Old South Mountain Inn Reviews

Reviews

• Rachel Sent on 03/23/2016
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  My husband and I were looking for a unique venue for our small wedding. We love local history and really wanted a historic inn for our ceremony and reception. We spent a lot of time searching all over the MD and surrounding areas, but no place wanted to accommodate a small (25 person) wedding. Most required huge booking fees. When I saw The Old South Mountain Inn, I remembered it from my childhood in Western MD, and crossed my fingers. Lisa Dorsey (owner/manager) was quick to respond and gave us very reasonable options. There is a lot of information on their website about group bookings, but whatever questions I had, she answered them thoroughly. She met with us one afternoon and showed us the entire inn and we spoke about what would work best for our event. The booking fee was extremely reasonable (especially compared to almost anywhere else!) and the food prices were typical for what you would pay for a nice sit-down dinner. The entire inn is absolutely wonderful. Old oil paintings, beautiful hardwood floors, cozy rooms and a large bright glass-enclosed room for larger groups. There is so much history there and in the surrounding area that this is truly a treasure. Just across the street is a really cute church from the late 1800's that was part of the original property. For a location, this was perfect for us. There were plenty of food options to chose from when we were making our booking. We opted to give guests a choice of NY Strip, Country Stuffed Chicken or Horseradish Salmon. They were all fantastic. Yes, I tried them all! We had appetizers for the guests while post-ceremony portraits were being taken. The servers for our sit-down meal were just wonderful. So sweet, friendly and prompt. Lisa allowed me a space upstairs to get dressed, and she was even there right before the ceremony just in case we needed anything at all (thanks for "fluffing" my dress!). I cannot say enough good things about our experience with The Old South Mountain Inn.

  My husband and I were looking for a unique venue for our small wedding. We love local history and really wanted a historic inn for our ceremony and reception. We spent a lot of time searching all over the MD and surrounding areas, but no place wanted to accommodate a small (25 person) wedding. Most required huge booking fees. When I saw The Old South Mountain Inn, I remembered it from my childhood in Western MD, and crossed my fingers. Lisa Dorsey (owner/manager) was quick to respond and gave us very reasonable options. There is a lot of information on their website about group bookings, but whatever questions I had, she answered them thoroughly. She met with us one afternoon and showed us the entire inn and we spoke about what would work best for our event. The booking fee was extremely reasonable (especially compared to almost anywhere else!) and the food prices were typical for what you would pay for a nice sit-down dinner. The entire inn is absolutely wonderful. Old oil paintings, beautiful hardwood floors, cozy rooms and a large bright glass-enclosed room for larger groups. There is so much history there and in the surrounding area that this is truly a treasure. Just across the street is a really cute church from the late 1800's that was part of the original property. For a location, this was perfect for us. There were plenty of food options to chose from when we were making our booking. We opted to give guests a choice of NY Strip, Country Stuffed Chicken or Horseradish Salmon. They were all fantastic. Yes, I tried them all! We had appetizers for the guests while post-ceremony portraits were being taken. The servers for our sit-down meal were just wonderful. So sweet, friendly and prompt. Lisa allowed me a space upstairs to get dressed, and she was even there right before the ceremony just in case we needed anything at all (thanks for "fluffing" my dress!). I cannot say enough good things about our experience with The Old South Mountain Inn.
• Laura Sent on 06/01/2015
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  We held our wedding rehearsal dinner at Old South Mountain Inn and had a wonderful experience! Lisa Dorsey was a pleasure to work with and was very prompt with emailing us if we had any questions. The food is exceptional and the garden/green room area is beautiful! I would highly recommend Old South Mountain Inn for a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, baby shower, etc.

  We held our wedding rehearsal dinner at Old South Mountain Inn and had a wonderful experience! Lisa Dorsey was a pleasure to work with and was very prompt with emailing us if we had any questions. The food is exceptional and the garden/green room area is beautiful! I would highly recommend Old South Mountain Inn for a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, baby shower, etc.
• Samantha Sent on 08/25/2014
  5 out of 5 rating

  5.0
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  I had my wedding at this venue and could not have been happier with the entire experience.
  
