Lake Junaluska Conference And Retreat Center

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Joe Namour
6 months ago
Lake Junaluska is a picturesque location, seemingly taken directly from the pages of a fairytale storybook. With beautifully forested mountains surrounding the gorgeous lake, meandering walkways underneath shade trees, perfectly manicured lawns and homes, and geese and ducks this destination is worth the slight detour off the main road (just 2-3 minutes).There is a public swimming pool, kayak rentals, a fresh sandwich cafe with ice cream, this is so much to see and enjoy at this lovely mountain valley location.It s definitely worth a half-day visit or as a venue for weddings, vacations, or retreats.

  Kaitlyn Long
10 months ago
I recently got married here. We got married in the chapel but they had double booked it and so people were looking for another wedding while ours was going on. We literally had a person stuck their head in one of the windows during the ceremony. We had a buffet with a choice of fried chicken or BBQ. The fried chicken was literally raw and bleeding. My wedding planner had to go around and gather the chicken up from the guests who told us. My husband also had gotten chicken and his was bleeding. When my wedding planner told the chef he was very dismissive and stuck the thermometer in the chicken to say it was fine but the second batch of chicken had the same problem and so nobody ate it. So the chicken wasn t even edible and I can t believe that I had to pay for it. We stayed at the terrace hotel and my husband had bites on his feet. One of his groomsmen, who also stayed at the hotel, had bites on his back that look just like bed bug bites. When he called to tell the hotel they were also dismissive and said that they didn t have bedbugs. When my wedding planner emailed the company to tell them everything that had happened, they never responded.Overall, it was a stunning place to get married but the service provided by the company who runs the retreat is terribly lacking. I will include a picture of my husbands plate from the wedding just to show that I wasn t overreacting when I say the chicken was literally bleeding.

  Megumi Serbil
10 months ago
This place is huge and offers a lot of services. Great place to take your kids for recreation.. Boating, fishing, paddle boarding, and more...They beauty of the lake is stunning, especially at night.

  Chris Shearer
3 years ago
So we were not staying here, but just stopped by for a run on the trail around the lake. Beautiful campus. Definitely stop by at the top of the hour to hear their beautiful chimes. Decent path around the lake, although narrow in places. People seem to think they are the only ones there, as they seem surprised when we call 'on your left' as we pass. Loved the bridges and one lane bridge. Just such a nice place to get some miles in. Park near the acquatic center.

  Paul Dicicco
2 years ago
Wonderfully beautiful setting for a retreat. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. Many thanks to the cafeteria staff who went above and beyond to meet our varied dietary needs. The bedrooms were nicely stocked with plenty of towels and toiletries.

  Sarah Hipps
a year ago
I booked a sit in kayak for 7 PM on Friday night. I booked it online. I got there and the poor girls at the desk had to explain to me they don t let anybody go out that late at night, and management decided last season that the sit in kayaks were old. So, management threw away those kayaks and none are available. Even though I had already paid for it. The girls also explained to me that they have been trying to get management to fix these computer issues for months. I tried to go to the management office, but of course it was closed.

  Trent Parker
4 years ago
The apartment we stayed in was clean and had all the necessities as far as furnishings go. The wifi was really good and the staff was very friendly and helpful. The grounds themselves are beautiful and well-maintained. Walking around the one, sitting in the rocking chair outside the door, or lounging in the hammocks in the yard all allow for a peaceful stay.

  Coach Szelli (E.V.)
2 years ago
I came here first for a Women's Retreat Oct. 1-3 2021 and fell in Love with the place. I stayed at the "Terrace" They have old style but clean rooms , bathroom, mini fridge and coffee maker with some coffee , Tv, air-conditioning and heating. was no microwave in my room but there are ice maker machine on the floors. We got breakfast and was an option for dinner. There is a fireplace that is available to everyone! I loved it and you can sit outside of the terrace on rocking chairs.I decided to come back after a few weeks to Lake Junaluska because I LOVE IT SO MUCH. The Lake is Spectacular with the Mountain View. And there is a huge Cross on the hill you can walk up there. You can see the sun rise from one side of the lake ( right at the boat rental place)facing toward the Cross But you can see the sunset if you go up to the hill( from Lambuth Inn )and look to the right toward the boat rental direction . This is my second time here Oct 21-27. 2021 I just arrived . I am at Lumbath Inn. Twin room. There are actually 2 full bed they are bigger than expected!! There are mini fridge and coffee maker in the room. No microwave in the room but there is one on each floor and an ice machine. I loved the Terrace but I love this location even more! Walk around the Lake or go to Maggie Valley, Go look at the Elks at Catalochee Valley or Oconaluftee, Go to Soco Falls check out Cabbage Rose gift shop and watch the sunset or just a view at Waterrock Knob. I just Love this place. Highly Reccomended!! Enjoy!

  DogMama Moses
4 years ago
My husband and I were here this past week for the Holston Conference and we had such a wonderful experience! The rooms were clean and the food was excellent. Would like to take a minute to point out a few staff members. I had a problem in the middle of the evening and the girl at the front desk (Christine?) was wonderful. She came up and solved the problem within minutes even though she was by herself she was friendly and personable about the incident and said she didn't mind helping. Also had a chance to stop and speak with Laura who was very pleasant and knowledgeable about the lake I wish her luck with her social work. Excited to be back next year!

  Allora Novak
6 years ago
The grounds themselves are beautiful, but not all of the lodges have scenic views. We stayed in the Lakeside Lodge, the rooms were okay? They weren't horrible, but certainly not nice. We had no fridge which was a bummer.. Kayaking was worth it, probably one of the best parts. All in all it was decent, and for a very cheap price.

