Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern

The Ruffed Grouse Tavern’s food was amazing! We ended up going back twice during our stay in Highlands NC because the food was so great. They accommodated our large party with ease. Every appetizer on the menu was awesome. Dates are 10/10! The airline chicken and the trout are what brought us back a second time during our week stay. The atmosphere and service are bar-none! Especially the bartender Danielle who was so friendly and pays attention to the small details. Chefs kiss to all the employees who made everything flawless 😘.

Excellent food and service! The staff was very friendly and courteous. The HMH inn is very convenient to main shopping area and an easy walk to all of downtown area. Rooms are very nice but our room was quite small. Next time I will book a larger room. Banana bread served with coffee in the morning was outstanding!

We had supper one of our last nights in Highlands. What a mistake, we should have gone here far more often. Maybe the best place for supper. Interior feels like a old club, service is attentive and selections are very good. We had a pasta special, which was excellent. Prices are typical of Highlands, but you walk out knowing this was better than usual.

I knew when I booked it was an old house converted into an inn, so was expecting that. However, with the small number of rooms, and such an intimate space I thought it would have a more welcoming feel. When we arrived there was no one at the desk, so rang the bell. The lady seemed put out and was very unfriendly. She took us to our room, but when asked about parking she said we’d have to find street parking. There were also two staircases, but she told us not to use the back one as the kitchen was busy with lunch and we’d be in the way. It was raining at the time, so we lugged our stuff up the stairs by ourself after schlepping it thru the rain. The room was fine. It was clean and housekeeping did a great job. But every time you left and came back you felt as though you were intruding. No friendly greetings etc. I told my husband it felt like you were staying at a friend of a friend’s house., and were like n the way. We paid over $500 a night to “bother” our hosts. Next time we go to the Highlands I’ll look at 200 Main or old Edward’s Inn.

Highlander Mountain House was beautiful, clean, comfortable and conveniently located. The room was quiet, quaint, and had everything I needed. They had left a handwritten note to say "welcome to Highlander Mountain House", which was a nice touch. The lady at the front walked me to my room and showed me around the property. I received text messages to help remind me of the different days and times the Tavern was open or when activities for the guests were happening. It was walkable to everything and felt very safe. I would love to go back.

We had the most amazing time at the Highlander! The entire house is decorated to the tee. I see other people complaining that lobby furniture is old when really it just has character. We were able to walk everywhere. The food is great as well as live music and bar services throughout the weekend. The rooms are small but if you’ve done your research this is expected. Would definitely stay again!

Food at The Ruffed Grouse Tavern was delicious—the best we had all week in Highlands. The cocktails were fantastic and even the wine options were unexpectedly unique. They often have live music, and did the night we were there adding another layer to the great evening out. Next time we’re in Highlands we’ll be going back. (We only went to the restaurant, did not stay at the hotel)

We absolutely loved our weekend stay here!! Everything was clean, nice, and a great atmosphere. We had lunch and listened to live music that was wonderful as well. Staff was extremely friendly, location is walkable to everything. We were here for a wedding but would love to come visit again and stay here! Can’t recommend enough!

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

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!

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.

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.