  My husband and I work night shift as nurses and Lisa (the owner/event planner) was always willing to find times to get together that worked with our schedules, was responsive via email, and always available by phone. I even had to move my wedding up 3 months and Lisa called the Inn on her day off, confirmed availability and emailed me - all on her day off. I'm not sure what previous people experienced but I cannot imagine Lisa could have been any more amazing if she tried. My 90 year old grandmother decided day-of she felt up to making it to the wedding. When she got there we realized we did not plan on her being there so did not have a corsage. Lisa personally made her one on the spot so she felt included!!!
  
  As far as decorations Lisa went above and beyond for us. She allowed us to drop off all decorations the night before and had the venue decorated impeccably. The centerpieces had 7 different parts and Lisa decorated as if it was her own daughter's wedding. If I had stayed up all night I never could have made it look as beautiful as she did.
  
  The food at the venue was amazing. My husband - who hates fish - even LOVED the salmon appetizer. Every person I have talked to since the wedding thought their food was flawless. Every steak was cooked to each person's preference, the pork chops are delicious and the fish was divine. On top of that the wait staff was the best I have ever experienced. We had a personal waitress who ensured we had appetizers and salads sitting at our table once the reception started so my husband and I could sneak in something to eat between saying high to guests. The servers were personable and always pleasant - they even packaged appetizers, salads, dinner and dessert in to-go containers for my husband and I so when we got to the hotel that night we were able to actually eat!
  
  Could not have asked for anything more. Perfect wedding.
  

  I had my wedding at this venue and could not have been happier with the entire experience.
  
  My husband and I work night shift as nurses and Lisa (the owner/event planner) was always willing to find times to get together that worked with our schedules, was responsive via email, and always available by phone. I even had to move my wedding up 3 months and Lisa called the Inn on her day off, confirmed availability and emailed me - all on her day off. I'm not sure what previous people experienced but I cannot imagine Lisa could have been any more amazing if she tried. My 90 year old grandmother decided day-of she felt up to making it to the wedding. When she got there we realized we did not plan on her being there so did not have a corsage. Lisa personally made her one on the spot so she felt included!!!
  
  As far as decorations Lisa went above and beyond for us. She allowed us to drop off all decorations the night before and had the venue decorated impeccably. The centerpieces had 7 different parts and Lisa decorated as if it was her own daughter's wedding. If I had stayed up all night I never could have made it look as beautiful as she did.
  
  The food at the venue was amazing. My husband - who hates fish - even LOVED the salmon appetizer. Every person I have talked to since the wedding thought their food was flawless. Every steak was cooked to each person's preference, the pork chops are delicious and the fish was divine. On top of that the wait staff was the best I have ever experienced. We had a personal waitress who ensured we had appetizers and salads sitting at our table once the reception started so my husband and I could sneak in something to eat between saying high to guests. The servers were personable and always pleasant - they even packaged appetizers, salads, dinner and dessert in to-go containers for my husband and I so when we got to the hotel that night we were able to actually eat!
  
  Could not have asked for anything more. Perfect wedding.
  
• Leslie Sent on 03/29/2015
  4.8 out of 5 rating

  4.8
  • Quality of service
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Average response time
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Professionalism
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0

  Food was excellent, service was outstanding, and it is a beautiful place to have a reception. The price was also good, not as cheap as some, but not as expensive as others.

  Food was excellent, service was outstanding, and it is a beautiful place to have a reception. The price was also good, not as cheap as some, but not as expensive as others.
• 
  User1021575 Sent on 11/20/2012
  4.1 out of 5 rating

  4.1
  • Quality of service
    3.0 out of 5 rating
    3.0
  • Average response time
    4.5 out of 5 rating
    4.5
  • Professionalism
    4.5 out of 5 rating
    4.5
  • Value
    5.0 out of 5 rating
    5.0
  • Flexibility
    3.5 out of 5 rating
    3.5

  South Mountain Inn was a great choice for my smaller wedding. I thought it was a little pricey but they did a very good job.

