The History of OGPI - It all began with an elixir. Developed as a preventative for malaria, Grove's Tasteless Chill Tonic made its creator, E.W. Grove, both wealthy and nationally renowned. The tonic is largely forgotten today, yet it allowed Grove to forge a more lasting legacy: a place of rest, relaxation and renewal in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Built from a sketch by Grove's son-in-law, Fred Seely, The Grove Park Inn opened in 1913 to instant acclaim, with Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan declaring it "built for the ages.”
The Inn was dedicated to providing its guests with a relaxing respite from the outside world, which remains our current philosophy. From its striking native granite exterior to the Roycroft chandeliers in the Great Hall, our rich history is built into every inch of the resort. Grove's vision of a place of rest and comfort continues to evolve to serve a modern audience and now his Inn remains one of America's most beloved destinations, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.
Guests today can experience the living history of this resort, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stay in one of the original guest rooms, take an audio history tour, or relax in the iconic Great Hall and soak in over a century of hospitality, story telling and luxury with a history video and history displays located in the Vanderbilt Atrium.
