Summary: Best places to stay in Highlands NC
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If you’re planning a weekend in the mountains, you’ll want to know the best places to stay in Highlands, NC to perfect the trip. Highlands isn’t big, but different areas and properties can create very different experiences. Some spots put you within walking distance of dinner. Others are more removed and quieter than being right downtown.
Before booking, think about what matters most for your weekend. Do you want to walk to restaurants? Do you want spa amenities? Are you planning mostly hikes and waterfalls? Are you traveling as a couple or with a group?
This guide breaks down the best places to stay in Highlands NC, with clear details on location, vibe, and what you can realistically expect from each one.
Trailborn Highlands
Trailborn Highlands is probably one of our favorite stays in Highlands, and I can definitely say this is one of the best places to stay in Highlands, NC. It’s close to downtown, but feels completely remote and quiet when you’re back on the property.
I absolutely loved the Nordic spa on the property. You can literally come down in your robe and sauna fit, move between sauna and cold spritz sessions, hang by the fire, enjoy the drinks and snacks they provide, and just reset. After a long hike or waterfall day, that setup hits differently.
They also have a small market on-site where you can grab snacks, supplies, and merch. Every morning they serve tea, coffee, and a breakfast treat, which makes getting your day started easy. You can book excursions right through the front desk, and they have bikes you can use to ride around the property and downtown.
At night, one of our favorite things was grabbing a s’mores kit from the market and heading to the fire pits. Sitting out there stargazing and making s’mores just felt simple and fun.
The rooms are super cute and comfortable. There’s also a supper club on-site, which was one of the most delicious dinners we had in Highlands, NC. I would highly recommend checking out this place for your trip to Highlands.
Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Old Edwards Inn & Spa is probably the most well-known property in Highlands. If you want a full resort-style experience right in the middle of downtown, this is it.
One thing that’s helpful to know is that the property isn’t just one building, it’s spread throughout downtown. So you’ll see different guest houses and buildings as you walk around. You’re steps from restaurants, shops, and coffee, which makes the location really convenient.
The spa is a big part of why people stay here. They have a full-service spa, a beautiful courtyard area with heated mineral pools, and spaces that actually feel relaxing instead of crowded. There are also multiple dining options on-site, so you can easily make a full weekend out of just staying here.
If you want something quieter and adults-only, they also have Half-Mile Farm just outside of town, and there’s a shuttle that runs between the properties.
This is lands in the best places to stay in Highlands list especially if you’re celebrating something or planning a girls’ weekend.
Skyline Lodge
Skyline Lodge is a really fun place to stay if you like a mountain-top resort type of feel. We’ve spent time here, and it strikes a good balance between quiet retreat and easy access to restaurants and shops. The lodge sits up on a ridgeline above Highlands, so when you pull in, you’re greeted with amazing mountain views.
The rooms were renovated in 2021 and have the all the necessities like free Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, walk-in showers, in-room coffee, heated tile floors in the bathroom, and comfortable mattresses. Some rooms even have balconies or views of the mountains.
There are outdoor fire pits and a terrace where you can sit in the evening, and the on-site Oak Steakhouse makes dinner convenient without driving back into town.
One of the things we liked most was the sense that you could stay in your room, take a quick walk on the lodge trails, grab dinner, and still feel like you experienced the mountains. It’s also pet-friendly, which is a nice bonus if you’re traveling with a dog.
If you want a stay that feels classic to the Highlands area, Skyline Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Highlands, NC.
The Park on Main
The Park on Main is one of the most convenient stays in town, especially if being able to walk everywhere matters to you. It’s right in downtown Highlands, so once you park, you really don’t need to move your car for dinner, coffee, or shopping.
This is also one of the best places to stay in Highlands, NC if you’re traveling with a dog. They’re genuinely pet-friendly, not just “pet-allowed,” and they’ve thought through the details for people bringing pets along.
The rooms are comfortable and straightforward, and the biggest advantage here is location. You can head out for a morning coffee, walk to dinner in the evening, and pop back to your room whenever you want without thinking about parking.
Highlands Inn
Highlands Inn is another downtown stay that’s hard to beat when it comes to location. It sits right on Main Street, so you’re steps from restaurants, shops, and coffee spots. If you want to walk everywhere and not think about driving once you arrive, this makes it easy.
Some of the rooms have mountain views, which is one of the main draws here. It’s a smaller property compared to the larger resort-style stays, so it feels quieter and more low-key.
If you’re looking at the best places to stay in Highlands, NC with easy access to everything, Highlands Inn is a solid choice.
Highlander Mountain House & Ruffed Grouse Tavern
Highlander Mountain House feels more intimate than some of the larger properties in Highlands. It sits slightly outside of the busiest part of downtown, so it’s quieter. However, you’re still only a few minutes away from restaurants and shops.
One of the biggest perks here is Ruffed Grouse Tavern right on-site. Being able to walk downstairs for dinner changes the pace of your evening, especially after a full day outside.
If you’re looking at the best places to stay in Highlands, NC and want something boutique, this is a great option.
Outpost Inn
Outpost Inn is a smaller, more low-key option. It’s close to town and easy to access, making it convenient without being flashy.
Rooms are simple and comfortable. This is a good fit if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring and just need a clean, easy place to come back to at night.
Not every stay needs to be a resort experience, and this is one of the more straightforward lodging options in the area.
Sapphire Inn
Sapphire Inn is located outside of Highlands in the nearby town of Sapphire. It’s typically more budget-friendly than many downtown options.
Because it’s not in Highlands proper, you’ll need to drive into town for restaurants and shops. The trade-off is price and quieter surroundings.
If you’re looking for one of the more affordable options near Highlands and don’t mind a short drive, this can make sense.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Highlands NC
The best place to stay really comes down to what kind of weekend you want.
If you want to walk everywhere and have spa access built in, Old Edwards makes that easy. If you like boutique stays with amenities you’ll actually use, Trailborn is one of our favorites. If you want something that feels more mountain-lodge and a little removed, Skyline Lodge or Highlander Mountain House both work well.
If location is everything, The Park on Main and Highlands Inn keep you right in the center of town. And if you’re trying to keep costs lower and don’t mind a short drive, Sapphire Inn can make sense.
Highlands isn’t huge, but where you stay does change the feel of your trip. Once you decide whether you care most about walkability, amenities, privacy, or price, the choice gets a lot easier.