  South Mountain Inn was a great choice for my smaller wedding. I thought it was a little pricey but they did a very good job.
• Adrienne Sent on 10/14/2014
  4 out of 5 rating

  4.0
  • Quality of service
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Average response time
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Professionalism
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Flexibility
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0

  My now-husband and I have come here many times for special dinners and they did not disappoint. It was just about 20 of us, but the food was fantastic. You should have seen the smiles on the young girls' faces when they brought out ice cream sundaes as big as their heads.

  My now-husband and I have come here many times for special dinners and they did not disappoint. It was just about 20 of us, but the food was fantastic. You should have seen the smiles on the young girls' faces when they brought out ice cream sundaes as big as their heads.
• 
  User855771 Sent on 07/08/2012
  3.7 out of 5 rating

  3.7
  • Quality of service
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Average response time
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Professionalism
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0 out of 5 rating
    4.0
  • Flexibility
    2.5 out of 5 rating
    2.5

  Beautiful area/venue. Not a great $ value, a little pricey for what's offered.

  Beautiful area/venue. Not a great $ value, a little pricey for what's offered.
• 
  User1281461 Sent on 08/11/2013
  1.8 out of 5 rating

  1.8
  • Quality of service
    3.5 out of 5 rating
    3.5
  • Average response time
    1.0 out of 5 rating
    1.0
  • Professionalism
    1.5 out of 5 rating
    1.5
  • Value
    2.5 out of 5 rating
    2.5
  • Flexibility
    0.5 out of 5 rating
    0.5

  The ambiance is very nice and the wait staff were professional. It would be a very nice place to have a reception if you didn't have to deal the the event coordinator (Lisa/owner) and if the food matched the atmosphere.
  
  She was extremely difficult to reach as she apparently does not return phone calls promptly (if ever). Her husband (the chef) told us to send her an email, but that didn't get a timely or informative response, either. She makes appointments, then forgets them. She is very inflexible, even over simple matters.
  
  Regarding the food, the hors d'oeuvres looked cheap. We were embarrassed to be the hosts of this event when we saw them. There were barely any there -- certainly not enough for our guests, and we had a small wedding!
  
  The same year, a friend of ours had a reception there. We did not attend each other's event, so I don't know what that reception was like, but she called us before her event to ask for advice on how to deal with Lisa, because she was also having a horrible time with her.
  
  I had been to their Sunday brunch before and enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere, which is why we chose it for the reception. But the entire experience was extremely frustrating and disappointing. We had read other negative reviews online about receptions there, but chalked it up to "can't please everyone." I wish we had listened.
  
  (Note: the Quality of Service rating above is a combination of the service of the wait staff and that of the event coordinator. If we split them, the wait staff would be about 4.5 and the e.c. would be about 2.)

  The ambiance is very nice and the wait staff were professional. It would be a very nice place to have a reception if you didn't have to deal the the event coordinator (Lisa/owner) and if the food matched the atmosphere.
  
  She was extremely difficult to reach as she apparently does not return phone calls promptly (if ever). Her husband (the chef) told us to send her an email, but that didn't get a timely or informative response, either. She makes appointments, then forgets them. She is very inflexible, even over simple matters.
  
  Regarding the food, the hors d'oeuvres looked cheap. We were embarrassed to be the hosts of this event when we saw them. There were barely any there -- certainly not enough for our guests, and we had a small wedding!
  
  The same year, a friend of ours had a reception there. We did not attend each other's event, so I don't know what that reception was like, but she called us before her event to ask for advice on how to deal with Lisa, because she was also having a horrible time with her.
  
  I had been to their Sunday brunch before and enjoyed both the food and the atmosphere, which is why we chose it for the reception. But the entire experience was extremely frustrating and disappointing. We had read other negative reviews online about receptions there, but chalked it up to "can't please everyone." I wish we had listened.
  
  (Note: the Quality of Service rating above is a combination of the service of the wait staff and that of the event coordinator. If we split them, the wait staff would be about 4.5 and the e.c. would be about 2.)