Blackberry Farm

Impressive attention to detail. Huge number of options for activities, many personalized. A real treat.

I had similar issues with 1) "a couple cookies" given as a special ammenity I requested for a friend's 50th birthday (I paid for her stay and asked for something special for her 50th), 2) no tomatoes for an omlette and no interest in sourcing a simple tomato for my daily omlettes (if they can't grow it, they won't provide it) and 3) pricey, yet mediocre, spa services. I have gone to BF three times since 2009 and the worst experience was last year, 2011. When I sent Brian Lee a letter of my concerns, I received the same vague responses I see on this member comment area. In addition, it had a feel of "our way or the highway". I am a long time AH member and booked all my reservations through a Virtuoso travel agent. I would hate to see how they treat people that don't have these fine travel resources doing the bookings.

November 2, 2011 We just returned from 2 nights in a Holly Glade Cottage. We have visited many times over the past 8 years, always staying in a Holly glade Cottage, and always in the fall when the colors are magnificent. While the food was outstanding and improved from our last visit 2 years ago, we find rates to be increasing but service to be on the decline. Our room was not serviced, after we notified the desk that we would be out all day. Although dining reservations are required, we were never asked for our time preference the evening before, or at breakfast, as in years past. Most distressing is the change in their policy regarding young children (<10 years old). Young children have not been permitted in the past EXCEPT during limited weeks and certain holidays designated as Family Time, when structured children's activities are offered through "Camp Blackberry". We always book our visits to avoid Family Times; However, IN CONTRAST to the policy regarding children listed in the "Harper Collection" description, Blackberry Farm now "welcomes children of any age throughout the year. Children under age 10 are not allowed to dine in The Barn except during Family Time,” according to their policy published on their website and in the Relais & Chateaux guide. Unfortunately we were unaware of the change in policy regarding children, and the staff seated a couple with a toddler and stroller in the Barn dining room. We were again subjected to this at breakfast the next morning. The parents made no attempt to control the child, who ran about, slamming doors, generating much noise and distraction. To make the disruption worse, the mother talked at length on her cell phone at her table after the phone rang loudly. The staff did not ask her to go outside or otherwise cease the disruptive conversation regardless of the policy against cell phones printed on the menu. We talked to the dining room manager after breakfast who apologized, but he noted that our understanding of "no children under 10 except during family times” is incorrect, and the hotel now accepts children throughout the year. Of note is that the staff still violated hotel policy regarding cell phones and seating of children in the Barn dining room. In the past, we found service to be seamless and essentially "invisible", with services anticipated and provided without need of request. Now however, our impression was that services which might be considered embellishments are only provided as requested. For example, we have always enjoyed the nightly bonfires automatically provided complete with hot chocolate, hot cider, and treats. This time, we were disappointed to find no bonfire, and when we asked about it, the desk offered to have the bonfire started if we wanted - not exactly the same when one has to ask. Finally, of note is that Blackberry Farm no longer offers their own private shuttle service to and from the local airport, and air travelers must rely on commercial taxi service to and from the property.

Love, love, love Blackberry Farms. May 2011

Blackberry Farms- Their rates are extremely high particularly in this economic environment and the 20% service surcharge is outrageous, almost enough that it stops you from going there. Their occupancy is not good and their high price has to be a major reason why. They can be very unfriendly and very uncustomer focused at times. The dinner at the barn and breakfasts are a high light. The rooms are nice but the architectural design of the duplex cottages have some very important and elementary architectural mistakes in the floor plan. They need to hire a better architect. There is a limited amount to do if you don't like to hike, fish or ride horses. There are near by day trips that could be taken such as Pigeon Forge, Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson (rental bikes) etc. that could add to the appeal.

We rented the "Joe Pye Cottage" at Blackberry farm for a family Father's Day weekend. We found the house to be far better than the photos online. However, we felt the experience did not live up to its hype, especially considering the $13,500 price tag (including the 19% gratuity tacked on). The service ran the gammut from great to inexperienced. Breakfasts were fabulous with fresh yogurt, milk, butter and berries, but the rest of the food was inconsistent to down right inedible! The desserts were particularly bad. The bed linens were wonderful, but the towels were small and rough. Upon departure, we were given 4 cookies in 2 boxes for 7 adults and 3 toddlers to share!!? We have been members of Harper for @ 25 years, we always use your guide when traveling, and this is the first marginal experience we have ever encountered from a Harper listed hotel. Please take another look at this place before your next list comes out!

Harper Member Critique -- Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN
Travel Date: December 2009

"Blackberry Farm was great, and more than met our expectations.  The service was exceptionally gracious and anticipated our needs.  Our room was compact but very comfortable and nicely decorated and furnished.  All the facilities were luxurious and impressive.  The food was very good, although not as spectacular as the other aspects of the resort - not as good as the Inn at Little Washington, for example.  There were only six couples in residence at the time of our visit, so we had a very high staff-to-guest ratio, but I'm sure the service is always excellent.  The only thing missing was a coffeemaker in the room - otherwise it was everything we could have wished for.  Overall, it was a relaxing and enjoyable experience, which we look forward to repeating.  Thanks for your assistance in arranging our stay." JK