Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern

The Highland Mountain House and Ruffed Grouse has been one of our favorite stays of all our travels. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Sarah and the staff. The eclectic, English decor was welcoming and impressive. There were multiple lobby and cozy seating areas with sofas, chairs, pillows, blankets and fireplaces. Outside seating areas were heated with perfect views of downtown. The bar area was beautifully decorated for Christmas and we enjoyed our drinks. The music and lighting were set for a just right atmosphere. Our walk to the room was also impressive with a wood carved staircase and artwork displays. The room itself was gorgeous! We loved the boutique antique aesthetic and our bed was heavenly for a peaceful night’s sleep. Thank you HMH for a memorable experience. We look forward to a return trip! Richie and Jennifer Morrison

This hotel is very cozy and charming. We stayed a few days after Christmas and it was decorated and festive. Our room was beautifully decorated but small, which was fine for us. We loved the balcony that overlooked the town. It would be wonderful in warmer weather to sit out there, with coffee or wine. The location is very good. You can easily walk to shops and restaurants. The staff was friendly and helpful. We will be back to experience this beautiful place in all seasons!

My husband and I really enjoyed our stay here. The room was cozy and clean and the lobby, although crowded around lunch and dinner time, was very warm and inviting. They had banana and apple breads in the morning and deliciously fresh coffee. We loved the fire pits outside and the convenience of walking everywhere. Staff were friendly and they lock the doors at night and you need a key to get back in so safety was top notch. The only thing we were disappointed with was the New years Eve dinner at Ruffed Grouse Tavern. For $400 we expected an incredible meal and my husband’s steak was overcooked, the server wasn’t very friendly (the 20 percent large party tip was automatic despite the service we received for our party of 4) , and overall the food was very underwhelming. We would still definitely stay here again and just not participate in the holiday dinners. We did end up eating at four65 wood fired grill the second night (walking distance) and it was phenomenal!

My husband and I enjoyed our stayed at the HMH! It is so quaint and cozy, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. We loved the fireplace and seating areas, especially with all of the holiday decorations this time of year. It’s clear the staff pays attention to detail as every part of the house was beautifully curated. The food and drinks were also great. Would love to go back!

If location is the only thing I could say I loved…well.. it WAS the only thing I loved. The rest (dinner at the restaurant) was a catastrophe. Honestly, it’s all about training and had the staff had adequate training, it would have been a better experience at best. Food was over-seasoned and frankly inedible. Servers had a very hard time as well. I can say that sadly, I won’t be back. Drove too far to be disappointed— won’t risk it again. Update: After posting this review, which originally was two stars, The manager personally reached out to us to apologize and addressed the situation. They took full responsibility for the mistakes and were very kind and professional throughout the conversation. We Truly appreciated their willingness to listen and their effort to offer a thoughtful resolution. While the initial experienced Miss the Mark the follow up and accountability really stood out and made a positive impression. Five stars for making everything right!

Truly enjoyed our stay and would love to come back! It is such a cozy boutique hotel and we loved the vibes and fireplace during our winter stay. The staff is very hospitable! The coffee is excellent. The location is great and we enjoyed being right on main street. We stayed in the bunkhouse- the room was small but very cozy and the bed was super comfortable!

My wife and I spent 5 days over Christmas and it was fantastic! We have stayed here several times and this was the best. The food from a burger to filets were incredible. The staff extremely, stayed in our favorite room, and the double fireplace is the best! We shared some wine with "new friends" and really hated to leave. So looking forward to our return visit in May. Andy & Gayla Wilson

We were really looking forward to staying at Highlander Mountain House, but unfortunately our experience fell far short of what we expected. We specifically booked a room in the bunkhouse because it offered a patio with direct outdoor access—something extremely important for our very anxious (but friendly) dog. Instead, we arrived to find that our reservation had been moved to the main house without any notice. No call, no email, nothing. Had we been informed of this change, we absolutely would have chosen different lodging. We learned upon arrival the bunkhouse was under construction, which makes the lack of communication even more frustrating. Guests deserve a heads-up when a major part of their reservation is altered. To make matters worse, we were charged for a bag of chocolate from the minibar that we never touched and don't even recall seeing. After calling multiple times the same day we left to get it corrected, we were told the refund would be issued — but it never was. I even noticed another reviewer mention being charged for the same item, which raises concerns. It’s a shame, because the location is beautiful and the aesthetic is truly charming. But the lack of transparency, the unapproved room change, and the questionable minibar charge make it hard to recommend staying here. Proceed with caution.

