Eseeola Lodge, Newland

The scenery and mountain location was wonderful. The room was very nice. We have been to places like this before, but we thought the price for what you got was a little steep. We were excited when we heard about the seafood buffet, but was dissappointed. My husband and I both enjoy cooking and we thought the seafood overall was bland ( no fresh herbs or seasoning seemed to be used)...Oh well. We just happened on this place and my husband said he remembered a write up in Southern Living about it. He had not brought a suit jacket with him (one is required for dinner) No jackets in Neyland or Linville...we had to go to Boone to get a jacket so don't forget a jacket guys! The gentleman had told us there were no exceptions and seeing that none they had fit and it had to stay on the entire dinner...we went out looking. In retrospect, we wished we had just left. At dinner what did we see but a man in his shirt sleeves and blue jeans! Come on, guys...everyone needs to play by the same rules OR loosen them up a bit! It was one of those been there, done that visits!!! We proceeded on the next morning to a wonderful trip to Grandfather mountain (our original destination)!

We enjoyed the servers who are college students with a real interest in our happy stay. Just wish we could have stayed longer, but the rooms stay booked in advance.

Overall, my husband and I had a nice time at Eseeola Lodge. However, based on the charges per night, we felt it was overpriced. Our stay included our room, breakfast, dinner, and a round of golf. Breakfast was very good, dinner was a mere "so...so". Eseeola Lodge restaurant must get a very good price on salt...they use alot of it!! We, at some point, will go back but feel there are many other locations to explore first!