The perfect gift for every occasion

  • Dragonfly room in Laughing Heart Lodge
    Dandelion Room in Laughing Heart Lodge
    Monarch Room Laughing Heart Lodge
    Cardinal Room Laughing Heart Lodge
    Cardinal Room Laughing Heart Lodge
    Tranquility Room Laughing Heart Lodge
    Hummingbird Room Laughing Heart Lodge
    Laurel Room Laughing Heart Lodge
    Turtle Room Laughing Heart Lodge

    • Address 289 NorthWest Hwy 25/70
      Hot Springs, NC 28743
      USA
    • Phone+1-828-6220165
    • EmailContact Innkeeper
    Inn's website

    Located at the trailhead of the Appalachian Trail, this beautifully restored 7.500-square-foot 1890's post and beam lodge features poplar bark along side antique bead board and heart of pine floors. The Lodge offers lodging in a B&B formatand hosts retreats for a variety of groups. The lodge has rooms from basic to deluxe; the adjacent hostel features very affordable private rooms as well as a bunk room for hikers. The adjacent chapel is great for meetings, receptions and yoga sessions.

    Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 8 Reviews

    4.9 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    4.8 out of 5
     

    Repeat visitor

    April 15, 2013

    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

    4.6 out of 5
     

    All that a mountain lodge could be..

    January 30, 2013

    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!

    5 out of 5
     

    Wonderful Place to Spend New Year's Eve

    January 16, 2013

    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.

    5 out of 5
     

    Sweet Retreat

    December 05, 2012

    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.


    Location

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeeper(s)

    Karen Nagle and Karen Moore

    Innkeepers Description:

    Hiking, reading, cooking, landscaping

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

    Resident Pets

    Outside cats Others

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  • Rooms & Rates

    • Nightly Rate $25 - $185

    Dragonfly

    Original, beautiful Heart of Pine floors, view of the woods, queen-sized bed, sitting area, private bath with tub/shower combination, upstairs.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Dandelion Room

    Original, beautiful Heart of Pine floors, garden and mountain view, a king-sized bed that can be converted into 2 twin-sized beds, a sitting area, private bath with tub/shower combination, upstairs.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 King

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Monarch Room

    Largest room with original, beautiful Heart of Pine floors, expansive garden and mountain view, a king-sized bed that can be converted into 2 twin-sized beds, a sitting area, private bath with tub/shower combination; upstairs.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 King

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Cardinal Room

    Original, beautiful Heart of Pine floors, garden and mountain view, a king-sized bed that can be converted into 2 twin-sized beds, sitting area, private bath with tub/shower combination, upstairs.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 King

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Firefly room

    Combination of original, beautiful Heart of Pine floors and painted wooden floors, woodland view, queen-sized bed, small sitting area, private bath with tub/shower combination, upstairs

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Turtle Room

    ADA/Handicap accessible bedroom and bathroom with a king-sized bed that can be converted into 2 twin-sized beds, roll in shower, view of the woods; downstairs

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 King

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Tranquility Room

    Corner room with woodland view, a king-sized bed that can be converted into 2 twin-sized beds, a small sitting area, private bath with tub/shower combination; downstairs.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 2 Twin

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Hummingbird Room

    Smallest room with double bed and shared bath with tub/shower combination, downstairs.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Beds 1 Double

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Laurel Room

    Somewhat larger than Hummingbird with double bed and shared bath with tub/shower combination, downstairs.

    • Maximum Capacity: 2
    • Beds 1 Double

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check In: 3:00PM    Check Out:

    • Minimum Stay: 2 nights weekends many units

    • Open All Year Round: Yes


    General Policies

    • Smoking Allowed: Limited

    • Guest Pets Allowed: Limited

    • Drinking Allowed: Yes

    • Drinks Available: No

    • Children Allowed: Some accommodations

    • Suitable For Children: Yes

    • Childcare Provided: No

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  • Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 8 Reviews

    4.9 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    4.8 out of 5
     

    Repeat visitor

    April 15, 2013

    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

    4.6 out of 5
     

    All that a mountain lodge could be..

    January 30, 2013

    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!

    5 out of 5
     

    Wonderful Place to Spend New Year's Eve

    January 16, 2013

    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.

    5 out of 5
     

    Sweet Retreat

    December 05, 2012

    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.

    5 out of 5
     

    Very Unique

    November 07, 2012

    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.

    5 out of 5
     

    Great value, food, staff...and natural beauty abounds

    November 05, 2012

    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.

    5 out of 5
     

    Simply Amazing

    October 29, 2012

    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!

    4.6 out of 5
     

    Best Weekend of Our Lives

    October 08, 2012

    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.


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  • Location Type

    • Right off the Appalachian Trail

    • Mountains

    • Small town

    City - Hot Springs

    • Directions to property:
      35 miles north of Asheville on highway 25/70 overlooking Hot Springs NC

    Airport

    • Asheville, NC (AVL) 50 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Visit our web site.


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • National/State parks

    • whitewater rafting

    • Appalachian Trail

    • hot mineral springs

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Bird watching

    • Canoeing

    • Fishing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Hunting

    • Kayaking

    • Mountain Bike trails

    • hot mineral baths

    • hot mineral baths

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Swimming

    • Whitewater Rafting

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  • Amenities

    Type:

    On-site

    • Conference Rooms

    • Fireplace

    • Wedding Facilities

    Guest room(s)

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Ceiling fans

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • In-room internet

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Library

    • Wi-Fi

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  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Time Served: 8:30AM

    • Serving Location: Breakfast/dining area

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Explore Laughing Heart Lodge

Visit Website