The Highlands at Sugar

For those of us in North Carolina who regularly seek the exhilarating beauty and recreational opportunities of our High Country, The Highlands at Sugar offers a unique lodging experience right in the heart of Sugar Mountain. This resort hotel is designed to provide more than just a place to sleep; it aims to be a comfortable, spacious home base for your mountain adventures, whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring hiking trails, or simply unwinding amidst the stunning Blue Ridge vistas.

As a resort property, The Highlands at Sugar typically features apartment-style suites, often equipped with full kitchens, separate living areas, and cozy fireplaces. This layout is particularly appealing to North Carolinians planning family vacations or extended stays, offering the convenience of home-cooked meals and ample space to relax after a day of outdoor activities. While some guests have noted that certain aspects of the property might show their age – such as older decor, firm pillows, or occasional maintenance needs in units – the recurring positive feedback often highlights the kind staff, comfortable beds, and, most importantly, the breathtaking views and incredible location that directly accesses the Sugar Mountain experience.

It's important to approach The Highlands at Sugar with the understanding that it often functions as a timeshare property, meaning individual unit updates can vary. However, the overarching appeal lies in its commitment to providing a resort experience with a wealth of on-site amenities, from an indoor pool and hot tub to a game room, ensuring there's something for everyone in your party. If you're looking for a spacious, amenity-rich mountain retreat where you can truly settle in and enjoy all that Sugar Mountain has to offer, The Highlands at Sugar is certainly a place to consider for your next North Carolina getaway.

The Highlands at Sugar is strategically located at 2173 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604, USA. This prime address places it directly on Sugar Mountain, making it an incredibly convenient base for anyone looking to experience the best of the High Country, particularly during ski season. For North Carolinians, the drive to Sugar Mountain is part of the allure, winding through scenic routes of the Blue Ridge Mountains on well-maintained state and U.S. highways. While the address is Sugar Mountain, the resort is often associated with Banner Elk, a charming nearby town that serves as a central hub for the region.

The resort's location provides unparalleled access to Sugar Mountain Resort, which is just a short drive away (approximately 0.7 miles or 1.1 km, with some sources indicating as close as a 3-minute drive). This means quick and easy access to skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, mountain biking, and scenic lift rides. During ski season, the resort even offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Sugar Mountain Base Lodge on weekends, adding to the convenience for winter sports enthusiasts. Beyond the slopes, The Highlands at Sugar is well-situated for exploring other major attractions in the region. Grandfather Mountain, with its iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge and beautiful hiking trails, is within a reasonable driving distance (around 5.3 to 8.8 miles, depending on the route). Hawksnest Tubing Park and its ziplines are also a short drive away (approximately 15 minutes). The charming towns of Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, offering unique shops, diverse dining options, and cultural experiences, are easily accessible for day trips. The resort provides free self-parking, including ample space for RVs and trucks, which is a significant advantage in a mountain destination. This ensures a hassle-free arrival and departure, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the stunning surroundings and numerous activities.

The Highlands at Sugar, as a resort hotel, offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and provide ample recreational opportunities. Focusing on a timeshare/condo-style experience, it provides more than just standard hotel rooms. Guests can typically expect:

• Spacious Suite Accommodations: The resort offers various suite types, including one-bedroom units (sleeping up to 4) and two-bedroom apartments (sleeping up to 8), featuring separate living and dining areas, providing ample space for families or groups.
• Fully Equipped Kitchens: Each suite comes with a full kitchen, including major appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher) and all necessary cookware, dishes, and utensils, allowing guests to prepare their own meals and snacks.
• In-Suite Washer/Dryer: A significant convenience, particularly for longer stays or for guests engaging in outdoor activities, is the inclusion of a private washer and dryer in each unit.
• Fireplaces: Many suites feature a cozy wood-burning fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings, especially during the colder months (available in select units).
• Private Balcony or Patio: Most units offer a private outdoor space, providing fresh mountain air and often stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including Grandfather Mountain from some units.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet access is available throughout the resort, including in public areas and often within the individual units.
• Indoor Heated Pool: A large, enclosed, and heated indoor swimming pool is available year-round for guests to enjoy, regardless of the weather.
• European-Style Hot Tub & Redwood Sauna: Guests can unwind and relax in the hot tub or the on-site redwood sauna after a day on the slopes or hiking trails.
• Fitness Center/Exercise Room: A well-equipped fitness center allows guests to maintain their workout routines during their stay.
• Recreation/Game Room: Featuring amenities like billiards and ping-pong tables, this area provides entertainment for guests of all ages.
• Children's Play Area/Playground: A dedicated outdoor area for younger guests to play.
• Shuttle Service: During ski season, a complimentary shuttle service to the Sugar Mountain Base Lodge is often available on weekends, enhancing convenience for skiers and snowboarders.
• Free Self-Parking: Ample complimentary parking is provided on-site for all guests.
• Lending Library: A quiet space for reading and relaxation.
• BBQ Facilities/Picnic Areas: Outdoor areas with grills and picnic tables for al fresco dining.
• Limited-Hour Front Desk Service: While not 24/7, front desk staff are typically available during business hours for check-in, check-out, and guest assistance.
• No Air Conditioning: It's important to note that units typically do not have air conditioning, which is common for older mountain properties. Fans are usually provided.
• No Pets Allowed: The resort generally has a no-pet policy.

