Laughing Heart Lodge

Bunny King

2023-10

This is such a lovely lodge. Perfectly comfortable. You can hike right in, off the AT. You have the option to stay at the hostel or the lodge. The lodge will not disappoint. Absolutely adorable. Clean and quaint. The decor is just charming. It is located a hop, skip and a jump from town. Be sure to stop in the Wine shop/Gourmet Grocery/Bodega. Possibly the best eatery in town. They have something for everybody. Such a charming little shop. Enjoy your stay at this lovely lodge. I sure did.,

Trevor Sparks

2023-09

Laughing Heart is one of the VERY best hostels—from the care and attention of their staff/owners to the quality and cleanliness of their accommodations. Other noteworthy perks are their beautiful grounds, proximity to Hot Springs, relaxing and quiet environment, and the overall feeling of peace and tranquility during your stay. It is exceptionally well-run and maintained, with clean bathrooms for use and a small kitchen with everything you need for making/cooking some food (though the food in Hot Springs is some of the best along the AT!!). I stayed in a private room in early June 2023 and returned in late August 2023 for a few nights in the bunkhouse. I can’t wait to come back again. Thank you to Neon, Losty, and Reboot for all you do to make the hiker/guest experience SO GREAT.

matthew locher

2024-04

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Lauren Natale

2023-05

Hot springs is great! We stayed at the Laughing Heart lodge in the Blue Jay room. The lodge itself is amazing! It has all the frills: giant, intriguing public spaces that are totally welcoming to use; delicious varied breakfast and good coffee; sweeping Mountain views; a great location right on the edge of town; a fan in the bedroom; and plenty of games and books and things. Buuuuut…. the basics are a little rough. Our bed was completely hard with sad little flat pillows and rough sheets and shared a bathroom down the hall with 2 other rooms. Not big deals if you’re tuckered from hiking Or whatnot, but be aware if you’re looking for a more lux relaxing experience. This place is more charm than luxury.

Michelle Laughter

2023-08

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Laura Seeger

2023-05

I stayed at the Laughing Heart Hostel. My room was clean & comfortable. They allow dogs, which made me & my dog very happy. The kitchen was well supplied. The staff friendly & helpful. The owners were accommodating & gracious.They told us to call if we needed anything while we were backpacking the AT. One of our group became ill on the trail & called - they were as good as their word!!Highly recommend this hostel!

Lily Wymer

2023-05

Such a lovely, happy place to stay! The staff were all very friendly and very accommodating. The lodge is full of beautiful character and has wonderful views of the mountains. As section hikers of the Appalachian trail, we were stinky and in need of a place to stay, and they were more than happy to host us. I’d recommend the monarch room!!i

ashleybrahosky

2023-05

Can't say enough good things about Laughing Heart Lodge and Hostel. We have stayed several times and can't wait to come back again. We had our wedding on the grounds and the chapel was used for the reception. The owners went above and beyond to accommodate us and all our out of town guests. Our reception dinner was delicious and bountiful. Our guests were astounded by the views from the yards and the overall tranquility of the grounds. It is truly a love filled location and we were so fortunate to have had the opportunity to exchange vows in this beautiful place. It's fantastic that there are no tvs or other distractions on the property and you can actually relax instead of being bombarded by technology and stuff. Our parents stayed in the Lodge and couldn't have said more positive things. The rooms are comfortable, clean, and charming. Plenty of space to relax inside the lodge and just take in the views. A+ breakfast too. The hostel is perfect and dog friendly! The hostel kitchen has everything you need and then some. The fire pit and outdoor picnic area is great to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Whatever you're doing in Hot Springs, make sure to stop at Laughing Heart!

Rebecca Kellerman

2022-05

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Paul Aughey

2023-05

Really enjoyed this place. I stayed in the lodge, but there is a hostel and camping too. Good accommodations and breakfast. Easy walk into Hot Springs for food, provisions, and brewery, and literally a few hundred feet from the Appalachian Trail. Pretty view at sunset looking at Rich Mountain.

Phil Madeira

2023-05

I've been going to the Laughing Heart Lodge for many years, long enough to see it change hands in 2021. Gabe and Maria, who took over the Lodge in 2021, are fantastic and accommodating. I hold my Mercyland Songwriters Retreat there twice a year, and we are treated like royalty. The rooms are wonderful, the staff is exceptional and kind, and the grounds are beautiful, nestled into the side of a mountain in the Appalachians.If you go, be grateful guests and treat them with the same generosity you receive. They are one of the reasons a little town like Hot Springs survives.We also have visited without doing our workshop, just to relax and enjoy the Lodge and the town.

Daniel Jacobsohn

2023-05

Perfect. Like staying at the rich country grandma I never had. Clean everything, light breakfast included, closet to town, 10-12 min walk. We stayed in the dandelion room, second floor -private bath room. Affordable. Staff were great. Real quiet and relaxing. Electric Fireplace in the room, gas fireplaces in the common rooms. We would stay again

Beth Madison

2023-05

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Danielle W

2021-05

We stayed at this location over the weekend. We loved its historical charm with it’s authentic craftsmanship and decor. We love their history and mission as well...all proceeds go toward the 24 hour care of the woman who owns the property (through a trust) who suffered a traumatic brain injury while on a mission trip. From our room, the Dandelion room, you could sit in your room’s lounge chairs and watch the sun rise over the mountains. So beautiful! The room was very spacious and the bathroom was updated and also spacious. Mike was a gracious host and very helpful with questions and any request we had. The property is very pretty with a lot to explore if you have time. It’s also a one minute car ride into downtown Hot Springs. I would highly recommend this location anytime you stay in Hot Springs!!

