Places to stay in Highlands, NC — mountain town surrounded by Blue Ridge forest

/ 2026 Local Guide

Best Places to Stay
in Highlands, NC

A complete guide to where to stay in Highlands, North Carolina — covering top-rated cabins, vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and inns. Updated for 2026.

Cabins & Vacation Rentals
Hotels & Inns
Real Properties Only

Direct Answer

What are the best places to stay in Highlands, NC?

The top overall recommendation is Glen Falls Luxury Cabin — a 5.0-star Airbnb Guest Favorite with a secluded wooded setting, luxury finishes, and walking distance to Glen Falls waterfall, all just minutes from downtown Highlands. For those who prefer a hotel, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is the premier full-service option in the heart of downtown. Half-Mile Farm and Highlander Mountain House are well-regarded boutique alternatives. For cabin rentals, Laurelwood, Stag Ridge, and Falls Drive Cottage are all solid, real options with verified listings.

/ About Highlands, NC

A Mountain Town Worth
Staying a While

When people search for places to stay in Highlands, NC, they're usually looking for something more than just a bed for the night. Highlands is a genuinely special destination — a small mountain town perched at over 4,000 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its cool summers, dramatic waterfalls, excellent restaurants, and a charming walkable downtown that punches well above its size. The combination of natural beauty and refined amenities is rare, and it's what keeps visitors coming back year after year.

The Highlands lodging scene reflects the character of the town. You'll find a mix of luxury cabin rentals tucked into the surrounding forest, boutique hotels and inns in and around downtown, and whole-home vacation rentals that give you the privacy and space of a mountain retreat. Many properties are also dog-friendly — if you're traveling with a pet, there are good pet friendly cabins in Highlands, NC worth considering. Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a longer escape from the heat, there's a genuinely good option here for most types of travelers.

This guide covers the best places to stay in Highlands, NC across all categories — cabins, vacation rentals, and hotels — using only real properties with verified listings. For a deeper look at specific categories, see our guides to vacation rentals in Highlands, NC and cabins in Highlands, NC.

4,118 ft

Elevation

3+ Waterfalls

Within 10 min drive

Downtown

Acclaimed dining & shops

Cool Summers

10–15°F cooler than lowlands

/ Lodging Types

Types of Places to Stay
in Highlands, NC

Cabin rentals in Highlands NC

Cabin Rentals in Highlands, NC

Cabin rentals are the most popular type of Highlands NC lodging for a reason. They offer privacy, outdoor space, a full kitchen, and a genuine mountain atmosphere that hotels simply can't replicate. Most cabins in Highlands are set in wooded, secluded settings — often within a few minutes' drive of downtown — giving you the best of both worlds.

Glen Falls Luxury Cabin is the standout option in this category. With a 5.0-star Airbnb Guest Favorite rating, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a covered deck, and walking distance to Glen Falls waterfall, it consistently earns the highest marks among cabin rentals in the area. Other well-regarded options include Laurelwood, Stag Ridge, and Falls Drive Cottage.

View Cabin Guide
Vacation rentals in Highlands NC

Vacation Rentals in Highlands, NC

Whole-home vacation rentals in Highlands, NC give you the full run of a private property — typically a cabin or mountain home — for the duration of your stay. This means your own kitchen, living space, outdoor area, and no shared walls with other guests. For families, groups, or anyone who values privacy, this is often the preferred option.

The vacation rental market in Highlands skews toward quality. Most listings are well-maintained, thoughtfully furnished, and set in genuinely beautiful locations. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO both have strong inventory here, and many of the best properties are booked well in advance during peak season.

View Vacation Rental Guide

Hotels and Inns in Highlands, NC

Highlands has a small but well-regarded hotel and inn scene. These properties are best for travelers who prefer full-service hospitality, on-site dining, and a more traditional hotel experience over the privacy of a cabin.

Old Edwards Inn and Spa Highlands NC
Premier Full-Service Hotel

Old Edwards Inn & Spa

A landmark property in the heart of downtown Highlands, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is the premier full-service hotel in the area. Known for its acclaimed on-site restaurant, full spa, and refined mountain hospitality, it draws guests who want a polished, hotel-style experience steps from Main Street shops and dining.

