I've been coming to YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly since 1983, and it never fails to inspire. Founded in 1906, this historic site has weathered many storms -- including the devastating September 2024 floods and landslides. The restoration and improvements already made are amazing, and while work remains, the dedication to preserving this legacy shines through. We stayed in Lotz Lodge, a beautiful modern facility set among the historic grounds -- the perfect balance of comfort and tradition, ideal for family reunions or gatherings of 12 or more. The lodges have everything you need, plus easy access to the incredible amenities on site and nearby attractions: the charming cafes and shops of Black Mountain, Asheville's vibrant scene and the Biltmore Estate, local apple orchards, and even tubing down the French Broad River. YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is more than a retreat center -- it's a place of history, resilience, and community that continues to change lives, mine included. read more

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Disclaimer: Blankets are not washed often. I was told by management they do not have the capacity to wash blankets every time a guest vacates a room. Location is great and very pretty. Depending on what time of year, you might get to see bear cubs and their mommy. We saw turkeys cross the street. Lots of activities to do. The rooms do not have irons and ironing boards. Aside from the hygiene issue with the blankets, we enjoyed our stay. read more

Me and my family personally loved that place every one was so kind hearted even if it's COVID everyone loved each other and we were like a huge family read more

Rooms: gross. All of the linens were moist. You heard me. MOIST. The humidity created damp ceilings, sheets, blankets, and mattress covers. Additionally the showers did not drain and the heater began to burn when we turned it on. 2/10 do not recommend. I hope the bears get to this place. read more

I stayed at this place during a group event they hosted. I knew it was budget, being the YMCA. However, when I entered Abbott Hall, which is where I stayed, I knew it had just gone from good to bad. On the website it says the place was built in 1926. It ain't hard to tell. The stink coming from the place is the first thing you notice. This is because of how ancient the carpet is. It smells horrible. There is no elevator. I had to lug my stuff up 4 flights of steps. I was aware there was no AC, ok, that's fine, but out of the two windows, only one worked and this was in early June. The toilet seat looked like it hadn't been changed in many years. It was so old that the paint had worn off on the inside where you wouldn't want it to, because it constantly looks dirty and crusty where you have no choice to sit with your private area against the it. Lift the seat up and it was stained with old feces that wasn't coming off with any amount of cleansing. I said stained; not that there was still feces on the toilet. The way the shower is set up, I took showers in the dark even with the light on because of how the shower and toilet are situated. The sink is located in the bedroom itself. There were two twin sized beds in the room. They were extremely soft; way too soft. Not soft out of choice, but soft out of being used so many years and they sank in the middle when you went to sit or lay down on them. They had dirt stains on them; some of which were red. I am not assuming what that is but it looked suspect. The box spring was dirty. They had tried to cover up the dirt by putting mattress covers on; you know, the kind that don't cover the entire bed but have the elastic on each end to wrap around the mattress. It wasn't working. Nothing could take away from the filthiness of this bed. There were mini blinds on one window and a curtain on another; they were both filthy. I read another review where someone got bed bugs. It doesn't surprise me because of the level of filth. There is no refrigerator. On the bright side, great water pressure and hot water. The food is sub-par too and you get stuck, because you're there for a conference, which means your time to go off campus is limited. By sub-par I mean that the foods are lower quality than regular cafeteria food. Often times, it was right up there with elementary food back in the 1980s. I do admit, If they're hosting us, it's their responsibility to learn and to do better. I don't think they were used to catering to vegetarians, vegans and others with dietary restrictions. If not, that's not our problem. Sometimes it was just hit or miss, a mixture of hitting and missing and often times it was just a hard miss. That or they saved the best for last. Adding that to the ambience and overall energy of this place; being so ancient and stagnant in its energy, it made the energy of the food worse. The only beautiful and breathtaking thing about the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly is what's outside, which is what draws people. However, I found this place to be deplorable. It's not rustic. It's simply ancient and dirty. The YMCA should be ashamed of themselves for marketing this place as being rustic and budget friendly. It's true it's super budget friendly but if you're not the type that doesn't mind lavishing in filth and stink that fills your nostrils and gets in your clothes, then it's not for you. read more

Building reeks of mildew. Bathroom with filthy tile grout. Linens smelled musty and were quite dingy and worn out. Heating system not adequate for lower Spring temperatures. Had to stay here for a church conference. Won't ever stay here again! read more

BED BUGS! I got bed bugs here on Nov.11, 2017. My arms, back and face are all covered in these horrible bites. I just started taking prednisone, a steroid, for this. I had to go to Urgent Care it was so bad. I had to throw out my suitcase the minute I got home and get naked in the garage and wash and dry everything on super hot settings. I don't think I brought any bugs home b/c my husband has no bites, but this ordeal has been physically and psychologically traumatic beyond words. When I told Amanda about this at the front desk that I had all these bites and she had housekeeping inspect the room and she said they found ONE bed bug (last I checked, they don't travel alone, but at least they admitted to the one), but to make matters worse, she actually said to me: "For all we know, you brought them here." I promise you, I did NOT. I was fine before I got there. I'm pasting her email here: SUBJECT: B119 Inspection [I was in room 119] Dear Melody, I am sorry to hear about your night with us last night. Housekeeping and maintenance did go into that room to inspect and one bed bug was found. After talking with housekeeping, we highly recommend that you wash your luggage clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest dryer setting. We will comp last night's stay and will refund tonight's stay as well. We will need the original card you paid with to be brought to the front desk in order to process the refund. Our desk will be open until 9pm today. I am sorry for the inconvenience. Housekeeping does their best to maintain all rooms on grounds, however, with people traveling from all around the world and the constant cycling of guests into rooms, instances like this can occur and there is no real way to track where or who is to blame. We have called Terminix and are here working on the room. Thank you for bringing the issue to our attention. Amanda Lindenmuth Manager, Guest Relations YMCA BLUE RIDGE ASSEMBLY 84 Blue Ridge Circle, Black Mountain NC 28711 (M) 828-669-8422 (E) alindenmuth@yblueridge.org (O) Website | Facebook | Twitter The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. read more

Blue Ridge deserves more than 5 stars. This past summer was my first year on the mountain for leaders school and it was MAGICAL. Since June, I've thought about it every day. I CANNOT wait to go again and see all the friends I made and see that beautiful view on the steps of Eureka Hall. One of my favorite parts of the day was vespers. It was a great time to sit and reflect and appreciate what you have and where you are. Thanks for giving me such a wonderful experience, I can't wait for this summer! read more

I have been going to Blue Ridge Leaders School here for the past 3 summers and will be going a fourth time this summer. I have learned so much from everyone I have met on this mountain including how to stay healthy, how to lead, how to develop my personality and find the strengths in it, and also how to have fun. When I first came here I was so shy and awkward and now I'm outgoing and love to get out of my comfort zone, which is exactly what BRLS is about. All of the staff as well as everyone who attends BRLS is so amazing and will be the nicest people you will ever meet. I hope you learn to love this place as much as I do if you plan to visit. It also has a beautiful view, especially during sunrise. read more

This is a great place with awesome facilities and kind employees. Everyone there was so nice and accomadating, beautiful facility too

Historic buildings are beautiful. I love the connection to history. The staff is really friendly and it's cool to see all the international employees they have. It is not a five star hotel, a lot of the buildings are old but I love the character. The rivers running through campus are beautiful and the mountain views are so tranquil. read more