Corette Maulding

2022-05

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Daniel Martin

2022-05

This is a wonderful lodge in a near pristine setting. The fall colors were totally amazing. I based out of Laughing Heart while shuttling to several sections on the AT. It literally could not have been a better setup. Clean, comfortable, close to great food; plus superb and safe parking. Everything a hiker needs! Can’t wait for my next stay.

Chris Vores

2023-05

Great spot for hikers. Hostel has 25 or so bunks and lodge has many rooms. They are small but quiet. Hot Springs is a cool little town.

Seamus Morton

2024-04

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Caleb Winchester

2021-05

Nestled in the quaint city of Hot Spring, North Carolina - Laughing Heart Lodge is a friendly AT oasis for the weary hiker. Here you will find all the comforts of home, as well as friendly service, a warm hearth, and places to replenish your supplies.We stayed for two nights at the Laughing Heart Lodge while in Hot Springs. We found the rooms spacious and accommodating. I would also mention we brought our 10 month old infant, so the lodge is kid friendly. Breakfast is continental, but with a few surprises - like local coffee and homemade granola.The Laughing Heart Lodge is also a good spot for a remote retreat for groups - for example, Penn State uses the facilities once a year for one their programs.All this to say, we loved our time here and will likely return again when time allows it.Cheers,C&K

Al Thompson

2021-05

A unique Lodge adjacent to the Appalachian Trail, with a seperate hostel for hikers. Enjoyed the comfort and views of an upstairs bedroom., which overlooks Hot Springs and the surrounding valley.The building has quite the history. Love being surrounded by books throughout the complex. Yours to enjoy a splendor from the past.Thankful for the hospitality from Mike and staff . Received some wonderful hiking tips to increase my skills on the trail. Have fallin in love with the genuine simplicity of mountain culture. Its a wonderful quiet mountain retreat.

Jonah Landis

2021-05

Laughing heart is a one of a kind place that really suggests what it would be like to stay in a lodge in a DnD or lord of the rings world. There is a hostel attached to the lodge that is typically not packed during the off season for AT hiking while the lodge is fairly quiet year round. Inside you will be treated to soap, breakfast, bedding, sheets, showers, pretty much everything that you would find in a nicer hotel only here everything has a special care attached. You're greeted with a note from the owner and the whole place feels like someone invited you to stay. There is a slightly steep cost compared to the Hostel next door (160$ 140$ and 20$ for the king sized bedroom, queen sized bedroom, and Hostel respectively) but otherwise it has been a fantastic break from hiking! Finally, the staff is super welcome and the inside is beautiful, if you can afford a few night/s here it is well worth it!

Joe Schellenbach

2023-05

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Herman Wells

2020-05

My wife and I stayed at the hostel while hiking the Appalachian Trail. One of the better and cleaner hostels on the AT. No drugs or crazy behavior is put up with. We were in an out over several days so I was able to observe this place in detail. Daily, the floors are mopped, all sheets washed and cleaned. Bunk house cleaned and mopped, kitchen cleaned. Everything is reset for the next set of hikers and visitors to come in. Very professional. The current caretakers, Tigger and Chuck are and absolute delight and wealth of hiking knowledge. If you want to know anything about the Florida or Appalachian Trail, they are the folks to ask. Price is right, location is perfect. Hiking in the area is some of the best around. Overall great experience!

Russell Williamson

2019-05

I am not a hiker or regular hostel-goer but I did stay one night at the hostel to help two friends replenish their supplies while they walked the AT. I have to say I wasn't expecting much for $20 - $35/night but I got the whole hospitality package that made it a heck of a weekend. Jeff & Kate (owners/managers) were immediately welcoming and were frying a bunch of chicken and fixins for the slew of guests staying there. They made a fire, played good music, and provided endless laughs.

Jim Cameron

2022-05

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Lori Ann Swanton

2022-05

Wish we could give our stay 10 Stars. Such a Gorgeous Lodge with an Amazing couple Gabe and Maria who fun it. Our son is hiking the Appalachian Trail and we met him in Hot Springs. We ended up staying a 3rd night so that we could go White Water Rafting. We stayed in the Dandelion Room and Gabe added a Large Air Matress so that we could allbe together! The room was large, so clean and beautifully decorated.Continenetal Breakfast is included. The hostel was right next to the lodge and Gabe and Maria had a delicious barbecue for all of the hikers and invited us as well! We will definitely be back!! Thank you Gabe and Maria for a wonderful visit with our son and making the whole experience that much better!!!

Nicolaus Grauling

2023-05

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Teresa T

2023-06

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Sarah Newton

2022-05

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Samuel Walton

2023-05

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