FAQ
ROOMS FAQS
What time is check-in and check-out?
Rooms are available for check-in at 4:00 p.m. Check-out is at 11:00 a.m. While we will make every effort to accommodate early arrivals, we cannot guarantee room availability before 4:00 p.m. It will be our pleasure to store your luggage in the lobby nearest your room in the event that you arrive early or want to depart later than our check-out time.
Is there a two-night minimum?
On weekends there is a two-night minimum during peak occupancy times and a three-night minimum for some holidays.
Are your fireplaces wood burning?
We have wood-burning fireplaces in some of the common areas, but all guestroom fireplaces have gas logs.
Do you have ADA Accessible rooms?
Yes, there are ADA options throughout the property. If you give them a call at 866-526-8008 or email centralreservations@oldedwardsinn.com, our reservations team is happy to help you select which room may suit you best. For our visually impaired guests, we are happy to offer a short tour to acquaint you with the facility. Just let the front desk team know.
Is there a fitness center at Old Edwards?
Yes, the fitness center on Church Street features state-of-the-art cardio equipment, free weights, and an array of fitness and wellness classes including personal training and private classes. Check the monthly newsletter, In and Around, for the schedule of classes for hotel guests and members.
What is your cancelation policy?
Cancellations made prior to 4 pm 14 days from arrival date will result in a full refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival date will result in forfeiture of one night's deposit. Early departures will be charged the full amount of the reserved stay. Changes in the dates of stay are considered a cancellation of the original reservation and are treated as such. This cancellation policy does not apply to Old Edwards Guest Residences or group bookings. To cancel a reservation, please call 866-526-8008.
TO DO FAQS
Do you have any recommendations for things to do in the area?
We have printed brochures about the area located at our front desks, and our staff members are happy to give personal recommendations as well. Here is a link to a digital version of one of the favorite brochures to help you plan activities during your stay.
What ATMs are located in Highlands?
ATMs are located close by for First Citizens, Regions, Entegra, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. The concierge will be happy to direct you to these locations.
What cultural events take place in Highlands?
The Town of Highlands offers a variety of seasonal civic and cultural events. For information and event schedules, please contact the Highlands Chamber of Commerce at 828-526-5841, stop by the Visitor’s Center at 108 Main Street, or click the button below.
What outdoor activities are there in Highlands?
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau offers a variety of outdoor activities, including golf, hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, fly-fishing, canoeing, zip lining, tubing, an alpine coaster, gem-mining, scenic drives, and overlooks. Tennis courts are available at The Farm and Old Edwards Club. For a more complete listing, see our brochure
Does Highlands have an ice rink?
Yes, located at the beautiful Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, the Highlands Ice Rink is a Rockwellesque spot to enjoy this classic winter activity. View the seasonal schedule.
Is there live music at Old Edwards?
Enjoy live music throughout the year on Friday and Saturday nights in Hummingbird Lounge (open to the public) and Art’s at the Lodge or Hickory Pool (for hotel guests and members only). Check the weekend signs on-property or In and Around for specific times.
What kid-friendly activities do you recommend in Highlands, NC?
The Highlands Biological Station, just a 10-minute walk from downtown Highlands has six main trails and two small connecting ones, a large pond, 12 acres of native botanical plants, natural history exhibits, and live animals in the nature center.
Is there shopping at or around the hotel?
Few shopping destinations reward you with a stunning setting and a distinctive collection of boutiques filled with finds and fashions from hip to high-end, but Highlands has something for everyone. Old Edwards has two on-site shopping options, Acorns and The Spa Boutique. A short 10-minute drive towards Cashiers is The Golf Shop at Old Edwards Club (open to members and hotel guests only).
Are there any arts, music or food festivals in Highlands?
Highlands hosts annual arts, music and food festivals. Most notable are Highlands Food and Wine Festival, Bear Shadow Festival and the Highlands Art and Craft Show.
DINING FAQS
Do you have any restaurants at the hotel?
Old Edwards has seven restaurants and eight bars on-site and surrounding the hotel offering farm-fresh fare, authentic Neapolitan pizza, local foods, and specialty cocktails with a relaxed ambiance.
Where can I find restaurants with seasonal outdoor seating (weather permitting)?
The Wine Garden is open daily for lunch, light fare, dinner, and bar service and offers lush surroundings, market umbrellas, and a patio-side waterfall. The Rooftop Terrace is open for lunch, light fare, and bar service Thursday through Saturday overlooking Fourth and Main Street corners in an open-air setting. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar is open for lunch, dinner, and bar service with limited outdoor seating on the Terrazza.
Do I need restaurant reservations for the restaurants at the hotel?
Reservations are not required for any restaurants at the hotel, however, they are strongly recommended for dinner at Madison's Restaurant.
Where can I have breakfast nearby?
We serve a farm-fresh breakfast at Madison's Restaurant daily from 7-10 am for hotel guests only.
