September 23, 2024

Good Morning,

Skies are a mix of sun and clouds this Monday, while the heat and humidity remain in place, obscuring horizons and blurring distant ridge tops. We have another warm day lined up, with the summit likely to hit the mid 60s easily this afternoon. There is a chance for some pop up rain showers and thunderstorms this afternoon, so don’t get lulled into thinking we’ll be basking in uninterrupted sunshine all day. On that note, we’ll be watching the tropics very closely over the next few days. A cyclone with the potential to of developing into a hurricane in the Gulf is currently showing a track over the Smokies region. If that prediction holds, we could begin experiencing heightened winds and outer rain bands as soon as Thursday, with the stronger impacts occurring into the weekend. Even with some uncertainty still this far out, it is wise to be considering alternate plans for accessing the mountain and reaching the lodge if inclement weather inspires some temporary closures of roads or trails. We’ve witnessed plenty of significant tropical storms during the months of September and October in years past, so this latest edition is falling right in line. We’ll continue to monitor and advise accordingly.

One last reminder to get in those online written requests. If you are hoping to throw your hat in the ring for a chance to stay at the Lodge in 2025, you have until this Wednesday afternoon to do so in order to be considered for when bookings begin Tuesday, October 1st.

​Q: When can I submit on an online written request to be considered for a 2025 reservation?
A: NO LATER THAN 4:00 PM Wednesday, September 25.

Q: Where do I complete and submit a written request?
A: Go to this link, READ through the instructions THOROUGHLY, complete all fields in the form FULLY, then click submit!
https://lecontelodge.com/2025-reservation-request-form/

Q: What dates are available to request for the 2025 season?
A: The 2025 season begins Monday, March 24 and the last night is Tuesday, November 25, so any dates during that 8 month span. The lodge is closed for the winter months and does not host guests or provide visitor services during that time.

Q: What do I include on my form if I have a specific request regarding dates or accommodation types?
A: Please do just that…BE VERY SPECIFIC! We can’t read minds, and vaguely written requests leave a lot open to interpretation, especially when our team is processing them by the thousands and trying to book spaces quickly. If you can only stay on certain dates, if you want a certain type of cabin or number of cabins, or if someone in your party has an allergy or dietary restriction worth knowing, it is to your benefit to include that in your written request. That way nothing important gets missed and you aren’t left disappointed should you receive a booking date or accommodation that is different than what you desired. The more info you include, the better, so take advantage of the “Additional Comments” section of the form if need be!

Q: If I submit my request form today, will my request be processed before someone who waits to submit a form on Sept. 25th?
A: No. All forms are compiled together then processed at random once the booking process begins October 1st. Just don’t wait until after Sept. 25 to submit your form, because any form received after that date will not be considered until all those received prior to the cutoff have been processed. Again, we receive thousands, so missing that cutoff reduces your chances at securing your preferred date significantly!

Q: Should I submit a written request if I just plan on calling in beginning October 1st?
A: ABSOLUTELY! That is the benefit of submitting an online written request form now. Your preferences have already been received by that point, and you don’t have to give up any part of your October day to sit on the phone. Instead, do something fun like go for a beautiful autumn hike!

Q: What if I don’t receive a 2025 reservation after the initial bookings in early October?
A: Don’t fret! Cancellations happen throughout the year as people’s plans change. We also offer wait lists that go live during the winter off season. So there are still ample opportunities to secure a future stay at the lodge!

Q: So I received a confirmation and invoice for a 2025 reservation. Should I call you to pay right away?
A: Please take note, this will be happening a little differently this year. We will not be requiring payment until December 2nd, 2024. Please do not call our office to remit payment before that date should you secure a reservation after the initial booking process.

Q: I’ve tried to secure a reservation for years, but just don’t seem to have any luck. Is there something I need to do differently to increase my odds?
A: Availability matters! Securing a reservation at the lodge is highly competitive. We have but a handful of spaces available each night during the 8 month season, and we don’t mix strangers in a single bedroom. For example, there are only 7 single room cabins available nightly. So when thousands of people all request a cabin on the same Saturday in June, inherently the odds of snagging that date are quite slim. Counter that with requesting a weekday in March, November, or a time when the kids are back in school, and the competition is much less, so your chances at securing a reservation then increase!