The hotel has breathtaking views. The one big pro...

The hotel has breathtaking views. The one big problem and I mean HUGE problem is that the resort is a tourist attraction for locals and people visiting the Asheville area. My wife and I have stayed there twice in 8 years, most recently in October 2015 and found the experience similiar. The hotel lobby is mobbed with people. You could call the huge fire places charming if it weren't for the insane number of guests and non guests using the lobby. Even the restaurants aren't able to handle the volume of guests. We called to make lunch reservations at Edisons at 2:50 on a Saturday and we were told that we couldn't have a table for at least 45 minutes. The bar down the hall was closed for some reason and the only other option was the main dining area with $35+ entrees. The hotel is understaffed for the number of guests/non guests using the property. My suggestion would be that if Omni just wants the Grovepark Inn to be a tourist attraction, then use it as such. Don't stay there, come for the afternoon and book a lunch reservation well in advance. Don't assume even at off peak times that you will be able to get a table. It is a shame the hotel lobby is like an indoor shopping mall just before Christmas. Also, we attempted to order food off the restaurant's menu and In Room Dining refused to serve us anything other than what is on the In Room Dining menu. If they can't accomodate all of their guests in the dining rooms then this should change. All of this is just not what should be accepted at this price point. Omni needs to figure out what they want this hotel to be because I also see reviews from non hotel guest complaining about similar things. Contrary to what other guests say in the reviews, we found the food much improved under Omni management. While not excellent, the food was as expected for a hotel of this size and price. Our room was also nice and recently remodeled but a view of nothing for >$325 night. Finally, if your idea of relaxing is the mall food court just before Christmas, this hotel is for you, if it's not, this hotel isn't for you. Just come and visit in the afternoon, enjoy the views and then head back to your own hotel where you can relax and get a meal without planning days in advance.