2300 Swag Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785-2407
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About
#6 of 20 B&Bs / Inns in Waynesville
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.5
Travelers' Choice
The Swag is an award-winning, romantic mountaintop hideaway now in its 38th season. On 250 acres at an elevation of 5,000 feet, The Swag borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Asheville, North Carolina. The all-inclusive Swag provides incomparable views, world class hiking, fine dining at every meal, and the ultimate in relaxation. Andrew Harper named The Swag the "Most Romantic Hideaway" in his 2018 Grand Awards. The Swag was also named the #2 "Top Resort in the South" in the Conde Nast 2017 Readers' Choice Awards.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Hot tub
Free breakfast
Hiking
Horseback riding
Massage
Concierge
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Special diet menus
Board games / puzzles
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Picnic area
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Private balcony
Safe
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Contact
2300 Swag Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785-2407
Getting there
Rental CarsSee all Waynesville rental cars
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This was our first trip to The Swag and we weren’t disappointed! We felt at home with everyone we met and the entire welcome and check in process was flawless. We were treated to a gourmet Sunday brunch with a wide assortment of delicious food. After brunch we went on a trial hike and witnessed views that were to beautiful to be explained! At dinner we had a 4 course gourmet dinner paired with fine wines that complimented each course. We woke up to beautiful sunrise and proceeded to have a home cooked breakfast with lots of options! We’ve already booked our stay for November 2023!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Dec 13, 2022
Rex, It was so great meeting you and Karen and we are all thrilled to hear you will be back to visit us in 2023! Take care until we see you back on the mountain again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Where do I start…everything about our experience was over the top and exceeded our expectations…which were already high with anticipation! First, the property at 5000’ is unparalleled and I have travelled the world to incredible places. Second, the staff was amazing! One of our servers was an ex-Disney cast member and her training exemplified the entire staff’s customer care. Her name: Stefanie in the dining room! Jill at the front desk was helpful with every question and request! Third, the food was amazing….at every meal! Don’t miss the cookies and cream ice cream dessert….very unique! Fourth….all levels of hiking available and you’re greeted at check in with your very own personalized walking stick! I could go on…..call now for a hard to get reservation for next year!!
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Nov 24, 2022
Thank you for staying with us and for your kind words! We think Stephanie and Jill are both awesome too! We look forward to welcoming you back in the future! Best, Will
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Well, we just completed our 3rd visit to The Swag this season, and like every visit before, it was perfection! Will and team are incredible hosts, and truly make each guest feel at home from the moment they greet you on the phone at the gate til they wave goodbye and send you off with water and snacks for the drive home. We’ve stayed in over half the rooms on the property, and each has its own charm and character, while all contain every comfort you can think of, now including extras like heated bathroom floors and towels! The experts in residence are amazing, and really enhance the hiking experience as well as teach you a few new things along the way. The Thursday music is one of my favorite programs, especially if you’re lucky enough to be there when Grammy-winner Marc Pruett and his wife, Anita, are playing live. And the food…what can I say except it’s consistently exceptional, and the culinary team, too, is prepared to tailor the dishes to your dietary needs and preferences (no fennel for me please). I could go on and on, but the truth is, you have to experience The Swag to truly appreciate it. That is, if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation!…
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Nov 8, 2022
Kathy, It is always such a pleasure to have you and Bob at The Swag. When we see you pulling up it is like welcoming our family back home. We hope y'all have a great rest of the year and we will see you back next season!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were the SWAG for a three night stay the first week in October 2022 perfect for the early Fall leaf color. Our fourth visit the SWAG. What a great trip! We hiked several trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park adjoining the SWAG Resort, enjoyed a continuous supply of gourmet food, relaxed in a beautiful peaceful quiet forest environment. Enjoyed the superb Sunday Brunch, fireplace in our room, the new outdoor sauna and on out last day the picnic. Staff were all excellent, could not have been more attentive. We have another reservation in the early Spring - Wildflower Season!
