Unfortunately, they have a monopoly...
Spruce Pine has very few lodging options and we have stayed at Pine Bridge several times over the past 10 years. In the last 2 years, we have sadly seen the quality decline. The rooms, though clean enough, seem worn out and poorly decorated. The hotel is over-priced. And the last time we were there, a large group was staying in the hotel and hanging out "partying" in the courtyard below the window of our room after midnight. I called the front desk twice and got no satisfaction. I tried to call the police, but was routed to a recording!
The third time I called the desk, the clerk was outside with the large group! Not a pleasant experience when you're paying $85 a night and trying to keep a 4 year old asleep.
Although Pinebridge is centrally located and used to have a certain charm, the outrageous pricing and poor service is enough to make me travel an extra few miles to stay elsewhere.