Room (Sunflower Lodge)

This room is set up for two guests with one king bed, so it suits couples and solo travellers best. It sits in the historic main lodge, which dates from 1930, and pairs a pillowtop mattress and premium bedding with air conditioning and soundproofing for a restful base.

Because of the building's historic nature, children 12 and under are not allowed to stay in the historic lodge rooms. Families with younger children are better placed in the guest cabins. Well-behaved children of guests of all ages are otherwise welcome on the property.

The room has a private bathroom with a shower/bathtub combination. It comes with towels, bathrobes, designer toiletries and a hair dryer, so you can pack light.

There are two restaurants on site. The Cheoah Dining Room serves breakfast, with limited terrace seating over the Cheoah River. The riverside Tapoco Tavern serves pub fare such as burgers, brick-oven pizza and local Carolina Mountain trout, with a full-service bar. The Tavern is seasonal and closes in winter. Just off the lobby, the Laurel Lounge then becomes a popular spot for cocktails, beer and wine. Reservations at the Tavern are recommended; call (828) 498-2800.

The lodge has no swimming pool, though it does have a hot tub. Guests can use the on-site tennis courts, wander the hiking trails, and enjoy firepits and the Hammock Cove. There is also the Tapoco Tin Can Theater, which hosts movie screenings on most Friday nights. The Mountain Spa is open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Complimentary weekly yoga is held by the river in good weather. Cell service is limited once you leave the lodge, but WiFi works well throughout the property.

Check-in runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and there is no after-hours check-in. Check-out is before 10 a.m. Bring photo ID and a credit card. A $50 damage deposit is taken on arrival and should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. The lodge's own terms require the booking guest to be at least 21 and to be present on or around the property during the stay.

The lodge is on the Cheoah River in Nantahala National Forest, about 15 miles from Robbinsville. The nearest airport is McGhee Tyson (TYS), roughly 76–83 minutes away by car. The start of the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is under three miles away. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is about 13.5 miles away, and the Cherohala Skyway is about 9 miles away. The lodge is not within walking distance of town, so plan to arrive by car.

If you cancel less than 72 hours before arrival, the deposit is forfeited. Reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit or debit card. Checks and foreign currency are not accepted.