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Oct 18, 2022
clementm251, Thank you for being our guest! We look forward to seeing you back next Spring! Best, Will
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I made our 5th , and certainly not last , visit to the Swag Sept 6-9 and we had the great opportunity to bring our daughter Meredith along with us for her first visit there . Over the years when we've told her how fantastic staying at the Swag is she's always been puzzled about how a small resort sitting on top of a mountain in Waynesville , NC could be such a big deal . Now she gets it and is looking forward to the chance to make a return visit ! We've been fortunate to be able to do a lot of traveling to many resorts over the decades and how each measures up against the Swag is always our measuring stick . To date NONE have measured up to our time spent at the Swag . If you haven't been , do yourself a big favor and take a look . You'll never ever regret it .. see y'all again soon Will !…
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Date of stay: September 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Stayed in Gail's room twice , and this last time in Balsam . Go with Gail's for...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Oct 18, 2022
RamseyDE, It was great having you back and I enjoyed getting to meet Meredith. We appreciate your kind words and so glad you have decided to make The Swag your destination of choice! We look forward to seeing you back on the mountain soon! Best, Will
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife & I celebrated our anniversary at the Swag. Our 2nd stay at the Swag. Truly an amazing resort excellence in all ways from accommodations to Food & above all service & staff. If you can’t relax & unwind here….. you can’t
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Sep 27, 2022
Thank you so much for being our guest! We are happy to hear you were able to relax and enjoyed yourselves. We look forward to welcoming you back for your 3rd stay! Kindest regards, Will
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our third visit to The Swag delighted us at every turn. The staff was so kind and saw that we never wanted for anything. Our room and adjoining porch were lovely and provided even more amenities than we needed - how does one choose between a soaking tub, an outdoor shower, sauna and a steam shower?! Fire on the porch or in the comfortable living room?! These are the kind of tough decisions one wants to make on vacation! We enjoyed the beautiful new hot tub (with a view!) every day we were there. My massage was just as great as I remembered from last time - with the added bonus of a beautifully finished spa and relaxation room. Lunch at Gooseberry Knob was such a treat. Our group loved hiking together and savoring delicious meals on the porch. We can’t wait to return!
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Sep 27, 2022
Jordan, Thank you for your kind words! We are happy to hear how much you enjoyed your return visit to The Swag. The new spa space is one of our favorites too! We look forward to seeing you back on the mountain soon! Best, Will
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
“I never want to leave”… “It’s our first visit, but it won’t be our last”… I heard these sentiments expressed time and time again – along with those who shared the number of years they have been visiting The Swag, making friends, and sharing their experiences – which was so insightful! I loved hearing other people’s stories. This was our first visit – I had no idea, really, what to expect – I can tell you, what we experienced was over-the-top and beyond our wildest expectations. It all began at the Welcome Center with Hannah, who greeted us with a warm towel, cold drink and big smile at the Welcome Station. The Swag is a magical place with a sense of community, caring, loyalty and luxury. Where the staff truly like their jobs and don’t just “show up” for a paycheck. There is a sense of family among them that is enviable. Do you remember the excitement of summer camp as a kid? All the unknowns, and how you would experience new and different things that were so much fun. There was a great sense of camaraderie and adventure. The way I would describe The Swag to a newcomer, would be eerily similar to summer camp as a kid but on a much grander, sophisticated, elegant and luxurious level. Did I mention that this special place is at 5,000′ elevation? You are literally perched at the top of the mountain! It was exciting to receive the itinerary on our door each morning. So many wonderful choices of things to do (or do none at all, there is absolutely no pressure!) – They have what is called an Expert in Residence: each does their own thing, and wow, I cannot encourage you to participate enough. Our EIR was Steven Reinhold of Appalachian Adventure Company – he shared so much information and made it so interesting. He encouraged questions. Some groups were younger, some were older and he balanced and made it comfortable for everyone. We learned so much through his hikes, the sunrise hike to Gooseberry Knob was amazing. The Forest Bathing hike, I will never forget. (You don’t realize how often your shoulders reach your ears and how a walk in the woods, coupled with some deep breaths can really help!) – and our last hike to Hemp Hill Bald – his route, which took us to the Hog Hilton after a stop at the top, where the scenery was over the top gorgeous – a place for memories to be made (and where my husband proposed to me for another 30 years!) 💗 From morning breakfast (to die for, the best grits ever! and ooooh, the yogurt, berries and granola!) to a wonderful packed lunch, with everything included. They will pack it in a picnic basket, a backpack or a paper bag to go. 3PM brings warm cookies and tea (I don’t think we ever made it to this.) 6PM is time to snack on their (to die for) hors d’oeuvres. The dinner bell rings at 7PM (another summer camp nod). There is always a beef, a seafood, another and a vegetarian option on the menu. Each was outstanding. You will hear people say if you’re at the Swag and you’re hungry, you’re doing something wrong. No kidding! Meals and snacks are included in the room price. There are always two coolers available in the dog trot (common outdoor area) – one has bottled waters and sodas, both fancy and regular – They had some really wonderful choices right from Waynesville, NC – so interesting and delicious. Then the other, white, magical cooler held the house made ice cream. I kid you not. In all my years, I have NEVER run across ice cream this delicious. I’m not even a big ice cream eater – but this was over the top, out of this world – award winning! There was ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet