The Esmeralda Inn and Restaurant

Bed and Breakfast

Went there last week to celebrate a friends birthday. Food was awesome, but the desserts were NOT delicious. They were dry and tasted old.

Excellent service and accommodations! The attention to details was an added bonus! We definitely felt like family throughout our stay, and we plan to return very soon!

This Inn is so picturesque! Beautiful history and great setting so close to center of a small quaint town! We are staying in one of the cabins and everything was clean with the majorities of things you will need. We had dinner at the Esmeralda Restaurant and the service was top notch and the dinner itself was excellent. I would recommend the Inn and the restaurant.

Owners Kim and Don Cason were a pure delight for our three night stay. Also memorable were all of the “E” staff. Chris welcomed us in at registration. Kristen also greeted us. In the “E’s” outstanding restaurant we met Lisa, Anna, Brock and Jodie. Tom was a Jack of all trades in the restaurant and to our delight replaced the propane tank to the outdoor fire pit. We don’t remember the name of female wait staffer who made the most delicious desserts and baked items but thank her. Megan says if you hanker for a massage in the “E Spa” — be sure to get Beverly. She was a gifted Masseuse. The Broad River was teeming with white water and a sound that could be heard in the Inn. As we packed up to leave at o-dark thirty we were so grateful to see owner Don in the lobby helping us quietly load up and sadly depart. Be sure to put this incredible Inn on your to visit list. Thank you Kim and Don and staff. Mary Beth and Megan.

Beautiful Inn… relaxing… spa… great food & accommodations…. Awesome staff.

Breakfast was amazing, lunch and dinner were also very good. Sitting on the deck eating dinner enjoying the view was the best. Each staff member was kind, courteous and did an amazing job.

Great Scenery, Atmosphere, Accommodations, and Food!

Just a wonderful place! We stopped here for lunch and everyone was just a nice as could be! The food was amazing! Fried green tomatoes BLT was outstanding! Lovely lobby and would love to return to stay as a guest!

Absolutely loved our stay here. The food was amazing, the staff were so friendly, and the place itself was so cozy and perfect for a nice getaway. We loved the hot tub and the amazing breakfast creations. I can’t get the breakfast casserole out of my head!

We very much enjoyed our stay here! From the room, hot tub, the restaurant, front porch and all the little details that were thought about. Every corner of this place is thought about with the guests in mind. It’s beautiful! We also had a spa day and it was AMAZING! By far the best I’ve ever had. It was my husbands first time and he thoroughly enjoyed it himself. We both are planning our next visit!
One thing I must say is that the staff you have is a real treasure! Everyone we encountered was helpful, informative and all around super nice. We’ve never stayed somewhere that the atmosphere was so pleasant. Thank you for the wonderful stay!

Food is amazing! Service is friendly and cocktails unique and delicious. We plan to be regulars.

My husband and I recently stayed at The Esmeralda Inn and we could not be more pleased with our visit. So much so that we never even left the Inn at all. The restaurant offered the most delicious food for both breakfast and dinner. The hot tub was AMAZING and rocking on the front balcony was so relaxing. Our room was great and every staff member pleasantly went out of their way to make our stay perfect. We can’t wait to go back!

A very nice restaurant. All the NC covid rules adhered to. Not a huge place, but did not feel too crowded.

This place is special too us. Since the first time we went a couple years ago it has always been relaxing and welcoming. The food is incredible and the staff makes you feel at home. There is plenty to do around town, or if you want to stay in and relax plenty to do at the Inn.

Had dinner there and the food was awesome. Chef John is new from Florida
And we really love his special additions to the menu. His oysters Rockefeller was the bomb! Best we’ve ever had.

We loved the restaurant: quiet and elegant. The most beautiful waterfall in the back patio makes it feel as you are part of nature. Autumn our waitress was fun to talk to… the food was amazing.! We tried all the appetizers. One better than the next… I had the trout … delicate and flavorful… the veggies on point! We will be back as I was impressed! Definitely a must try!

We enjoyed our stay and would come back in a heart beat. The staff was helpful, rooms were comfortable, and breakfast was delicious. I would highly recommend.

Good food friendly folks…

Stayed for three days during this Pandemic in 2020, just need to get away and were so blessed to stay here. The room was phenomenal with a great view in room — highly recommend this room. Sat on balcony and can see Chimney Rock, creek close by and can hear the water running down the creek calmly at night, birds singing and Kim one of the owners was a genuine nice person and do all to ensure our stay was like home. Thank you Kim and Don for a great stay and will be back! Stay for a night or a week you won’t be disappoint.