  • Full spa & wellness center
  • Award-winning on-site dining
  • Downtown Highlands location
  • Boutique rooms & suites

Best for: Couples, spa retreats, special occasions

Visit Website
Highlander Mountain House Highlands NC
Boutique Mountain Hotel

Highlander Mountain House

Highlander Mountain House brings a stylish mid-century modern aesthetic to the Highlands lodging scene. Set on a hillside with sweeping mountain views, it features a well-regarded restaurant, thoughtfully designed rooms, and a relaxed but elevated atmosphere. A great choice for travelers who want personality and design alongside comfort.

  • Mountain view rooms
  • On-site restaurant & bar
  • Mid-century modern design
  • Relaxed boutique atmosphere

Best for: Design-conscious travelers, couples, weekend getaways

Visit Website

/ Verified Listings

Top Places to Stay in
Highlands, NC

Ranked by overall guest experience, location, and quality. All properties are real with verified booking links — a mix of cabins, vacation rentals, and hotels.

Glen Falls Luxury Cabin — top place to stay in Highlands NC
#1
Top Pick
5.0· Airbnb Guest Favorite

Top Overall Recommendation

Glen Falls Luxury Cabin

Highlands, NC — Near Glen Falls

Luxury Cabin Rental

Glen Falls Luxury Cabin is the top-rated place to stay in Highlands, NC for guests who want the full mountain experience — privacy, luxury, and location all in one. The cabin sits in a secluded wooded setting just minutes from downtown Highlands and Main Street, and is within walking distance of Glen Falls waterfall. Thoughtfully designed with upscale finishes, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a covered deck, and a full kitchen, it delivers a genuine retreat without feeling overdone. Its 5.0-star Airbnb Guest Favorite rating reflects consistent guest satisfaction across all aspects of the stay.

Best For

Couples, families, and anyone wanting a luxury mountain experience with privacy, outdoor atmosphere, and easy access to town and waterfalls

Pet FriendlyNear Glen Falls WaterfallIndoor & Outdoor FireplacesCovered DeckMinutes from DowntownSleeps 6Secluded Wooded Setting
View Listing
Old Edwards Inn and Spa — place to stay in Highlands NC
#2
4.9· TripAdvisor
Luxury Hotel & Spa

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Downtown Highlands, NC

Old Edwards Inn and Spa is the premier hotel in Highlands, NC — a landmark property in the heart of downtown with acclaimed farm-to-table dining, a full-service spa, and refined mountain hospitality. The property has been recognized nationally for its quality and is a top choice for guests who prefer a traditional hotel experience with exceptional service.

Best For

Travelers who want full-service luxury, on-site dining, and a spa — right in the heart of downtown Highlands

Full-Service SpaOn-Site DiningDowntown LocationConcierge ServiceHistoric Property
View Listing
Half-Mile Farm — place to stay in Highlands NC
#3
4.8· TripAdvisor
Boutique Inn

Half-Mile Farm

Highlands, NC

Half-Mile Farm is a boutique inn and farm retreat on the outskirts of Highlands, NC. Known for its peaceful setting, farm-to-table dining, and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a different kind of Highlands lodging experience — quieter and more pastoral than downtown hotels, but still close to everything the area has to offer.

Best For

Guests looking for a peaceful, pastoral retreat with farm-to-table dining and a relaxed boutique atmosphere

Farm-to-Table DiningPastoral SettingBoutique InnClose to HighlandsPeaceful Atmosphere
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Highlander Mountain House — place to stay in Highlands NC
#4
4.7· TripAdvisor
Boutique Hotel

Highlander Mountain House

Highlands, NC

Highlander Mountain House brings a mid-century modern aesthetic to the Highlands lodging scene. With mountain views, a well-regarded restaurant, and a design-forward sensibility, it appeals to travelers who want something a bit different from the traditional mountain inn. A solid boutique hotel option in Highlands, NC.

