The lodge is perched on a peninsula within Lake Chatuge, a jewel in the TVA-created system of lakes on the Tennessee River and its tributaries. The view from the balcony of higher rooms (especially early in the morning) is spectacular. There is development on the lake, but they've done a good job of hiding it; other than a solitary boat here or there, it looks pristine. A great view alone, though, does not make a great hotel. However, this one has very nice, clean, updated rooms, a mostly friendly staff, and great common areas. The location, besides the fact that it is very near the lake, is nice, with Hiawassee and its restaurants very close. Don't miss Hamilton Gardens a stone's throw from the lodge (but you have to drive there). There is lots of great touring just over the border in North Carolina too. Only a couple things prevented five stars. First off, as others have mentioned, the price is a bit steep. Secondly, while the young woman at the front desk was nice, there was also a crotchety old man (a manager I guess) who acted like he didn't want to be there. I would not let those two things prevent you from staying here.

We stayed here before and that is why we chose it again. The view is worth the extra cost for a lake view room. Everyone is friendly and the first floor is especially nice. The breakfast selections leave a lot to be desired. In general the room and bathroom are clean but the bathroom floor could really use some updating. Grout needs cleaning and in some areas replacement where it has broken out. Could also use some caulk in cracks.that don't call for grout.

First off the staff is extremely nice. They let me check in early which was wonderful. It's in a great location with a big sign (hard to miss). The views of the mountains are wonderful. within walking Distance of the fair grounds and a good bbq restaurant. It appears to be know a renovation of some kind you can see some areas where they Painted and stopped, some dents from doors in the walls, and some grout problems. But it is still a very nice hotel and it nice that there trying to keep the interior up to date. They are serving a decent breakfast even with covid everything is individually wrapped but there still are hot sandwiches and such. The staff is so very accommodating.