Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, is more than just a luxurious retreat—it’s a journey through time, architecture, and perhaps… the paranormal. Whether you’re a curious traveler seeking historic elegance or a seasoned paranormal investigator chasing shadows of the past, the Grove Park Inn offers something that will stir your soul.
Since opening its doors in the early 20th century, this iconic inn has welcomed presidents, celebrities, and seekers of all kinds. But behind its grand stone façade, flickers of mystery—and possibly otherworldly residents—linger in its halls. With a backdrop of sweeping mountain views and a reputation for spine-tingling hauntings, the Grove Park Inn promises an unforgettable stay, rich in both history and haunted lore.
The History
From Vision to Reality: The Founding of Grove Park Inn
The story of the Grove Park Inn begins with Edwin Wiley Grove, a pharmaceutical magnate known for his tonic “Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic,” a quinine supplement popular in the late 19th century. Grove envisioned a luxurious mountain resort that would offer rejuvenation and comfort amid the crisp mountain air—a “sanitarium in disguise,” one might say.
Construction began in 1912, and the inn officially opened on July 12, 1913. Astonishingly, the massive project was completed in just under a year, thanks to the tireless work of over 400 men. Built entirely out of native stone and supported by steel and reinforced concrete, the building was a marvel of its time.
Architectural Splendor and Early Innovation
The design of the inn is a blend of Arts and Crafts and rustic elegance, reflecting both luxury and natural harmony. The architect Fred Loring Seely, Grove’s son-in-law, ensured that no two rooms were alike and implemented advanced innovations like central heating, elevator systems, and fireproof construction—affording guests both safety and splendor.
The lobby, sometimes referred to as “The Great Hall,” features 24-foot ceilings and two giant fireplaces that seem pulled straight from a medieval fortress. These touches helped establish the inn as one of the most beautiful mountain lodges in America.
Hosted by History: Famous Guests of the Grove Park Inn
From the roaring ‘20s through modern times, the Grove Park Inn has played host to a list of guests that reads like a history book. Ten U.S. presidents have stayed here, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Barack Obama, and George H.W. Bush. Novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald spent two summers at the inn in the 1930s while in the throes of personal and creative struggles.
During World War II, the U.S. government used the inn as an internment facility for Axis diplomats and later as a rehabilitation center for wounded Navy sailors. These layers of history have left many saying that the walls of Grove Park don’t just whisper—they remember.
Restoration and Modern Renaissance
Now part of the Omni Hotels & Resorts portfolio, the Grove Park Inn has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its historic charm while offering modern luxury. The 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa, the multiple fine-dining venues, and the 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course elevate the guest experience while staying true to Grove’s original vision.
Despite these updates, walking through the inn still feels like stepping into another era—a place where history breathes through every beam and stone.
The Haunt
The Pink Lady: Grove Park Inn’s Most Famous Spirit
No discussion of the Grove Park Inn would be complete without mention of its most polite—and persistent—phantom: the Pink Lady. Said to haunt Room 545 and the surrounding hallways, the Pink Lady is reportedly the spirit of a young woman who either fell or jumped to her death from one of the upper floors in the 1920s. Some say she was heartbroken; others whisper of more sinister circumstances.
Countless guests and staff members have reported sightings of a woman in a pink ball gown floating through the halls. Unlike more sinister spirits in other haunted hotels, the Pink Lady is described as a benevolent presence—turning off lights, adjusting thermostats, and occasionally appearing by bedside, especially to children. Some guests have even reported cold spots and sudden wafts of floral perfume where nothing should linger.
Employee Encounters and Strange Occurrences
Many longtime staff members have shared eerie anecdotes: doors that open and close on their own, disembodied laughter echoing through empty hallways, and motion sensors triggering for no apparent reason. Guests have also mentioned hearing soft knocking sounds in the middle of the night, only to find no one outside their doors.
Some investigators believe the Pink Lady may not be alone. The inn’s rich history—especially its use as a WWII internment and convalescence center—could account for other, less documented spirits. Shadows are often seen flickering just out of sight, and unexplained footsteps resound throughout the great hall late into the night.
Ghost Hunters Welcome
The Grove Park Inn has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations over the years. Though no official ghost tours are offered, the inn’s staff are more than willing to share the legends, and paranormal enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their equipment. The quiet nighttime stillness and antique charm of the inn make it an excellent place for EVPs, EMF readings, and classic ghost hunts.
Seasoned ghost hunters suggest spending a night near Room 545, taking evening strolls down the silent hallways, and keeping cameras at the ready—particularly in the early hours, when encounters are said to be most frequent.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Ghost Hunters & History Buffs
If you’re a lover of grand history, stunning architecture, and the occasional spectral encounter, the Grove Park Inn should be on your short list. Its majestic presence in the rolling hills of Asheville is a compelling calling card, but it’s the lingering whispers of its colorful past—and its pink-draped phantom resident—that make it truly unforgettable.
This is not your average haunted hotel. It’s a place where time folds in on itself, where past and present coexist under rustic rafters and stone walls. Whether you stay for the ghost stories, the breathtaking views, or the five-star accommodations, one thing is certain: a visit to the Grove Park Inn will leave an impression that lasts well beyond your check-out time.
So pack your cameras, your EMF detectors, and your sense of adventure—because you never know who, or what, you might meet in these hallowed halls.