Best For

Design-conscious travelers who want a stylish, modern hotel experience with mountain views and good food

Mountain ViewsOn-Site RestaurantMid-Century Modern DesignBoutique HotelHighlands, NC
View Listing
Laurelwood — place to stay in Highlands NC
#5
4.9· VRBO
Cabin Rental

Laurelwood

Highlands, NC

A well-rated cabin rental in Highlands, NC set among mature trees. Comfortable, peaceful, and well-located for guests who want a classic mountain escape with easy access to local trails and downtown Highlands. A solid choice for those who want a quieter, more traditional cabin experience.

Best For

Guests looking for a classic mountain cabin feel with a peaceful wooded setting and easy access to trails

Wooded SettingMountain CabinClose to TrailsHighlands, NC
View Listing
Stag Ridge — Luxury Highlands Escape — place to stay in Highlands NC
#6
4.9· Airbnb
Luxury Cabin Rental

Stag Ridge — Luxury Highlands Escape

Highlands, NC — Wooded Ridge

A thoughtfully designed luxury forest cabin in Highlands, NC with a wraparound deck, indoor stone fireplace, full kitchen, and BBQ grill. Pet friendly and accommodating up to 6 guests, it's a strong option for families or groups who want more space and a refined mountain setting.

Best For

Families or groups wanting a spacious luxury cabin with pet-friendly accommodations and a wraparound deck

Pet FriendlyIndoor Stone FireplaceWraparound DeckFull Kitchen & BBQSleeps 6
View Listing
Falls Drive Cottage — place to stay in Highlands NC
#7
4.88· VRBO
Vacation Rental

Falls Drive Cottage

Highlands, NC — Falls Drive

A cozy, well-located cottage along Falls Drive — one of the most scenic roads in Highlands, NC. Positioned close to the waterfall trails and surrounded by natural beauty, it's a solid choice for guests who want to be immersed in the outdoors while still having easy access to town.

Best For

Travelers who want to be close to the waterfalls and enjoy a quiet, nature-immersed stay

Near WaterfallsScenic Falls DriveCozy CottageNature Setting
View Listing
Whispering Walk — place to stay in Highlands NC
#8
4.91· VRBO
Cabin Rental

Whispering Walk

Highlands, NC — Wooded Neighborhood

A tranquil cabin rental in a quiet wooded neighborhood in Highlands, NC. A good fit for guests seeking privacy and calm, with easy access to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The setting is peaceful and the neighborhood is quiet — ideal for a true escape.

Best For

Guests seeking maximum privacy and calm in a quiet wooded setting

Peaceful SettingWooded NeighborhoodPrivate Retreat
View Listing

/ By Travel Style

Best Places to Stay in Highlands, NC
by Travel Style

Not sure which type of Highlands NC lodging is right for you? Use this quick reference to find the best fit based on what matters most for your trip.

Best Overall Place to Stay in Highlands, NC

Glen Falls Luxury Cabin

A great all-around option if you want a private cabin that still feels close to everything. It's near downtown and close to hiking and waterfalls, which makes it a strong choice for most trips.

View Property

Best Luxury Hotel Experience

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

A well-known hotel right in downtown Highlands. Good option if you want full-service amenities, on-site dining, and the ability to walk to shops and restaurants.

View Property

Best Boutique Hotel

Highlander Mountain House

A smaller, design-focused hotel with mountain views. A good fit if you want something quieter and a little different from a traditional hotel.

View Property

Best for Couples Getaway

Half-Mile Farm

A quieter, more intimate option just outside of downtown Highlands. Best suited for couples looking for a relaxed, adults-focused stay.

View Property

Best for Privacy and Nature

Glen Falls Luxury Cabin

Set in a wooded area near trails and waterfalls. A good choice if you want a more secluded stay with easy access to outdoor activities.

View Property
Glen Falls Luxury Cabin — top place to stay in Highlands NC

/ Why It Ranks #1

Why Glen Falls Luxury Cabin
Stands Out

Among all the places to stay in Highlands, NC, Glen Falls Luxury Cabin earns the top spot because it gets the combination right in a way that most properties — cabins or hotels — don't. Here's what sets it apart:

Privacy Without Isolation

The cabin sits in a secluded wooded setting that genuinely feels private — no neighbors in view, no road noise — while still being just a few minutes' drive from downtown Highlands. That balance is rare and hard to find in any lodging category.

