The Dillard House Inn

Good– beautiful location, remote and quiet. Good places to eat at and beautiful hiking areas close by, most of staff are nice, horse back riding at stables was fun. Bad– chalets are in bad shape. Roof is covered in mold and falling apart, sink faucet moves, burners on stove coming out, floors uneven, everything old and tired looking, worn out. Major renovation is needed. Just discovered back door will pull open even when it is locked! Sleeping with my gun tonight!

Oh my, how this old friend has fallen. We’ve stayed here every summer for seven years to judge at the BBQ Festival and, for the last few years, the signs of its demise have mounted. (Funny, I first thought, «oh– oh» three years ago when the charming Dillard branded cups were replaced by ugly styrofoam…) Rooms have become shabby, ice machines inoperative, this year I see the chalets are up for sale and having its own set of problems…
Every year my group of friends who also stay at the Inn would look forward to the lovely Saturday afternoon wine and cheese party in the garden featuring a massive sweet and savory spread and endless beverages for adults and children. Last year we were disappointed to discover it had been cut back to one free drink ticket on the porch and a skimpy plate of crackers and cheese. And this year… cancelled outright — no explanation. Meanwhile dining room prices have continued to rise.
The location continues to be one of the most spectacular in the area with glorious mountain views making it ideal for events. But for the poor, loyal guest, sadly it’s time to investigate other, less expensive options.

We had a paid reservations for a chalet at the Dillard’s house. They cancelled it seven days before we were supposed to arrive due to some sort of water problems. We will not be going back.

For $ 100 we got a large plush room with a fireplace. Best accommodations around! Killer breakfast and I got to pet animals! ;)

So here it is in a nutshell. THE DILLARD HOUSE IS O.V.E.R. It’s had a long standing reputation as the go-​to place in Clayton/​Dillard but frankly it’s over.
Went up this November 14′ without reservations anywhere and frankly it was so hot I couldn’t take anymore waterfallin. Stopped in against my better judgement to rent a chalet if they had one. Seriously busy being peak leaf time but honestly I was the only person under 65 in the place. It was 4pm and folks who’d just eaten either a very late lunch or early dinner had to track down someone to take their money.
Then the lady told someone, it smells like wet dog in the restaurant”. No response from the teenaged hostess who seemed to be so bored she was about to fall asleep.
The chalet I wanted was available BUT at $ 169 a night WITH NO JACUZZI.
All the jacuzzi are broken and closed in all chalets but no break on the rate.
I looked at one of the ‘upper’ rooms and yikes, $ 170 a night for a hotel room with a giant outdoor jacuzzi in the living room, no thanks. The bed looked cozy but had a 16 inch old-​school TV in the bedroom and when I went to see the room the maids were outside YELLING to each other down the breezeway. Nope, not gonna be woken up or have my privacy tainted by yelling outside. NOT AT $ 170!
Went to the chalet, yes I paid $ 169 and no jacuzzi, firewood that would not light despite being lit by 5, yes 5 paraffin fire starters, OH I BROUGHT MY OWN, THERE were NO MATCHES, NO FIRESTARTERS AT ALL, kindling etc… what a waste of time and energy; a broken falling apart grill and a shower which frankly would have been more inviting outside as I had to walk over the hot tube cover to get to it.
Oh and the leave blowers at 9am the next morning despite the rain. GRRRR
THE ARE SELLING the chalet’s and should!
HOPEFULLY the next owners will NOT use The Dillard House staff to manage them and just build for private residences.
They ‘said’ the jacuzzi’s were getting soot from the county/​city water pipes and blocking the motors, but last time I was there, which was 3 yrs earlier, the jacuzzi was about .95 degrees which means it was useless.
The only people still going to THE DILLARD HOUSE are so old they cannot change and don’t realize what a raw deal they are getting because they are stuck in their ways.