The Highlands at Sugar offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive option for those seeking a mountain getaway in North Carolina:

• Exceptional Location on Sugar Mountain: Its direct proximity to Sugar Mountain Resort is a major draw, offering unparalleled convenience for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, often with a shuttle service to the slopes.
• Spacious, Apartment-Style Suites: Unlike traditional hotel rooms, the resort's one and two-bedroom suites provide ample living space, complete with separate living areas, dining spaces, and full kitchens, making them ideal for families or longer stays.
• Home Comforts with Resort Amenities: The inclusion of full kitchens, in-suite washers and dryers, and often a cozy fireplace allows guests to enjoy the conveniences of home while benefiting from resort facilities like an indoor pool, hot tub, and game room.
• Abundant On-Site Recreation: The wide array of on-site amenities—including an indoor heated pool, European-style hot tub, sauna, fitness center, mini-golf, tennis, basketball, and a game room—ensures entertainment for all ages, regardless of weather.
• Breathtaking Mountain Views: Many units feature private balconies or patios that offer stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including glimpses of Grandfather Mountain.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With dedicated children's play areas and suite configurations that cater to larger groups, the resort is well-suited for family vacations, providing space and activities for everyone.
• Dedicated and Kind Staff: While some physical aspects of the property may be older, reviews frequently praise the kindness and helpfulness of the front desk staff, contributing positively to the guest experience.
• Value for Longer Stays: The ability to cook meals and do laundry within the unit can offer significant cost savings, making it a potentially more economical choice for extended mountain trips compared to traditional hotel stays.

As a resort that often operates on a timeshare model (though units are available for direct rental), The Highlands at Sugar may have varying promotions and special offers throughout the year. For North Carolinians planning a visit, it's always recommended to check directly with the resort or popular travel booking sites for the most current deals.

Common types of promotions you might encounter include:

• Seasonal Rates: Prices often fluctuate based on demand, with potentially lower rates during off-peak seasons (e.g., late spring, early fall before peak foliage) or mid-week stays.
• Extended Stay Discounts: Given the suite-style accommodations, reduced rates for booking multiple nights or week-long stays are often available, encouraging longer, more immersive vacations.
• Ski Packages: During the winter season, look for potential packages that might bundle lodging with discounted ski lift tickets for Sugar Mountain.
• Last-Minute Deals: If there are unsold units closer to the desired dates, occasional last-minute discounts may be offered.
• Timeshare Preview Offers: As part of the timeshare industry, deeply discounted stays might be offered in exchange for attending a sales presentation. Guests interested in this option should fully understand the terms and time commitment involved.
• Direct Booking Benefits: Sometimes, booking directly via phone or the resort's official website can unlock exclusive rates or added amenities not found on third-party sites.

To ensure you receive the best available pricing or learn about any specific packages tailored to your travel dates, contacting The Highlands at Sugar directly is the most reliable method.

For reservations, detailed inquiries about specific suite availability, current amenity status, or any other questions regarding your stay at The Highlands at Sugar, you can easily reach their team:

Address: 2173 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604, USA

Phone: (828) 898-9601

Mobile Phone: +1 828-898-9601

Direct contact ensures you receive personalized assistance and the most accurate, up-to-date information to help you plan your ideal mountain vacation.

For us North Carolinians, The Highlands at Sugar presents a very suitable and often appealing option for a mountain getaway. Its primary advantage lies in its ideal location right on Sugar Mountain, offering unparalleled access to skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities that draw us to the High Country year-round. For families or groups, the spacious, apartment-style suites with full kitchens and in-suite laundry are a significant draw, providing the comfort and convenience of home that's often missing in standard hotel rooms. This allows for more relaxed, budget-friendly meal options and less packing for longer stays.

While some older aspects of the property are noted in reviews, the extensive on-site amenities—including a heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center, and game room—ensure there’s always something to do, even on a rainy day. The kind and helpful staff, coupled with the breathtaking mountain views, contribute to a positive overall experience. For locals seeking a comfortable, activity-rich, and value-oriented base from which to explore our beautiful Appalachian mountains, especially those who appreciate the space and flexibility of a resort suite, The Highlands at Sugar offers a solid choice for creating lasting memories right here in North Carolina.