The food and atmosphere were top notch! Definitely want to go back and stay in one of the cabins soon!

Ate at the restaurant last night. Perfect atmosphere and delicious meal. 5 stars!

We had our rehearsal dinner at the Esmeralda, and it was great. The food was absolutely delicious, and the waiters the night of the dinner were very attentive. The event coordinator we worked with during the planning process was very responsive to e-mails. We love the Esmeralda and highly recommend it!

Beautiful place, good food, friendly staff!

This little Inn was absolutely beautiful. We had such a relaxing time here. Chef Keith and Staff are leaps and bounds above average service. I recommend the The Chefs Table if you have a chance. We didn't get to this time but will definitely when we come back. If you aren't staying here at least stop by for dinner. You will not be disappointed. Thanks for everything.

Great staff. Awesome place.

We dined there for out Anniversary. The food was excellent and our waitress was very attentive. Definitely will go back.

The Best Restaurant! Food and Service couldn't have been more perfect!

My husband and I just ate at the chefs table tonight. It was the best time and the best food we have had in a long time. The food and service was absolutely superb. We will definitely be doing that again!

Always a great dining experience there! The food is the best in all of Lake Lure area. Just had one of the best crab cakes ever and the pimiento cheese grits were fantastic.
Service is always great and love the ambiance.
Also love their specialty cocktails made with real fruit.

Magnificent dinner this evening! Surf and turf was so incredibly awesome! Blue berry preserve garnish on seared sea scallops, who knew this could be so wonderful! My filet was prepared to perfection! Add asparagus and Parmesan crusted baked cauliflower, oh my! I have traveled all over the US and Canada and even France, Germany, Austria and Italy… a lot of really great food, however this meal makes my top 10 list! — Roger Pait.

Beautiful and relaxing. Great location.

Beautiful place & attentive staff! The food was amazing! We enjoyed the hot tub and fireplace as well. We would definitely recommend & return for another visit.

Great atmosphere, set in the most beautiful surrounding of the Broad River and Chimney Rock. The scallops are delicious! The staff are so nice, even brought us bug spray for the mosquitos.

This inn was awesome! Im so glad I stayed here on recommendation from a friend. The grounds were immaculate, the breakfast was beyond my wildest expectations of a free breakfast, the room was spotless, and the view was incredible. We had the corner room on the third floor facing the cliff of chimney Rock and it looked amazing in the fog and we could hear the river across the street. We were in the area for a wedding so we did not have time to appreciate the game room, lounge, wrap around porch, or jacuzzi but I'm sure we will be back soon. Also they gave us coupons for our next stay as we left. I'm not sure I'll be able to use them in time but its already late in the season so whatever. I absolutely recommend this spot to anyone visiting this beautiful little valley.

Outstanding service and a 5-star meal. Scallops and crab cake were incredible! Also great local craft brew selection and excellent wine menu.

Arrived to the inn only to feel discriminated for my skin color. I’ve never been so uncomfortable in my life. It’s 2018 and it is sad that there’s still people that treat colored people unfairly. My Brother spent $300 for a small room and was watched very closely on our way in and out. My family who lives in chimney rock read how much of a great place this was and decided to get us a room since we were visiting this great “lil friendly town”. My wife and I️ have always wanted to visit chimney rock but we decided not to stay there at all after the way the man and women acted and visited a very friendly town called Hendersonville NC 28792. There we found that no one had such a racist/hatred feeling towards us. We demand a apology from the two, Male and female that was at the front desk acting a fool. I️ pray that no one ever feel the way I️ did in that place. And I️ hope no one ever stays in a place owned by people like that. To say you are Christian and not love you neighbor that is wrong. You will never Have another Castillo family member stay here. Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome. Saturday July 14 2018. Room key 105.

The staff was so friendly and the food was amazing. They made this picnic lunch for my husband and I and I posed for a picture with the sandwich I believe with a new hairdo and no one wanted to know about the hairdo. The sandwich was the star and it was as good as it looked. Our dinner was great too and the bathrobes are this big fat luxe omg I’m the queen type of robe. You should go. Do it.

