We were excited to book a room at this lovely lodge perched on a beautiful mountaintop as a getaway on a mother/daughter road trip from Florida . We arrived past 8:30pm due to heavy traffic . A kind person called to see if we were still checking in for the evening and to offer directions. They let us know that they were closing and a key at front desk for us upon arrival . When we arrived we found our room which was tidy and with the rustic authenticity we sought. A fire was burning in the main lodge which was really beautiful . It looks like a set from the TV shoe “Heartland”. We could not locate any bottled water . Did not know until we read the rules that this is only offered for sake in gift shop . A kind guest showed us where cups were located to get something to drink and we also used cups in room for water from the tap. Bring your own bottled water. We were exhausted and decided to hit the hay early . When we pulled back the sheets they were really wrinkled and had hair and a very large door colored stain. As the office was closed , we put the top sheet over and slept with a blanket . We were very cold and I figured out how to turn on the walk Discs heater to warm up and we found one more blanket in the drawer . The settings of max and min kept me up every 2-3hiurs to regulate our room temp . Next morning the breakfast was served buffet style . It was fantastic . Went to the front desk to explain about sheets and was told housekeeping could do after 1pm and that was it . Debated about checking out but they offered to wash our clothes also that were soiled in car trip. Super nice . We left and went on a long trail ride with anazing views . This along with pictures of hayrides and live music are the lure to splurge for this ranch experience . Unfurunatejy we are informed that fire outs required an advance reservation and there were no activities at all for us during this off time . As we did pay 216.00 per night we did not consider that reflective off an off time . We enjoyed that the breakfast was included but the riding was an additional 130.09 and a paid activity . Ski slopes wre open but tubing closed . I think a lot of people stay here different times and maybe like it then when things are offered . Unfortunately , we will not go back to try . Disappointed .…
I love Cataloochee so much, in fact, my header is taken from there. I've been visiting since I was a kid and love the ranch and the horseback riding. The lodge is so beautiful and comfortable and the barn and the people that work there is such a wonderful experience. HOWEVER the woman at the front desk, the first person to whom you speak to, is HORRIBLE. She is such a miserable negative person that she has ruined the experience for my family. We are looking to go elsewhere from now on. I hope they make this change but since she has been there for years, I doubt it. It is unbelievable to me that she remains as the first person representative of this amazing place. So sad.
Cataloochie Ranch is an amazing place with gorgeous views of the mountains. Whether you stay in the lodge or cabins its a fun experience as the ambience is true down on the ranch living. The staff is friendly, attentive and they go above and beyond. The food is delish and there is plenty of it.Horse back riding at beginner levels was great with cooperative horses who knew how to handle us beginners. Entertainment in the evenings was very enjoyable. Highly recommend trying Cataloochie Ranch.
I had absolutely the worst time booking a horseback riding for my girlfriend and myself. I was attempting to setup horseback riding for October 5th (Saturday). The first time I called was more than a week in advance which I was told "you will have to call the week of the ride, as we don't book that far in advance". So I followed the advice and called on the morning of September 30th (the Monday before). At the time of that call, I was put on a "waiting list" because they didn't know the availability yet. After not hearing any update for a few days, I decided to give them a phone call on the afternoon of October 3rd (Thursday, or 48 hours prior to my anticipated ride) to see if an update could be provided. During that call, the lady I spoke with had no additional information she could provide to me. I then informed her we would be driving from Greenville SC (over 2 hrs away) and would need to schedule a babysitter prior to leaving. Therefore, any information that could be provided sooner rather than later would be greatly appreciated. The lady on the phone acknowledged this importance, stated she would pass along the information and have the person responsible for the horseback riding either give me a call that night or on Friday morning. It was Friday afternoon at 5:00 pm and I still did not receive any phone call, so I again called the ranch to inquire about availability. During this call, I was told there was no update and no update would be given until 9 am on Saturday (the day of the ride) as the hotel guests would be given the option of horseback riding during breakfast. I then mentioned the previous days conversation and how I was expecting to hear something last night or on Friday morning as I previously mentioned the urgency of receiving some clarification. The woman on the phone then had the audacity to say, "I guess you didn't get the call back you were expecting?" To which I replied, "you are correct". And then she stated, "I guess they didn't see the urgency in the situation. I would go ahead and consider the horseback riding unavailable seeing your situation". Thank you very much! This was a highly anticipated weekend between my girlfriend and I, as we wanted to ride horses and look at the leaves/views. If you didn't see the situation working then why not state such on Monday when I initially called? Why not state something on Thursday when I called about the status. No, you wait until it is too late to make other plans. I have worked in finance for over 10 years and needless to say this is the most ridiculous business model I have ever seen or heard about. Turning away paying customers in the ANTICIPATION of customers you do not even have yet. They do not even know if any of their hotel guests will be partaking in this horseback riding, but have no problem turning down other paying customers. It is actually quiet mind boggling. That is like going to a store that only has a single bottle of wine left. And when you try to purchase the wine be told "No, you can't buy that. We have to see if our gold card customers on Saturday will want to purchase it." At which point in time, if there are no gold card customers purchasing the product on Saturday, and you've already turned down my business, then your business just lost money. This makes no sense. Idea alert, how about if you offer the hotel guests this horseback riding at the time they book their room? I feel very confident your guests are not booking a room with less than 24 hour notice, as they are probably booking weeks or up to a month in advance. By doing this, your business would then be able to accurately gauge availability without turning customers away. I want to take a moment to thank everyone at your establishment for ruining my girlfriend and my romantic weekend in the mountains, I appreciate it. Needless to say, save yourself the hassle and just book with someone else, there are plenty of other companies within the area.…
Went up to Cataloochee ski area with My family. The small house lodging is absolutely stunning, went for snowboarding. Really nice place for friends and family, cozy spot in the cabins and amazing ski area for learning to snowboard or ski.
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