We absolutely loved our stay here! Great atmosphere and amazing location. Everything was clean and comfortable and staff were extremely friendly. Drinks and lunch were wonderful as well. Can't recommend enough and would love to stay here again!

Lovely, quaint, period inn! (Some comments complain the lobby furniture is "old." IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE!! I Jost love this place and the entire staff. Couldn't be friendlier or more accommodating!

Real cool spot to walk in highlands. We enjoyed the lights surrounding the building in the misty cold. We will definitely be back

Dreaming of my next stay at the HMH. Each room has unique decor and every single one is memorable in their own right. This bed and breakfast/inn is in a historic house in downtown Highlands, NC. As soon as you walk in, your transported to a cozy ski lodge in Europe. Large fireplaces in each room, funky wallpaper, and plush velvet couches make you want to order a glass of whiskey and settle in for the weekend. As you're brought up to your room, you'll notice updated, modern decor that matches the eclectic ski lodge feel downstairs. Honestly, I didn't want to leave my room the entire weekend because it was so cozy and comfortable. BUT, the bar was too cool not to head downstairs for a drink. Skip the hotels and absolutely book a room at this special place.

We enjoyed the most wonderful staycation at the Highlander Mountain House for a Tyler Ramsey concert last night. The accommodations, dinner by Chef Rodney, drinks by Michaela, and new friendships that were made will definitely bring us back to this Jason's adorable mountain house!

The room we stayed in was smaller than most of the smallest New York City hotel rooms. you have to crawl over your bed partner to get out of bed. I asked to speak to the manager with no response. The welcome letter in the room was signed by and Sutton, the general manager, which I was told by the receptionist had been gone for over two years. Great attention to details? There were workmen outside our room on the roof until after 5:30 in the afternoon. While it is a charming tavern along with that comes the Tavern noise. I think that there are better options at this price point in Highlands. I called and asked to speak to the owner again with no response.

I was very excited to stay at HMH after being inside the bar area about 8 months ago and enjoying the space. My boyfriend and I planned a last minute stay here for one night over Memorial Day weekend. Our only option was a queen room and to book was over $300 for one night. I was already aware the rooms were small. I wasn't surprised but just be aware as other reviewers have stated. We returned to the hotel from dinner on Sunday night at 7:30 pm to find the bar area closed already. It says on the website "bar area open daily 4:30pm-10 pm". I am aware it was a holiday weekend however there was no signage or other communication upon our check-in notifying us of an early close. There were still people in the bar area but we were told specifically all tabs had been closed. That was disappointing to say the least. After waking up to a really stormy day, we headed downstairs to get a cup of coffee, a pastry, and to sit by the fire in the lobby. 8 am and no fire. We asked the woman at the front desk if we could start it or what needed to be done to get one going. She told us that there was no "fire starter" available and the wood was too fresh to light without some. Another guest down there even offered to start the fire but again, wood wasn't dry enough. The lady at the front (apologies I do not know her name) was nice and apologized and said she had told "them" (I assume management) before the weekend that they were running low on the starter and to replace. Clearly, it had not been replaced. It was cooler, rainy, windy- perfect weather for a fire but alas... No pastries or any other food was offered. The coffee tasted like it was old and had been reheated to the point of being burnt. It was truly awful and I could only have one sip. Thinking I was being ridiculous, my boyfriend tried his cup. Still awful. I hate to write this review for a place I was incredibly excited to stay at. They do not have any water stations that we saw, the only bottle of water in the room was $6, and of course, the bar was closed and we couldn't get any there. Also, very slight detail, the toiletries are a different brand than what is listed on the website. I feel like we were extremely misled by the website and their social media. I also wanted to let other potential travelers know what our stay was lacking compared to other reviewers. Again, this one night cost over $300 for us.

Didn't live up to the hype. Stayed in the bunk house; to say these rooms are tight would be an understatement. Staff was not overly friendly or helpful. The hotel is conveniently located on Main Street so easy walking distance to shopping, restaurants, etc.

The fire lit in the gathering space and the charming room in the bunk house with beamed raised roof made it sooo very charming. Walking distance to everything. Plus close to Tesla chargers. We'll be back!

Had a drink in the bar. Lived Nathan the bar tender. Great ambiance. Very cozy inn. Feels warm and inviting.