
Asheville, NC1,850 contributions
Jan 2023
A visit to the Biltmore is an essential part of any visit to Asheville. The grounds are beautiful and picturesque as is the interior of the house. The tour of the house is expensive and probably not needed for everyone. If you really enjoy architecture and history it might be worth it otherwise it is probably not worth the money.
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Allie
Lexington, NC41 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Too many people are let into the house at a time so people are trying to listen to the self-guided audio while also taking pictures because you can only enter the house once despite the “appointment times.” It's expensive like Disney with less attractions that open late and close early. I don’t think I’ll be visiting again any time soon.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can I just drive onto the Biltmore property in my car with an Annual Biltmore Pass to look around the grounds & gardens realizing separate tickets for each car occupant would be needed to go into the actual home, etc.?
James_A41
Alexandria, VA32 contributions
I think you can do that. When my wife and I entered the Biltmore grounds, they did not carefully check the tickets. That happened later, when we were in line waiting to enter the mansion.
Why don't you just call the Biltmore estate and ask them ? That would be the safest thing to do.
Can I drive to Antler Hill village
SaltLife70
Florida495 contributions
Kinda late. But Yes. Parking is Free. Enjoy!
GoPlaces41987651719
Weaverville, NC
Do you have to be pretty fit to take the bike tours. Can a typical 65 year old handle it?
That is a great question. We have more than 20 miles of biking trails for you to explore! You can choose from our well-marked, single-track woodland dirt trails for a challenging ride, or our flat, paved trail along the French Broad River for a more leisurely ride. With our variety of options, you should be able to find one that would work for your skill set. I recommend going by the Bike Barn and talking with someone to see what they suggest. Thank you!
Companion243719
Sebring, FL
We have reservations in the evening of December 22 for Christmas at Biltmore. Is it correct that we can use our tickets the following day (Dec. 23rd) to tour the gardens since we do not plan to tour the gardens on the 22nd. Will we still need a reservation time to tour the gardens on the 23rd, and if so, how do I do that if I already have my tickets for the Christmas house tour? Thank you so much!!
Gene H
Seymour, TN378 contributions
Companion, you are attempting to accomplish a lot so close to Christmas. You will be in awe at all the Christmas decorations throughout the house, period! I think there are about 2,000 pointsettias inside. Hopefully that gives you a glimpse of the scale of decorations. In mid to late December, there is not a lot to see in the gardens. Most of the plant will have been cut back and the beds prepared for Winter. The greenhouse is the exception. I think a phone call to the admissions office would be the best way to get your answer, directly. I have a season pass, so my best suggestion, again, call the office.
Enjoy, Gene
Hattie748
Newport, OR240 contributions
Can you park rented bikes at the different locations on the Biltmore Estate- Antler Village to shop, near the Biltmore House to tour.......? We are thinking of renting bikes in the AM and using them all day to tour the property and get place to place.
davidwladue
Clayton, NC370 contributions
That is a great idea. Don’t remember seeing bikes nor a bike path. That said, a wonderful idea nonetheless.
Are pets allowed or is there a place to board them?
Hello, that is a great question. Our grounds are perfect for walking your pets, but they must be kept securely leashed at all times. Animals (except service animals) are not allowed in any buildings or lodging accommodations. They are allowed on the outdoor patios of Bistro and Cedric’s Tavern, but patio seating should be requested from the host or hostess inside first. Thank you!
MelodyH1971
Opelika, AL49 contributions
So we have to stay on Biltmore estate to participate in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals in the estate?
Anne in wonderland
Fredericksburg, VA10 contributions
There are restaurants on the Biltmore estate plus a winery. Just Google a map of the estate to see where the eateries are located.
Biltmore (Asheville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Biltmore
- We recommend booking Biltmore tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Biltmore tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Biltmore:
- (1.80 mi) Biltmore Village Inn Bed & Breakfast
- (1.58 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village
- (2.06 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Biltmore Village
- (2.38 mi) North Lodge on Oakland Bed and Breakfast
- (2.52 mi) Sweet Biscuit Inn Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near Biltmore:
- (0.03 mi) Biltmore Estate Ice Cream Parlor
- (0.05 mi) Stable Cafe
- (1.29 mi) Karen Donatelli Bakery and Cafe
- (0.78 mi) Deerpark Restaurant
- (1.45 mi) The Dining Room
- Attractions near Biltmore:
- (1.90 mi) New Morning Gallery
- (1.98 mi) Tukit Tour Company
- (3.18 mi) The Flying Bike
- (1.20 mi) The Salt Spa of Asheville & Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary
- (2.87 mi) Sky Tubing