Genuine Luxury Feel

Stone fireplace, quality furnishings, a full gourmet kitchen, and an outdoor wood-burning fireplace on the covered deck. It feels like a real retreat — not a rental that happens to have nice photos.

Minutes from Downtown Highlands

You're close enough to walk to dinner or browse Main Street, but far enough that you never feel like you're in town. Most Highlands lodging forces a trade-off between location and privacy — this cabin doesn't.

Walking Distance to Glen Falls

Glen Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Most places to stay in Highlands, NC require a drive to reach it. This cabin is within walking distance of the trailhead.

5.0 Guest Favorite Rating

A 5.0-star Airbnb Guest Favorite rating is genuinely difficult to maintain. Guests consistently note the quality of the space, the peaceful setting, and the attentive hosting — not just once, but across many stays.

Works for Different Trips

Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a family trip, or a small group getaway, the cabin accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably. It's pet friendly too — one of the better options in Highlands for traveling with dogs.

View Glen Falls Luxury Cabin

/ Decision Guide

How to Choose Where to Stay
in Highlands, NC

The right place depends on your priorities. Here's how to think through the decision.

Downtown vs. Secluded

If walkability matters — being able to stroll to dinner or browse Main Street — look for properties close to downtown Highlands. Old Edwards Inn is the most central option. If you prefer privacy and a true mountain feel, a cabin in the surrounding forest is the better choice. Glen Falls Luxury Cabin offers a rare middle ground: secluded setting, short drive to town.

Cabin vs. Hotel

Cabins give you more space, a full kitchen, outdoor living areas, and privacy. Hotels offer concierge service, on-site dining, and daily housekeeping. For longer stays or family trips, cabins usually win. For a short visit where you want everything handled for you, a hotel like Old Edwards Inn or Highlander Mountain House makes sense.

Pet Friendly Options

Glen Falls Luxury Cabin, Stag Ridge, and Lark Lodge are among the pet-friendly places to stay in Highlands, NC. Most hotels in the area do not accept pets. Always confirm the pet policy and any fees before booking.

Pet Friendly Cabin Guide

Proximity to Hiking and Waterfalls

If outdoor access is a priority, look for properties along Falls Drive or near the Nantahala National Forest. Glen Falls Luxury Cabin is within walking distance of the Glen Falls trailhead. Falls Drive Cottage is also well-positioned for waterfall access. Most other Highlands lodging requires a short drive to reach the main trails.

Cabins Near Glen Falls

Family vs. Couples Trips

For couples, a smaller cabin or boutique hotel room works well. For families, look for properties with multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and outdoor space. Glen Falls Luxury Cabin (sleeps 6), Stag Ridge (sleeps 6), and Laurelwood are all solid family options. Old Edwards Inn also has family-friendly suites if you prefer a hotel.

/ Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Answers to the most common questions about places to stay in Highlands, NC.

/ More Guides

Related Guides for
Highlands, NC

Vacation Rentals in Highlands, NC

A focused guide to whole-home vacation rentals in Highlands — ranked by guest ratings and location.

View Guide

Cabins in Highlands, NC

The complete guide to cabin rentals in Highlands, North Carolina — from luxury retreats to cozy mountain escapes.

View Guide

Pet Friendly Cabins in Highlands, NC

Traveling with a dog? This guide covers the best pet-friendly cabin rentals in Highlands, NC.

View Guide

Things to Do in Highlands, NC

Waterfalls, hiking, restaurants, and more — a local guide to the best activities in Highlands, North Carolina.

Explore Activities

/ Plan Your Stay

Ready to Book Your
Highlands Trip?

Glen Falls Luxury Cabin is our top recommendation among all places to stay in Highlands, NC. Check availability and book directly or through Airbnb. For more options, browse our full guide to vacation rentals in Highlands, NC.

View Glen Falls Luxury CabinThings to Do in Highlands