Stay at the Grand Bohemian. Nothing in the area compares. Located just outside of Biltmore grounds. Trust me.

Just spent the day there. Had a great time. Pics and a full report when we get home.

Went at Christmas about 20 years ago..and enjoyed it very much. Lots of beautiful decorations. Didn't know tickets were so much. They were free for me/us (gift) from mother-in-law who earned them for selling Avon. May that wonderful woman rest in peace.

Did the Christmas tour via reservation in the evening. The following day was free. Definitely do the second day. You'll see things you missed or didn't have time to study. I've toured Biltmore 4 times and different seasons and see something new every time.

Just got back from there. Plan on spending a full day at Biltmore...there's lots to see. It still ranks as the largest privately-owned residence in the US. The audio tour is just OK but the guided tours are excellent and well worth considering. The docents are very knowledgeable and really bring the place to life. We did the self-guided tour in the morning, then booked two guided tours for the afternoon. As mentioned earlier, the roof tour is pretty cool and the views from up there are quite spectacular. In between, we left time for lunch at the Courtyard Market right there next to the house. Service at the bake shop was quicker but neither place is gourmet dining. The Stable Cafe (also right at the house) probably has the best food but you'll need a reservation and more time. All other dining options on the estate are either in Antler Hill Village or at the Inn, both of which are a ways from the house. Antler Hill Village looked very touristy and crowded.

Be sure to go down into the basement to see period photos of the estate under construction and the artworks painted on the walls of the Halloween Room.

Buy all your admission and tour tickets in advance. Crowds are lighter in the morning but the place was buzzing by early afternoon. Try to park in lots A or B and walk to the house...only takes a few minutes. The outer lots require a shuttle ride. If you wind up leaving in the late afternoon, be prepared for a VERY slow ride out of the estate due to limited routes and lots of traffic.


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The Halloween Room
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We stayed at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, about 20min. from the Biltmore estate.
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Rcooled thanks so much for the info. Very helpful

We stayed at the Inn on the Biltmore Estate several years ago, which is the top Biltmore hotel on the grounds. We stayed one night and did the night tour (and day tour as well). The place is quite deluxe as you can imagine. The hotel lobby had a huge Christmas tree, all decked out. They have a shuttle so you don't have to deal with parking at the mansion. There is a nearby winery on the estate for dinner if you don't go into Asheville for dinner (a bit of a hike).
The night tour at Christmas time was exceptional, complete with a string quartet playing on entry. My wife loved the tour. It is totally worth it if you are only going once.

Stayed there for three nights a few years ago and Mrs Jam has pestered me to go back for another visit every time holidays are being planned. Check for special deals, we got three nights for the price of two. :)

Paul, can you believe it was mid 2011 ... seven years ago!! when we camped in your basement on the way to Biltmore. Good memories, often recalled.

We were staying in Greenville and went to the Biltmore as a day trip, it worked out fine.

Holy cow!

You folks are welcomed back any time - kids are gone!!!

All the best.

I would think that it would take a minimum of three visits...during the holidays, in the fall, and in the summer, to even begin to imagine it all...

I bet even Tabs would approve of the ol' shack ;)