RESORT FAQS
Are you pet friendly?
No pets are permitted on the property. Only service animals as defined under the ADA are permitted and must be under the handler's control at all times. Emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA, and we do not allow these on-premises. Guests violating this policy will be charged a minimum $250 cleaning fee and asked to leave the property. There are now select dog-friendly rooms available at our 200 Main property. A handy link is found in the footer of this page.
We follow the ADA guidelines described in the ADA 2010 Revised Requirements: Service Animals.
Is there laundry service?
Yes, our private laundry is happy to serve our hotel guests. Look for a form in your room with instructions.
Do you offer any kind of discount, AARP or AAA, etc.?
We do not offer any discounts, but we do have a variety of special packages, including seasonal specials.
Are your pools heated?
Yes, we have two outdoor heated mineral pools which are open seasonally.
Are your pools chlorinated and are towels provided?
Old Edwards features two outdoor heated salt-water mineral pools with grotto whirlpools and poolside food and beverage service. Towels are provided for guest convenience. An additional outdoor heated mineral pool is located at Old Edwards Club—a ten-minute drive east on Highway 64, toward Cashiers.
Is there a hot tub?
Yes, there are two poolside year-round hot tubs. While they are open for use at any time, quiet hours are from 10 pm - 7 am. No glass or smoking is allowed in the hot tubs.
Which lobby is the right one for me?
Old Edwards Inn encompasses several acres of downtown Highlands. For your convenience, we have two lobbies where front desk agents wait to greet you warmly.
- Guests staying in the Historic Inn building, Spa Suites, Hickory Cottage rooms, Whiteside and Blue Valley Cottage rooms, Terrace on Main, Piermont, Hutchinson or Fairview House check in at the Historic Inn located at 445 Main Street.
- Guests staying in The Lodge and Falls Cottages please check in at The Lodge reception area located at 450 Spring Street.
- All guests arriving after 11:00 p.m. should check in at the Historic Inn.
Are there any parking fees?
No, complimentary valet parking and self parking are available.
Do you provide shuttle service from the airports?
No
Are there any resort fees?
No
Is there an indoor swimming pool?
Highlands Recreation Park, located just blocks from Main Street in Highlands, offers year-round indoor swimming and fitness. Show your room key to the attendant for complimentary admission to the pool and fitness area. Check online at highlandsnc.org/recreation-pool for hours of operation and classes (additional fee for classes). In the winter months pick up a pool bag with towels, body wash, and shampoo from the Front Desk of the Inn or Lodge.
Do you have Wi-Fi at the hotel?
Wi-Fi at Old Edwards is complimentary and is accessible in the guest rooms and in all public areas of the hotel.
Do you have EV Chargers on property?
Yes, all three of our hotels have EnviroSpark electric vehicle charging stations. The charging rate is $3 per hour. Download the app and get started.
Do you have a daycare at the hotel?
No, the hotel does not have a dedicated daycare for guests but we do have a list of local babysitters available from the concierge.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes, Old Edwards has an award-winning European-style spa. View the menu of services or book online.
What green or sustainable practices does the hotel have?
As a holistic mountain resort with a focus on organic culinary and spa programs, Old Edwards Inn and Spa has sustainable and energy-efficient operations throughout the property. Please visit our sustainable luxury page for details.
Is there a hair and nail salon at the hotel?
Yes, Old Edwards has a hair and nail salon open to the public. View the menu of services or book online.
Are there real estate offerings at Old Edwards?
Yes, learn more about our real estate and membership options here.
Is there a golf club or fitness membership?
Yes, learn more about our golf club and fitness membership options here.
Is there electric vehicle charging?
Electronic vehicle charging stations are located in the Falls Cottages valet parking lot for hotel guest use only.
Are there any special Christmas or holiday packages or celebrations?
Come celebrate with Old Edwards and become part of our traditions from November through New Year's Day. Please view the holiday celebrations page for details.
WEDDINGS FAQS
Is the rehearsal dinner at the wedding venue? Is this common or not?
Old Edwards' main wedding venue is called The Farm at Old Edwards. Rehearsal dinners are rarely held there because we have sixteen other incredible event sites at our disposal. They vary greatly in their look as well as their cost, so the bride and groom can entertain at multiple celebration events and not use the same setting twice. This provides a myriad of options for luncheons, bridesmaid parties, rehearsal dinners, and other auxiliary events that are informal or formal, outdoor or indoor, and to find the right location for whatever size party and budget the bride and groom may need.
When should a couple book the rehearsal dinner venue? How far in advance?
Old Edwards is typically booked 12 to 16 months in advance for Saturdays in high season, however, we have mid-week and even Friday or Sunday dates available on shorter notice at times. Regardless, we recommend that once the bride and groom book their wedding, the couple move into high gear to secure accommodations and arrange the rehearsal dinner and any other event details they may desire.
