Outpost Inn

Outpost Inn: A Charming Michelin Key Selected Retreat in the Highlands

The Outpost Inn in Highlands, North Carolina, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its unique blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, offering guests a memorable mountain getaway. It's often described as an inviting space that feels like a blend of a summer camp, a roadside motel, and an artist's retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Outpost Inn enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with many guests rating it as "Wonderful" or "Exceptional." On platforms like Airbnb, it boasts a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating, indicating strong guest satisfaction. Reviewers frequently highlight the "great vibe," "cozy and clean" environment, and the overall welcoming atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of the Outpost Inn:

• Design & Atmosphere: The inn's "campy vibes" with mid-century nostalgia, hand-sewn quilts, record players, and wood-paneled lobby create a "playful, free-spirited energy." It's described as an "eclectic style" that is both comfortable and unique.
• Amenities: The property offers thoughtful amenities such as four outdoor firepits (with s'mores kits available), bicycles for exploring the town, and a vibrant lobby that transforms from a coffeehouse by day to a natural wine and craft beer bar by night. Pet-friendly accommodations are also a significant draw for many.
• Location: Its excellent location, just a short walk (about a quarter-mile or two minutes) from downtown Highlands, allows easy access to trails, restaurants, and shopping.
• Service: The staff is frequently commended for being "very nice and genuine," "friendly and accommodating," and "helpful."

3. Room Quality

The 14 rooms at Outpost Inn are designed with "rustic styling and luxury creature comforts." Guests describe them as "cozy spaces" that are "immaculate and beautiful." Specific room features that receive praise include:

• Comfort: Rooms are outfitted with world-class bedding, including Casper mattresses and Italian linens, ensuring a comfortable stay. Many mention the beds as "super comfy."
• Design & Amenities: Each room has its own unique character, some offering fireplaces and most featuring vintage typewriters and record players. Luxury bathroom amenities, including robes and luxe toiletries (Bathing Culture and Aesop products), walk-in showers, and often heated bathroom floors, are highlighted. Modern amenities like flatscreen TVs, minibars with organic snacks, minifridges, and Bluetooth radios are also standard. Some rooms, like the Bunkhouse, are 185 sq ft with two full-size beds, while others are larger, such as the Standard King at 475 sq ft with a patio.

4. Dining Experience

While Outpost Inn doesn't have a full-service restaurant on-site, it offers a distinct and appreciated dining experience:

• Coffeehouse & Wine Bar: The lobby functions as a full coffeehouse in the mornings (8 am-1 pm daily), serving espresso drinks and drip coffee. In the evenings (Thursday-Sunday, 5 pm till close), it transforms into a natural wine and craft beer bar, offering small, family-produced wine pours and light bites like an Appalachian charcuterie board. Guests enjoy complimentary coffee and banana bread in the morning.
• Sister Property Connection: For full meals, guests can visit The Ruffed Grouse Tavern at Highlander Mountain House, a related property, which offers a full-service restaurant and bar.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Outpost Inn consistently receives "Exceptional" ratings for their hospitality. Guests describe them as "very friendly and accommodating," "attentive," "helpful," and "genuine." Many reviewers mention specific staff members who made their stay feel special, highlighting personalized recommendations and a welcoming demeanor. The check-in process is also noted as exceptional.

6. Location & Accessibility

Outpost Inn boasts an "excellent" and "calm and convenient location" in Highlands, North Carolina.

• Proximity to Attractions: It's just a short walk from downtown Highlands, making it easy for guests to explore local restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Nearby attractions also include hiking trails and scenic views.
• Transport: The hotel offers bicycles for guests to explore the surrounding area. Free private parking is available on-site. The hotel is located approximately 57 miles from Asheville Regional Airport.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider Outpost Inn to be a good value, with a "Value for money" rating of 8.8 on Booking.com. Prices can range from approximately $134 to $631, depending on the room type and season. Many guests feel it's "such a great place for the money" and offers a good balance of luxury and charm for the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Noise: Some guests have mentioned hearing people in the room above them, suggesting that light sleepers might prefer an upper-level room.
• Room Specifics: One reviewer noted that the bathroom in a specific room (Room 107) had limited privacy, and the heater in their room was not working optimally upon arrival, though a space heater was provided to resolve the issue. Another mentioned a shower leak.
• Privacy (Motel Style): One guest noted that the "motel style set up" of their room meant they had to keep blinds closed for privacy when getting dressed.
• Entry Lock: A specific detail about the keypad entry system was mentioned, where turning the inside door lock a certain way could prevent the room from locking from the outside.

Overall, the Outpost Inn stands out as a highly recommended destination in Highlands, offering a unique and memorable experience with its distinctive style, excellent amenities, and attentive service.

Sources

1. tablethotels.com
2. thelocalpalate.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. kayak.com
6. airbnb.com
7. expedia.com
8. outpostinnhighlands.com
9. momondo.com
10. resy.com
11. postcard.inc
12. booking.com