Fryemont Inn
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245 Fryemont Street, Bryson City, NC 28713-5669
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About
#5 of 12 B&Bs / Inns in Bryson City
Overlooking the quiet village of Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Fryemont Inn offers you secluded comfort and excellent dining, warm fireplaces and scenic vistas. The beautiful bark-covered building was built in 1923 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic Inn and Dining Room are open mid-April through November. The Fireplace Suites and Cabin are open all year.
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79Somewhat walkable
Grade: 79 out of 100
0Restaurantswithin 0 miles
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245 Fryemont Street, Bryson City, NC 28713-5669
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366Reviews6Q+A100Room tips
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I start by saying that we appreciated the entire staff at the inn who were always friendly, cheerful and helpful. Although it was very apparent that this vintage inn had no upgrades or improvements in a very long time, at least the rooms and common areas were very clean. Our accommodations were in stone cottage suite 4. It was a nice size; and had fluffy white towels, two comfortable beds, a wood-burning fireplace and a full kitchen. On entering we found the smoky smell from the fireplace so overwhelming and noxious that I immediately went to reception to ask for a room change. Instead they offered to put an ionizier air purifier in the suite but said we had to leave for the 45 minutes it would take to clear the air. Upon returning we found that the air quality was greatly improved and we did not ask to be moved. We often had unexpected company: We 'dispatched' a number of beetle-like bugs and removed a slithering juvenile RAT SNAKE (yes, you read that right!). There was a hot tub for exclusive use of suite 4 but we were afraid to even look under the cover. The plumbing can only be described as antiquated. None of the fixtures worked properly. None had aerators so water splashed all over the sink tops. The bathroom cold faucet groaned loudly when turned on. The shower handset dripped continuously and loudly; after reporting this to reception their fix was to place a towel mat on the floor and lay the leaky handset on top of it. Amenities were seriously lacking. There were two tiny bars of soap, one for hands; another, a combo shampoo/shower bar with an unpleasant fragrance. I actually purchased a bar of soap to use in the shower. I did not use their hair dryer so don't know if it worked. The kitchen appeared to be fully equipped and was clean; we used only the refrigerator. The whole inn is worn and tired looking, and had an unpleasant odor of old wood and smoke, which was most evident in the main lodge. Despite the issues in suite 4, we were happy not to have accommodations in the lodge. The inn is not ADA compliant and there is no accommodation for the physically challenged. Security is totally lacking: Anyone can walk onto the property and roam the floors unencumbered. To say that there is a view of the mountains from all the porches is disingenuous. The trees around the property are quite tall and dense. You might catch a glimpse of the mountains but only from a couple of small breaks through the trees. Finally, the food. Although plentiful (dinner entrees served with soup, salad, three sides and dessert) the entrees were mostly over- or under-cooked, and tough and chewy. I turned back two breakfast entrees (pancakes and French toast) as both were burned. The prime rib au jus barely hit a hot stove it was so raw; I turned that back twice. The rainbow trout with mushrooms in wine sauce was so tasteless as to be unrecognizable as trout. My husband found two different cuts of steak to be gristly and lacking seasoning, and grilled chicken breast dried out. On a positive note, the lamb shank and chicken tapenade were nicely prepared and very tasty. The waitstaff was ever accommodating and always offered to have food re-cooked or replaced as needed. Our AAA guide book gives the restaurant two out of five diamonds, which is just about right. There is no review for the inn itself in the AAA book.…
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Date of stay: September 2021
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Room Tip: Pass up suite 4.
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I would nominate the Fryemont as the unofficial Great Smokey Mtn. National Park Lodge, since there is none in the park and this hotel oozes history and character much like the great lodges of western parks. Rooms in the main inn have no A/C, but if you can handle it, are a great bargain as breakfast and dinner are included. We stayed in the Stone Cottage, which is in the back of the inn and completely different from the main inn rooms (and air conditioned). Check out the photos of this great room (room 4). While it could use an interior redo from the 80s vibe (I expected JR Ewing from Dallas to walk in at any moment), we also thought it was a great value for what we got. There's also a huge outdoor pool, cold but inviting. The porch on the stone cottage is shared, and the rockers are right outside your room 4's patio door; it would be a bit awkward if someone sat out there that wasn't you (no one used the porch but us during out stay). We loved the food: simple fare with a southern slant, all expertly prepared. You can have your trout prepared 5 ways, and the side dishes rotate each day and come out family style. Amazing pancakes for breakfast. You really need to stay here once before it is too late, as it's truly unique and special.…
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Date of stay: August 2021
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This was our 3rd visit to the Fryemont and we love it. Yes, it is old ( 1923), yes it needs some updating and landscaping cleanup, but it is a great place to stay. There is no central air conditioning and we slept with the windows open and the overhead fan , on the 1st week of August and were very comfortable. The food is very good. Great choices at dinner( make reservations though). Breakfast is very good as well. Both meals are included in the room price. Visit Sarge in the little bar next to the dining room. Great guy and a character. Staff is very pleasant and welcoming. Try to visit in the fall when the 8 foot fireplace in burning. Its' great. Also, no TVs in the rooms, but that's another great thing, sit on the front porch and rock. Wish the trees in front of the porch could be trimmed so you could get a better view of the mountains. Also, its an easy walk into town.…
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Date of stay: August 2021
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What a gem! We were passing through after a Nantahala river run and were treated to delicious dinner, perfect accommodation with mountain breeze, and hearty breakfast. It is a quiet, small-scale version of Old Faithful Inn. We loved it and will be back. Landscaping was our only fault: Tree work is needed facing the Smokies (for view) and there’s a lot of poison ivy around the parking area
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
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We have been to Bryson City many times and think it is a great vacation destination with tons of things to do. This was our first stay at the Fryemont and though I I was prepared to love the place based on the photos and reviews, it has a few shortcomings. The good: we stayed in a balcony room which was spacious and very comfortable. Our meals were fantastic and the service was excellent. Even if not staying here, we would definitely make a dinner reservation to return. The main lodge has the wonderful feeling of an old national park inn and the chestnut paneling, handmade doors and stonework are beautiful. The downside is that the property needs an infusion of capital to keep going forward. The Covid shut down must have hit this resort hard and I hope it will get the improvements needed. The Inn is truly a gem and it is worth ignoring small deficiencies while enjoying its ambience, authenticity and the kindness of the personnel. Oh, but please do hit the black mildew in the bathroom with bleach.…
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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LOCATION
United StatesNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina MountainsBryson City
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Fryemont Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Fryemont Inn?
Nearby attractions include Bryson City Outdoors (0.2 miles), Swain County Heritage Museum (0.2 miles), and Elizabeth Ellison Gallery (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Fryemont Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Fryemont Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Fryemont Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Bistro at the Everett Hotel, Fryemont Inn Dining Room, and Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Fryemont Inn?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Fryemont Inn located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.9 miles away from the center of Bryson City.
Are pets allowed at Fryemont Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Fryemont Inn?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Smith's Dry Goods (0.3 miles).
Does Fryemont Inn have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.