What are 2-3 things to look for in a rehearsal dinner venue?
Depending on the couple’s vision, we recommend looking first for a venue with a backdrop that compliments the bride and groom's signature style. Do the bride and groom prefer a casual or formal gathering? How many people will be attending? You want guests to feel cozy, but never crowded. One of the trends we're seeing is a smaller rehearsal dinner for close family and friends. For example, if the wedding is—say—over 200 people, the rehearsal dinner is often kept at a very intimate 50 or so, and then the couple will invite the remaining guests to a welcome party held after the rehearsal dinner.
What are 2-3 ways to coordinate with the rehearsal dinner venue after booking?
Good coordination is essential. So much so that, for larger weddings, Old Edwards requires that the bride and groom have a dedicated planner to help the orchestration go as smoothly as possible. Regardless of a wedding’s size, all particulars should be spelled out fully in the contract. Old Edwards' team knows exactly what questions to ask and works to ensure the couple and their families are comfortable with everything included in the contract. This includes the rehearsal dinner specifications. Old Edwards also has catering managers who specialize in ensuring all those details in the contract take place as expected. These team members serve as another set of eyes, helping to make sure that even the smallest details are buttoned up. However, what really sets Old Edwards Hospitality Group apart, is that we have a dedicated events team of 12 to 14 people, and our office is open 7 days a week. This ensures that the bride and groom always have someone who can respond to their needs and help them coordinate the details needed to bring their vision to life.
Do you provide wedding guest transportation?
Resort van and/or Executive Coach transportation can be arranged for your guests staying at Old Edwards Inn to be transported to and from your venue. Please arrange this with your Sales Manager. Additional transportation can be arranged through our recommended vendors. Groups of 150 or more will need to arrange for additional transportation for the events at the Farm. Events at Half-Mile Farm require transportation services for all guests.
How do I arrange for the shipping and receiving of packages?
Prior to shipping any boxes to Old Edwards Inn for your event, please contact your Sales Manager regarding instructions and proper labeling of boxes. All incoming boxes will incur a $5.00 plus tax per box handling fee. Any outgoing boxes will incur a $5.00 per box plus tax handling fee in addition to the shipping charges. Due to postal stipulations, there is not a 10 am delivery, only a 4 pm guarantee. No deliveries occur on Saturday or Sunday.
How do I arrange group accommodations?
Old Edwards is pleased to offer group blocks for our wedding parties based on availability, guest count, and food and beverage minimums. We will hold a block of rooms for your wedding as outlined in your Group Rooms Agreement. If you wish to assign the rooms, you must pay a first-night deposit, as well as provide a rooming list upon signing the agreement for any special guests (such as family members) within the room block. Guestroom Reservation Wedding inserts are available upon request to assist you in informing your guests about the reservation process. The cut-off date for reservations is one month prior to the wedding. Any changes or additions made to the final rooming list after the cut-off date must be approved by your Sales and Catering Manager. Individual reservations will be charged for the first night's stay at the time of reservation, and cancellation penalties apply. After the cut-off date, guest rooms are available on a space-available basis and at the most current published rack rates. Contact our Reservations Specialists at 866-526-8008.
What services are complimentary for weddings at Old Edwards?
- Event Space, Set-up and Breakdown
- Folding Garden Chairs
- Fine White Linens and Napkins
- Elegant Place Setting including China, Choice of Silver or Gold Charger, Silver and Stemware
- Assistance in Customizing Menu and Bar Selection Guidance and Facilitation throughout the Planning Process
Do you provide weather backup for outdoor ceremonies in the event of inclement weather?
In order to provide the highest level of service, we must require the use of a tent at all outdoor venues. In the event that it rains before or during your wedding—your settings, decorations, cake, entertainment, and most of all you and your guests are protected.
Do you have someone who can make my wedding cake?
We have many professional vendors we can recommend based on your needs. Please speak with a member of our team to receive a list of local vendors to assist in your search.
How do I obtain my marriage license in the state of North Carolina?
Please visit this website for more information.
Does the hotel provide an officiant/minister/pastor for our wedding?
Your wedding officiant can be a very personal choice, and one most often centered around your religious or cultural aspects. We do have many local resources to assist you in your search though, should you need it.
Are we allowed to bring in our own food or alcohol?
Outside food and beverage is not permitted. All food and beverages must be purchased through the hotel. Our skilled culinary team can create a customized menu for your wedding if you are looking for a personalized menu on your special day. Please speak with your Catering Sales Manager for further information and requirements.
MEETING FAQS
Do you offer A/V for meetings?
We have in-house audiovisual services including lighting and tech support.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we understand that food is the soul of any meeting or event. Our award-winning culinary team takes pride in creating exciting regional cuisine and diverse menus that bring people together. Our special events team provides a smooth process for planning the right menus for your corporate event and ensures that personalized service enhances every experience.