The Swag - Waynesville

We enjoyed lunch at The Swag on Gooseberry Knob. The food was good and included a beautiful setting and view.

Won't see me there and won't recommend based on employees. Reservation/registration representative Hannah's behavior is not in line with a place that charges and touts to be elite. Her language is vulger, she's immature, she says one thing and does another, she's dishonest. Don't want to associate with her or anything she represents.

We absolutely loved the Swag! Every detail was so charming, the staff were personable and made us feel special, and the food was to die for. We had a great hike with the experts in residence and enjoyed the sunrise over the mountains with fresh coffee in hand. We will definitely be coming back such a restful retreat!

Overall, it was a good to great experience. The views were stunning, the service was excellent, and the food was very good. The rooms were satisfactory as well. The horseback riding was fantastic, and the trails were enjoyable. However, there were a few quirks: the toilet paper was single-ply, similar to what you'd find at a convenience store. The beds were merely average, not particularly comfortable. The doors had a peculiar old-fashioned locking system with a wooden key that's a century old, and they were quite loud. Additionally, if you’re staying in the main house, noise levels may be higher than anticipated. Overall, it was a very good stay, but considering the cost, I'm not sure we'll be returning.

Every staff member I encountered was exceptionally kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. When we first arrived, Brooks greeted us with warmth and positivity, setting an uplifting tone for the entire trip. Mark provided an in-depth tour of The Swag, sharing its fascinating history and making us feel at home right from the start. His thoughtful announcements before dinner each night were a delightful touch I've never experienced elsewhere. Sandra was incredibly nice and hilariously funny; she even helped me find a hair product I was looking for. JR and Haley were our attentive waitstaff during dinners, and their knowledge of the menu and positive attitudes made every meal enjoyable. When we emerged from the wrong end of one of our hikes, Will kindly called for a pick-up, and Luke took the time to drive us back. He turned what could have been an inconvenience into an opportunity to share more about The Swag's history during the ride. Benji, the barista, always impressed us with his delicious drinks and even offered to show us how he made them. We're now attempting to recreate his masterpieces at home, but we can't quite match his skills. The food was absolutely exquisite. Each meal was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented—among the best I've ever had. The care and dedication behind the dishes was evident and truly appreciated. I'll never forget my incredible experience at The Swag and all the wonderful people who made it so special for us. We created lasting memories there, and I wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone. You simply can't beat the combination of stunning views, great hiking, amazing food, and kind-hearted people!