all different flavors and interesting combinations. My eyes never went past the peanut butter ice cream. Kudos to the ice cream chef! In addition to all of this wonderfulness, we celebrated a few big events. My birthday was made extra special – there was a sweet note card on the table, and my husband ordered flowers delivered to the room (and a cake, a stunning, mocha-type cake that came after dinner and after dessert!!!) It was out of this world. We also celebrated our 30th anniversary. I did love how they had announcements before dinner each night (another nod to summer camp memories) – highlights of the day – upcoming events for the evening or for early the next day. People who were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It brought us all together. The Swag is not a large place. There are 17 rooms – perfection. So when you know it’s someone’s birthday, you truly wish them the best. We’ve listened to the history of The Swag several times (watch the video on their website!!) – the new owners carried on with what the previous owners have started. The’ve done an excellent job and their taste is IMPECCABLE. The design features throughout The Swag are overwhelming and when we left we were ready to redecorate! Even my husband was pulling up seat cushions to see what brand comfortable sofa he was sitting on. Elegant touches such as the drapery material were exquisite in every way (I am not a drape person, but now… we want drapes!) I won’t go on about the history of the Swag (but you will want to read it and listen to it), you can hear about that when you watch the (incredible) video. What went into making our room special (oh so special!) from the heated floors in the bathroom (to die for), the stunning steam shower, even the makeup mirror, blowdryer – I’m ready to switch everything out and upgrade, ha ha. Another nice touch (as I’m listening to it now) – in the room, there is an internet radio and ours was set to Escape Radio (I’m playing now via Spotifiy) – it takes you to another world. That too is on the list – luckily I can listen to it on my computer, so in a small way, I haven’t left the Swag yet. #musiciseverything Thank you to the Swag, to the incredible people we met, to all of you who work so tirelessly to make everyones visit extra special. To mention just a few: Hannah, you welcome visitors in the most perfect way – you made us feel special and excited about what was to come. Thank you Jim, who showed us around, you’re so kind and I really appreciate the heads up about the peanut butter ice cream! Thank you Connor for your excellence as a sommelier but also for teaching us (unbeknownst to you) how to play croquet (while sitting on our balcony, while you were teaching others). Becky and Jill, you’re both wonderful at the front desk – you are a delight! This is just to name a FEW. Thank you to the Swag for the special touches, the pottery, the walking stick – that really is amazing to walk with. Thank you for the mesmerizing chocolates at turndown, for the smiles, the kindness and for bringing our car to us packed with a lunch for the way home, a few waters and snack mix. You have literally thought of everything. See you soon!…
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Date of stay: August 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Sep 5, 2022
Barbara, Thank you so much for your kind words and being our guest. We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your time at The Swag and we all look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kindest regards, Will
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From start to finish we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Swag. All of the employees were kind and responsive; the food for all meals was marvelous; and the amenities were unparalleled. We felt like part of the family the entire time that we were staying at the hotel. If you want the best ROOM on the property, go with Gail's Room. It is enormous with a handful of amazing amenities. For those individuals who avoid this hotel because of its lack of television sets, they have amazing wireless. But honestly you won't need it because you will fill your day(s) with hikes, meals, games, conversations, and rest(s).
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Date of stay: August 2022
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Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Gail's Room has the most amenities (i.e. sauna, private balcony, outdoor shower AND bath,...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Aug 24, 2022
Thank you so much for your kind review! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time at The Swag. We agree that Gail's Room is a very special place to call your home away from home! Thank you for being our guest and we look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kindest regards, Will
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you want to experience heaven on earth at 5000 feet elevation, look no further. One of the best experiences ever! Highly recommend and will be headed back in 2023. This place will capture your mind, body, and soul. The staff are attentive to your every need, and no detail is missed. Only wish we had more time there but will next year!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: There is an incredible hot tub with spectacular views and a fitness center so pack accordingly.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Will Jones, General Manager at The Swag
Responded Aug 11, 2022
Patrice, Thank you so much for staying with us at The Swag and for your kind words. We are happy to hear you enjoyed the restorative qualities the GSMNP and 5,000 fee elevation provided during your visit. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future, and for a longer stay! Best, Will
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ALSO KNOWN AS
the swag hotel waynesville, country inn waynesville, waynesville country inn
LOCATION
United StatesNorth CarolinaNorth Carolina MountainsWaynesville
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Swag
Which popular attractions are close to The Swag?
Nearby attractions include Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum (4.3 miles), Cataloochee Valley (4.6 miles), and Maggie Valley Rock Shop (3.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Swag?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at The Swag?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Swag?
Conveniently located restaurants include Joey's Pancake House, Snappy's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, and Country Vittles.
Does The Swag have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is The Swag accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.