We visited this restaurant on a Thursday night with a party of 10. My husband ordered a pasta dish and after taking one bite said it Was pasty and tough and he couldn’t eat it. The waiter brought it to me at the other end of the table and wanted to know if I wanted it. I did not because I had ordered an appetizer. The waiter sat it on the table and asked the others if anyone wanted it. No one did. After we left my husband told me he had to pay for that meal. He left with no dinner and an $80 tab. After calling twice the next day (and being promised a return call which never came), I called them and I was told there would be no refund and “when we came again they would make sure the meal would be to our satisfaction”. There won’t be another visit. If you leave a restaurant, dissatisfied and hungry, why should it cost you? The rolls were store bought and 2 people ordered steaks so tough it was embarrassing. I can’t understand an establishment not standing behind their sorry meals that they charge you for and are ashamed to talk to you about it. I’m done with Esmeralda! There are wonderful restaurants in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Visit them!

This is an amazing place to stay. The views are breathtaking, the entire hotel is spotless, the food is sumptuous, the beds are heavenly and the staff is beyond compare. I literally felt like I was the only guest in the hotel with everyone taking care of my every whim. I couldn't possibly recommend it more highly.

This is regarding the restaurant. We went for restaurant week. Our meal was wonderful. Each course was executed well. The shrimp and grits egg roll was a nice twist on a normal dish. The grounds looked lovely, unfortunately we arrived too near dusk to really appreciate it. Looking forward to a return visit soon.

I stayed here with a friend and we loved our stay! The rooms are rustic but so comfortable. The pillows where heavenly, the blankets fluffy, and the toiletries felt high-end. We were able to get a reservation at the restaurant on our last night and it was the best meal we had during our whole stay. Skip Larkins and eat here!

Would never stay here again. We were visiting from Europe and I made the mistake of letting my kid choose the hotel. Well I cancelled with a fee after 1 night and spent the other 9 at a better hotel nearby. Staff needs serious training in customer service skills. This place also tries very hard to be nice and slightly upscale (which it is not) Avoid their food at all costs!. There's no reviews anywhere for a reason. To put it simply they have overpriced food and a pre fix menu for every holiday it seems and their food is garbage. Kitchen staff that can't even cook a steak how you order it. The restaurant is a joke! I met several local residents during my stay and nobody had anything good to say about the Inn or restaurant. avoid at all costs. Waste of your time & money to stay or eat here.

Stopped in for information. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. It was beautiful. If I was ever back in the area I would consider staying there.

My wife and I went there this past weekend. The staff was extremely kind and really did make it feel like home. We wanted a fire outside in the fire place and the staff went out there and fixed one just for us. Also the staff gives tours to everyone who is a first time guest. The game room was exceptional and our room felt like our own private get away. We plan on going again real soon.

This place is incredible! We arrived for a 2 night stay and were immediately made to feel so welcome. Molly greeted us, got us checked in, gave us a tour, answered our questions, and then retrieved a luggage cart for us. The room was extremely comfy and the view from the semi-private balcony was breathtaking! We made reservations for dinner and were not disappointed. The food was incredible! We had breakfast as well and were just as happy! The entire staff was courteous, helpful, and knowledgeable.

23 of my family just spent our Christmas gathering here for the weekend. The Esmeralda owner and staff handled every detail professionally and courteously. The cabins, the bedrooms, the game room, the lobby, and the private dining room provided perfect spaces for gathering and for private times. Exceptional luxury in the mountains of NC.

Attended a reheasal dinner for my daughter's upcoming wedding. The Inn was charming. Beautiful woodwork. Service was excellent. The dinner was delicious.

I loved this place! I will go back soon. Ms Kim was fantastic! Room was great! View was spectacular… breakfast was so good! everything was perfect!

The Esmeralda Inn was a great place to have dinner in Chimney Rock. My husband and I are staying in Lake Lure and it was a convenient and beautiful drive to the Inn. The food was delicious! We got to enjoy our meal on the front porch while taking in the gorgeous mountain view. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because our waiter was new and still learning which made service a little on the slow side, but I would still go back!

This is our number one place to stay at the room and bed are great you know how you stay somewhere and the bed just don't cut it! There beds are so comfortable and loved the king size for sure!

Perfect inn nestled in the mountain right before Chimney rock village. Comfortable beds, amazing pillows (yes pillows), the cleanest hotel room I've ever seen, nice tvs, nice staff, beautiful place & breakfast including. We are thoroughly enjoying ourselves.

Had dinner on their patio, which had an amazing mountain view. The service was good, although a bit slow at times. Food was excellent and they had a diverse selection of craft beer (there wasn't a large number of choices but it covered a large range of types). I had the boar and my wife had the shrimp and grits. Both of us enjoyed our meals. I would recommend this place too anyone in the area.

