Litespeed_Chick

Just how great IS the spa area? We are taking the in-laws to spend the night at GPI, my MIL wants to have a massage. I'll get one too. here's the question...is it worth $80 to get the husbands in the spa just to use the grotto pools, etc? We have a pool at home.

The pictures certainly look fabulous, but I'm wondering if it would be a matter of get in...tick, tick, 10 minutes goes by, they want to leave. My husband thinks a sauna is torture, btw.

Any chance these massages are going to be worth $150 for 50 minutes? The spa "menu" at GPI doesn't look all that enticing to me...i'd rather go to spa theology in town for 1/2 the price, but my MIL needs to get the full GPI experience. 'cause she ain't ever going back ;-)

Thanks for opinions and advice!

cmcfong

I have visited the GPI spa while a guest at the hotel a couple of times. When I was there in late March they were closing the pool areas for renovations, so be sure that's done.
I book a manicure or pedicure and use the spa for the day. The services have been fine and I do like the glass of champagne. The spa is very charming and well done, but it is a very business like operation. It would not be worth $80 to visit the spa just to use the pools (at least it wouldn't be worth it to me).
For services generally I have been following a suggestion which leahinsc gave me. I go to Weaverville to the Secret Garden spa and get twice the treatment for half the cost.

WannabeinaMontserrat

I can also recommend the Secret Garden. Unless someone else is picking up the tab, I have a hard time justifying their prices. I get an hour for $55 in CLT. Not going to pay 3X that...

meath1

I stayed at GPI 2 years ago.The spa is ordinary, and IMO not worth the money. Also if you are staying at the GPI, be sure to ask for a room in the old part of the hotel, the original building which in the center.The other rooms are again, ordinary, and very far from everything.

emcash

I stayed at the GPI several years ago for a conference. While i thought the hotel was just OK, i thought the spa was really beautiful. I remember being very impressed by it and i've been to my share of gorgeous spas. I don't think i'd pay $80 just to hang out in it, but i would pay for a treatment and enjoy it. Most high end resorts/spas charge about that much for massages these days (i.e. spas at Ritz Carltons, etc).

Litespeed_Chick

thanks all. Yeah, i paid a horrifying $160 for a massage at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe...and it was truely a cut above...so if the GPI one is that good, i will consider myself only mildly screwed. ;-)

I'm just not sure what to do with the husbands while we are enjoying our massages and spending time in the underwater pools. I wonder if GPI would be willing to negotiate down to the $55 Mon-Thurs rate for the day pass? That price gives me less heartburn.

WannabeinaMontserrat

Some of us husbands enjoy massage as well. Perhaps you should check into that...or GPI has a nice golf course as well.

Asheville_Traveler

They might enjoy some of the bars or lounges - Elaine's can be fun. I don't know what time of day/night you'll be doing the spa though, the bars and lounges may not be open at the same time.

jspence

One of my favorite treats is the spa at GPI. So, yes, I would definitely recommend. You can also pay a daily usage fee for pools, whirlpools, steam bath & sauna, etc. without getting a treatment for around $30ish.

The fireplace by the outside pool is fabulous! I could stay out there all day and read a book...the scene is great!

There is a golf course if DH prefers. The music in the lobby at night is also fun.

xrae

Had lunch at Grove Park Inn last week on the Sunset Terrance (wonderful!!!) and the spa is still under renovation. I have no idea when it will reopen. The spa area smells so good, their halls are scented with lavender and other fragrances. It's very relaxing even if you don't have a treatment.

Here's an idea: girls get to go to the spa, husbands can play golf and/or visit the antique auto museum on the grounds.

ashevegas

I live here in town and my wife has been there a number of times and goes for the whole day. I think it depends on how Type A your husband is. If he's a constant "do-er" it might not be his thing. But if he enjoys hanging by the various pools and wants to chill out a read a book i think it would be well worth it. It just depends on if he can sit still. Obviously if it's still under renovation it wouldn't be worth it.
While your here check out some of our local restaurant talent. Tupelo Honey, Chorizo, 12 Bones, Salsa and Reza's. All great places to eat that will give you a real feel for Asheville.
Have a great time.

xrae

I had lunch at 12 Bones in Kingsport, Tenn., today (sister of the Asheville location). It's soooooooo gooooooooood.

Litespeed_Chick

Thanks all - well it appears we ARE going to hack up the $80 each (not $30 as suggested above) to get the boys in the pool. Very good point...husband is not a sit-still type, but the in-laws certainly are ;-)

Both husband and FIL have refused a "gentleman's manicure" even though it would be the same price as just going in the spa...not sufficiently manly , apparently.

Ashevegas, thanks for the restaurant recs. I actually spend about every other weekend dining in Asheville (live in G'ville) and I think you have very good taste.

I'll report in next week.

xrae

So if they won't get MANicures, I suppose pedicures are right out. I work in a salon/day spa. Once a man has the guts to get a pedicure, he comes back again and again.

denice7

I don't know where the person is getting $30 but that was not the price 2 years ago. It was $65. Unless your husband wants to swim for an hour or 2 I would forget it.