Pros

  • Three-minute drive into Banner Elk town center; five-minute drive to Sugar Mountain ski resort
  • Spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers
  • Free hot breakfast
  • Heated outdoor pool (open seasonally)
  • Free coffee/tea available in lobby
  • Small fitness room
  • Meeting and event space
  • Free parking on-site and Wi-Fi throughout property
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Cons

  • Room decor is dated and chainlike
  • Bathrooms are small and in need of an update
  • Fitness room is small and equipped with only a couple of dated machines
  • Breakfast gets mixed reviews
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Bottom Line

This value hotel from the Best Western chain makes a convenient base for Banner Elk attractions like Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain ski resorts. The property has a mountain/hunting lodge vibe that's cozy and inviting, and offers a handful of perks like an outdoor heated pool (open seasonally) and a free breakfast with hot items. The fitness center is small and not well equipped; there are business facilities like meeting/event space and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The 100 guest rooms are spacious, but dated and chainlike in terms of decor. They're equipped with a solid set of amenities, including flat-screen TVs, DVD players, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. As an alternative, the mid-range Blue Ridge Village offers rooms with kitchens, fireplaces, and laundry machines, but there's no free breakfast.

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Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pool

Oyster Hotel Review

Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk

Scene

Mid-range chain hotel with a cozy, mountain lodge feel

This value hotel from the Best Western chain makes a cozy base for skiing holidays and other types of leisure travel. True to its name, the property has a rustic mountain lodge feel. Its inviting interiors are peppered with hunting details like wall-mounted deer heads and moose figurines. The exposed stone fireplace commands the lobby, which mixes warm wooden elements with tartan armchairs and leather couches. There are hints of Scottish influence here and there, like bagpipes hanging above the fireplace and UK flags adorning the hallways. Most guests who stay here are leisure travelers, though the hotel also offers facilities that attract some business travelers. Visitors of nearby Lees-McRae College also stay here.

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Location

Three-minute drive into town, and short drive to two ski resorts and several attractions

The hotel is situated off the Tynecastle Highway on the outskirts of the small town of Banner Elk. It's surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, but there's not much in the immediate area. There are several dining options, shops, and services like a post office in the town center, about a three-minute drive away. The area is a popular skiing destination, and there are two ski resorts nearby: Sugar Mountain is a five-minute drive, while Beech Mountain is 18 minutes away. Area attractions include Grandfather Mountain (20-minute drive), the Land of Oz theme park (22-minute drive), and the Mile High Swinging Bridge (24-minute drive). Lees-McRae College is a three-minute drive away. Elk River Airport is a six-minute drive from the hotel; Tri-Cities Airport is an hour and 15 minutes away; and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a bit over a two-hour drive.

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Rooms

Dated and chainlike -- but spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges

Decor is typically chainlike and dated, but the rooms are spacious and clean. Beige carpets and cream walls are accented by crimson bed runners, pillows, and curtains. Wooden furniture is a standard style and includes nightstands and either tables or work desks with ergonomic chairs. All rooms have either armchairs or couches. Suites feature living room areas with couches. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, irons/ironing board, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small and in need of updates. They're equipped with shower/tub combos; toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. Jacuzzi Suites have whirlpool tubs and separate walk-in showers.

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Features

Heated outdoor pool (seasonal), small fitness room, and freebies like breakfast and Wi-Fi

The hotel offers a handful of features that add value to a stay here. There's a heated outdoor pool that's open seasonally, as well as a small fitness room equipped with a handful of dated cardio and weight machines. A free breakfast is served in a pleasant dining room and includes hot items like eggs and breakfast meats, as well as breads, cereals, fruit, yogurt, juice, and coffee -- but it gets mixed reviews from guests. There's also a free coffee station in the lobby, as well as a popcorn machines and communal microwave. 

Other amenities include meeting and event space, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and free on-site parking. A computer is available for guest use, and the hotel offers printing, photocopying, and faxing services.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk

Scene

Mid-range chain hotel with a cozy, mountain lodge feel

This value hotel from the Best Western chain makes a cozy base for skiing holidays and other types of leisure travel. True to its name, the property has a rustic mountain lodge feel. Its inviting interiors are peppered with hunting details like wall-mounted deer heads and moose figurines. The exposed stone fireplace commands the lobby, which mixes warm wooden elements with tartan armchairs and leather couches. There are hints of Scottish influence here and there, like bagpipes hanging above the fireplace and UK flags adorning the hallways. Most guests who stay here are leisure travelers, though the hotel also offers facilities that attract some business travelers. Visitors of nearby Lees-McRae College also stay here.

See More Scene

Location

Three-minute drive into town, and short drive to two ski resorts and several attractions

The hotel is situated off the Tynecastle Highway on the outskirts of the small town of Banner Elk. It's surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, but there's not much in the immediate area. There are several dining options, shops, and services like a post office in the town center, about a three-minute drive away. The area is a popular skiing destination, and there are two ski resorts nearby: Sugar Mountain is a five-minute drive, while Beech Mountain is 18 minutes away. Area attractions include Grandfather Mountain (20-minute drive), the Land of Oz theme park (22-minute drive), and the Mile High Swinging Bridge (24-minute drive). Lees-McRae College is a three-minute drive away. Elk River Airport is a six-minute drive from the hotel; Tri-Cities Airport is an hour and 15 minutes away; and Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a bit over a two-hour drive.

See More Location

Rooms

Dated and chainlike -- but spacious rooms have flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and mini-fridges

Decor is typically chainlike and dated, but the rooms are spacious and clean. Beige carpets and cream walls are accented by crimson bed runners, pillows, and curtains. Wooden furniture is a standard style and includes nightstands and either tables or work desks with ergonomic chairs. All rooms have either armchairs or couches. Suites feature living room areas with couches. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, irons/ironing board, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small and in need of updates. They're equipped with shower/tub combos; toiletries and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. Jacuzzi Suites have whirlpool tubs and separate walk-in showers.

See More Rooms

Features

Heated outdoor pool (seasonal), small fitness room, and freebies like breakfast and Wi-Fi

The hotel offers a handful of features that add value to a stay here. There's a heated outdoor pool that's open seasonally, as well as a small fitness room equipped with a handful of dated cardio and weight machines. A free breakfast is served in a pleasant dining room and includes hot items like eggs and breakfast meats, as well as breads, cereals, fruit, yogurt, juice, and coffee -- but it gets mixed reviews from guests. There's also a free coffee station in the lobby, as well as a popcorn machines and communal microwave. 

Other amenities include meeting and event space, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and free on-site parking. A computer is available for guest use, and the hotel offers printing, photocopying, and faxing services.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.