I wish I could give the hotel more than 5 stars. We rented a private cottage on a river. It was an incredible experience and refreshed our bodies and souls. On the other hand, they should not call themself a bed and "breakfast. " It should be a "bed and light snack. " I left breakfast hungry all 3 days.

My husband and I selected Esmeralda Inn for our reception. I could not have been more pleased. The location is beautiful. The staff is amazing. The food was exquisite. If you're looking to plan an event or even just to have a nice night out The Esmeralda Inn is a great choice! Try the cheese trays, the pimento cheese fritters, the beef tenderloin, and pretty much anything on the menu. Oh and the truffle fries. The truffles fries are amazing!

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Esmeralda Inn. Room was very clean and bed was so comfy! The staff was friendly and helpful. The food at the restaurant was AMAZING! I really like how they give you 3 different menu options to choose from at breakfast. If you like pork chops, try "48 Hours" on their menu at dinner time — I have never had a pork chop that tender! The game room was also nice — lots of activities to choose from. I recommend this Inn to anyone who is looking for a nice place to stay in Chimney Rock!

Before even entering the building I was more than pleased. The Inn is surrounded by nothing but amazing beautiful mountain scenery. When arriving customer service was more than satisfactory. The rooms were very clean (a little tiny, but average bedroom size). The inn offers a game room, jacuzzi, and beautiful balcony to watch the sun rise or set. I will definitely look into staying at the esmeralda if there in the future :)

This is maybe the nicest and greatest find of all my travels in western NC. Beautiful area, cabins and hotel are really nice, great people, and the food in the restaurant is excellent. Would go out of my way to stay here and do business with these folks. Breakfast is great, and fried oysters, if on the menu when you go, are off the chain.

Absolutely beautiful stay this past weekend! The staff was extremely friendly, and our room was immaculate. We had a box of chocolates on our bed when we arrived (Valentine's Day) and the towels and linens were so soft and smelled delightful. (Very rare at most places! ) The location of the Inn was perfect, very close to Chimney Rock Village! One of the best perks was the complimentary breakfast each morning. It was delicious and the entire stay made us feel very spoiled. We'll definitely be back in the spring/summer to enjoy Lake Lure. Thank you again for a wonderful Valentine's/Birthday weekend!

Such friendly people, nice accommodations and amazing food at their restaurant… we will be going back!

This place was amazing, even when the trees are dead. Definitely plan on coming back here!

I loved this whole place. The Inn was great, friendly staff, super clean and comfortable beds, and wonderful views. The restaurant was also great, ribeye was perfect. You can also see the Chimney Rock from the patio. Great getaway!

Wonderful staff. Made us feel very welcome. The chef was amazing… literally everything we put in our mouths was perfect and delicious. Unique and creative combinations of fresh, local (much of it farm to table) food that was delicious. Great ambiance throughout the Inn. In the valley just below the Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock State Park and in the shadow of the rock bluffs themselves. The Terrace room was spacious and comfortable and the terrace was perfect for sitting comfortably in the padded chairs and reading. My wife and I will definitely be returning.

We stayed in the Chimney Rock Cabin. It knocked our socks off when we walked in. It was just so beautiful. Once you walk out the backdoor to the deck the view of the river takes your breath away. I spent much time just rocking in the rocking chair listening to the river. The breakfast we had were amazing. The first morning my husband asked if he could add one of their yogurt parfaits to go along with his breakfast he had already had. The gladly agreed and immediately brought it to him. By far my favorite breakfast was the Blueberry stuffed French Toast with blueberry syrup. The best I've ever had. The owners are fantastic! Kim knew who were every time we walked in the door whether it was for breakfast or dinner. She was very friendly and welcoming. Also, their employee, Holly, was top notch. She answered every question we had from the time we arrived until we checked out with a smile. If you looking for weekend getaway and want to be treated like the most important guest, I highly recommend The Esmeralda's Inn.

Wow. What a great weekend we spent here at the Esmeralda Inn. The location is fantastic. It's right across from the river (a stones throw with a decent arm) with spectacular views of the granite cliff face rising from the river below. At over 100 years old you would expect this place to have some quirks associated with the age but you would be wrong. It's completely modernized, complete with very comfortable furnishings. The Cason's, owners and innkeepers, are so kind and personable and that attitude and culture bleeds through to their incredible staff. They have a hot tub, an indoor and outdoor fireplace, a relaxing terrace and a well furnished game room. Don't forget the restaurant. It's fantastic and the complimentary breakfast is better than any continental I've ever had. I highly recommend this place for any kind of peaceful, romantic retreat.