  Keepsake Memories
5 years ago
We had a wonderful time staying here and photographing a wedding at their chapel. The staff was friendly and the views were peaceful and inviting. Our favorite thing was to wake up early in the morning and walk the trail along the Lake.

  Steven Kendell
4 years ago
The air conditioning does not work. The fan makes a very loud humming noise then the noise gets louder then softer then loud again ... good if you don t like to sleep. The front desk person was incompetent. On Saturday the restaurant closes at 7pm (yes 7pm on a Saturday). The closest food is about a half hour away (1 hour round trip). With this all in consideration I have to give the hotel an F. Again if your not interested in sleeping and don t want to eat then this is the place for you.

  Mary McKinney
9 years ago
The hotel was adequate. The location was fantastic. I am scoring the hotel at the lowest rating because my personal and expensive pillow was stolen when I forgot it in my room at check out. When I returned to my home that evening and realized it, I called the hotel. I provided my check out time and room number. I was assured that they would look for it. Despite many repeated contacts to the management, I was never provided with my pillow or with reimbursement for it. The only logical explanation is that a hotel staff person took it home. I have not been able to afford to replace the pillow and my sleep has suffered. My check out date was on 9/18/14. I was quite surprised that the hotel made no attempt at all to make it right with me.

  James Martin
8 years ago
We stayed last night in an apartment. Compared to a hotel room it wasn't as nice but compared to other conference centers the rooms have been fairly well taken care of. The scenery is beautiful. We especially liked the native garden.

  R Hahn
5 years ago
I go to the Terrace Hotel at LJ every year for 10 days and it is beautiful. Choose a room on the lake side on an upper floor for the view. Beds are extremely comfortable and rooms with King beds & sitting areas are available. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful.

  Mike H
6 years ago
The walking trail (3.7km or 6.1km, depending on path) is an excellent way to enjoy the lake. A sturdy wooden bridge spanning the main lake's inlet, the Francis Asbury botanical trail, the Rose Walk near the conference center, and a walkway over the Lake Junaluska dam are all part of the package. It's dog friendly, too!

  Pamela Seales
3 years ago
Family oriented. Love the mountains. Charming homes dotted through this community. Fun shopping eating and folksy area Relaxed area. Water activities are available. Welcoming to all Christian denominations. Retreats and gatherings. You get to meet folks from other churches. Comfortable accommodations and dining. I loved visiting and staying at the Lambuth Inn on and up hill from lake.

  Katherine Ann
6 years ago
Hello If your looking for a clean, family friendly, Dog friendly, piece of relaxation you found it! :) It maybe a little outdateded with its style, but don't let that push you away...its like being at your grandma, minus the old lady perfume and China cabinets with nicnaks.. lol ;)We came up from Florida because of Irma. It was amazing The Lake and Fema worked together so people like us had a wonderful place to stay... NOT only did we get to stay, they welcomed our whole family with open arms including our cat.Y'all were such a blessing... you turned a very stressful situation, into a wonderful vacation. We didn't know where we would go, after 14hrs with a packed car with a 1yr old, 6year old autistic child, a dog, a cat, a husband that came straight up from work and a mother that has chronic pain, with no sleep in a day in a half, you guy's were a little piece of heaven.The rooms were very clean, staff was friendly just like family very helpful with bright smiles, always made sure we had clean towels, toilet paper, soap etc. Our apt had two rooms which i loved because we had kids. They were able to play and we could relax.Lake Junaluska had beautiful views and such a loving feel. We had great neighbors, and the kids playgrounds we 're so fun. It meant so much for us to all be together. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank y'all. Now when we come up my family knows where we will stay and feel right at home!! I wish I could give more stars :) Godbless and Have a beautiful day! Too bad we didn't get to do everything y'all had to offer, there is so much more than meets the eye. The welcome center is fascinating with such a diversity of cultures filling the lobby, it's like taking a trip around the world.If your on the fence about where to stay give Lake Junaluska apts a chance, you'll love it :)

  Morse and Gail Conyer
4 years ago
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  Sara Rose Roman
7 years ago
Pros: clean, comfortable bed, beautiful locationCons: VERY thin walls. We heard everything!!! No dining options. We woke up at 9 and there was nowhere to get any food until 11:30, but check out is at 11. Makes no sense.

  Marc Lewis
a month ago
Great place to walk or relax in a rocking chair.

  Wendy
a year ago
Beautiful and peaceful. Lodging and coffee shop, ice cream , restaurant and many activities to enjoy and beautiful sights to see . I love this place. Fantastic friendly staff

  Matt R
8 years ago
Great location for a conference. Beautiful area. Relaxing for adults and the Lake provides a great place for kids to be entertained with all activities. The whole campus is quiet and relaxed. A great place to go and unwind.

  Rhonda Gentry Allen
2 years ago
Lake Junaluska is one of the loveliness lakes in WNC with lots of things to do. My favorite thing is the walking trails. You will love it here !

  Aaron Timperio
11 months ago
Love this place. It s a great place to press the pause button. We had a great time at the Gather around retreat!

  ShannonandGaye Coker
3 years ago
What a great place for running or walking around the lake . 4miles on big loop and 2 on short . Found the to bistro has great food Thursday-Sunday .

  Explore With Who
8 months ago
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  Jonathan Bunn
a year ago
My family has been coming for years. It is one of the most peaceful places that I know of. There are also lots of activities for the family.

  Carlla Juffo
2 years ago
This a picture perfect place for a retreat. My favorite location to photograph families, engagement and wedding.

  ramana raju
6 years ago
This is BS . This is the only hotel in my life gave this review without booking or seeing this hotel. You trid to call them either they dont answer or they dont care . I think they dont want foreigners or any people with accent .. Check twice before booking!