Larry Spelts

Skyline Lodge

Larry Spelts of Skyline Lodge

What sets Skyline Lodge apart from other mountain resort getaways?

I think it is a combination of the architecture and the interior design. So many mountain lodges tend to rely heavily on rusticity and decorate with a lot of “mountain kitsch” whereas at Skyline Lodge, our 1920s architecture designed by John Kelsey, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, combined with the interiors being very minimal and clean, uncluttered, sets us apart.

There is a sense of warmth and whimsical comfort when you visit Skyline Lodge, how is this achieved through your in room partnerships?

With great intention, we set out to not take ourselves seriously and have a brand tone and attitude that is playful and casual. To that end, we have a mascot, Butler the bear, who is featured prominently in all of our branding and on our collateral at the property.

If you could describe Skyline Lodge in one sentence, what would it be?

A well-designed and authentic place from which to discover the natural wonders of the southern Appalachian mountains.

For this property you chose our 200 thread count percale sheets; how important is bedding to you?

For me the three most important things we must have are very nice bed linens, a great shower, and very good coffee - so very important.

Outside of the lodge, what are some special local features for guests to explore?

Hiking and white water rafting on the nearby Chattahoochee River.

If you had to choose a unique design feature at Skyline Lodge, what would it be?

The significant amount of native granite quarried nearby and used in the original construction that is prominently visible today. There are two huge fireplaces in the bar lounge that best showcase the granite.

Skyline Lodge offers such unique experiences, what are a few of your favorites?

Mushroom foraging without a doubt because the Nantahala National Forest where we are located just four miles from Main Street in charming Highlands, NC is actually one of only 7 temperate rainforests on earth. This results in a plethora of mushrooms in the summer including my favorite, Chanterelles. Also, being as we are a very food & beverage focused company, the experience of bringing foraged mushrooms back to the lodge and giving them to the culinary team at Oak Steakhouse which is located in Skyline Lodge and having them prepare them and serving them with my meal in the evening is such an authentic dining experience. Of course, we require that any foraged mushrooms that we prepare were foraged with the guidance of a certified mushroom forager.

The lodge’s restaurant is the 7th “Oak Steakhouse” location: what are the most popular and unique specialties?

I love how each of our Oak Steakhouses share some common items but then each has a substantial part of the menu that is uniquely chef driven at each location. My favorite dish at Oak Steakhouse Highlands is the confit chicken that is then roasted. The caramel cake for dessert is not to be missed!

This is your companies first hotel: what is the vision for this new division and where do you see it in a few years?

We have another mountain lodge under contract to purchase and we are also involved in planning several new hotels in interesting locations all over the US. These opportunities were not planned by us as specific goals but simply came to us naturally. Organic growth is best, we think.