Laughing Heart Lodge

I visited the Lodge last fall with my husband and returned with my best friend to experience Hot Springs and the tranquility it offers. The "Karen's" and Glenda were, as before, welcoming and attentive. The atmosphere feels as if you are visiting family. (In a good way!) Love the Tranquility Room and the proximity to the actual Springs. Love this place and will continue to go back! Thank you, Ladies! Dene

Laughing Heart Lodge is wonderful, charming in a lovely historic place. I loved it, and loved that I could walk out and be on the AT, then could walk down to the hot springs and soothe my hiking muscles. Had an outstanding massage at the Lodge, too. The owners are so welcoming ...will go there again!

We recently spent two nights at the lodge, thoroughly enjoying its relaxed atmosphere and the beauty of its natural surroundings. Karen Moore and Karen Nagle, who co-own the property, have thoughtfully refurbished the lodge in keeping with its original design. Both are friendly and engaging with helpful knowledge of the local environment. The lodge seems well suited for couples, families or for group visits, whether for a romantic getaway, day hiking, or to enjoy yoga and other retreats on the premises. The lodge was fully booked with couples of various ages, affording the opportunity for friendly encounters with other travelers. Our room was spacious and peaceful, so we can attest the lodge is quiet at night for light-sleepers. The ground floor has two comfortable sitting areas and a breakfast room where we met other guests. Breakfast was lovely. I particularly enjoyed the scones and baked apples. The Appalachian Trail is just a few meters behind the lodge. The trail is well maintained and offers easy day hiking for most skill levels. We also ventured into town and visited the ArtiSun Gallery displaying items crafted by regional artists. The town offers a few dining options, though we recommend the Mountain Magnolia Inn with their popular chef who is a native of Hot Springs. Ask either Karen about his background ... an interesting life story. A highlight of our visit was the “New Year's Eve Celebration Package” offered by lodge prior to our stay. The package included dinner at the Mountain Magnolia Inn, followed by music and dancing at the chapel adjacent to the lodge. The owners decorated the chapel in a festive manner, complete with balloon drop and party favors. I read a quote recently that described simplicity as “subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.” Seems an apt description for the fun and joyful way the owners arranged this celebration. I have no doubt they would lend similar expertise to any other event at the lodge.

I am a long-time fan of one of the Nagle's other Inns, the Mountain Magnolia. This trip, I needed peace, quiet and tranquility. I found it all and more a the Laughing Heart Lodge. The property is beautiful and invites a sense of calm and warm embrace. I received all that I wanted and more on my much needed retreat from daily life. I am in deep gratitude for Karen Nagle's hospitality and for her creation of this wonderful place.

We stayed at the Hostel. It was a very quick trip for us. We attended the Warm Spring Civil War Reenactment. We stayed in the Double private room. Service was first rate. They were very helpful. My first time at a Hostel and it was interesting to meet the Appalachian Hikers staying over. We will probably stay again next year.

Laughing Heart was a gem of a place to stay on my first trip to the mountains of North Carolina. I felt very well cared for and at home in this gorgeous, just-renovated former Jesuit Center. There is a pretty view of the mountains from the from the two spacious living rooms. I stayed five nights in the "Laurel" which is a comfortable private room with shared bath. The large bathroom was close by the room and is shared with only one other room. The breakfasts were elaborate, yummy and prepared with lots of love . I enjoyed hiking right out the door of the lodge onto the Appalachian Trail. Hot Springs is a very quiet town with a few tourist shops where you will find everything you need. Be sure to try the traditional pot pie from the ArtiSun Gallery and marketplace. The managers (more like friends) Karen Moore and Karen Nagle did me a few favors and I appreciate that very much. They have plans on making the Lodge available for healing retreats. I am sure the peaceful spirit of Laughing Heart will touvh many a souls in the years to come. I hope to return one day to participate.

We stayed here to celebrate our 4th anniversary. The town is amazing and the Lodge is equally amazing. The staff was perfect and our room (cardinal room) was great. Bed was very comfortable, and the room was very clean. The view from the window was amazing. Loved the breakfast in the morning as well. I would recommend this place to anyone. Excellent value for the money!

We rented the cabin on the property. It was adjacent to the hostel but we were not disturbed at all. The cabin is over 100 years old so expect rustic. However, we could not have been happier. It is a perfect place for a romantic getaway. Speaking of romance, we got engaged our first night in the cabin :). The owners/staff were amazing. Their kindness and desire to make everyone's stay special is something you won't find in a high end hotel. Make sure you rent a hot tub at the spa. We received a couples massage after our soak and it was wonderful. As you can tell, we will stay here on our next trip to Hot Springs.