FAQs about conferences and retreats
Below are some commonly asked questions regarding conferences and retreats at Lutheridge and Lutherock.
If you would like to read through our FAQs regarding summer and retreat programs, please click here.
What is the check in and check out time?
At both Lutheridge and Lutherock, from August through May, check in time is after 3PM and check out time is before 11AM. The check in and check out times are set to allow housekeeping adequate time to clean rooms. Early check in and late check out maybe available upon request when it does not conflict with other arriving or departing groups.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Unless other arrangements have been made, at Lutheridge, guests come to the registration office in Efird Hall: From the front gate, follow the road up, bearing to the right at the fork in the road. Efird Hall is the first building on the left.
At Lutherock, guests will head straight to their housing facility. At the Crow's Nest, keys for the rooms will be in the lounge.
When I arrive, will there be someone in the office?
At Lutheridge, the office is staffed from 9AM-5PM Monday - Thursday, 9AM-9PM on Friday, and 8AM-3PM on Saturday. Our Guest Services staff is available by cell phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with your needs while you are retreating with us. You can reach Guest Services at (828) 606-5684. This is a local call when dialed from the phone at Efird Hall.
At Lutherock, there is no central office. Our site manager is available by cell phone for guest emergencies.
Where do I pick up keys to my room?
At Lutheridge, guests staying on site will find keys to their rooms or cabins on the counter at Efird Hall. Group leaders may wish to take the keys to put with registration packets for the group. If this happens, there will be a note on the counter informing you where you can pick up your key.
At Lutherock, buildings are open prior to the guest's arrival. At the Crow's Nest, guests will find keys for the individual rooms waiting for them in the lounge area.
What is an emergency contact number I can give while I am at Lutheridge or Lutherock?
The Lutheridge number is (828) 684-2361. During business hours, the receptionist will connect you with guest services. Messages are delivered to your room. After hours, there is a prompt that will connect the caller to our Guest Services Emergency cell phone (828-606-5684).
The Lutherock number is (828) 733-5868. Messages are checked and delivered to the guests. upon request with a reservation, guests can request the site manager's phone number for emergencies.
Is there an alarm clock in the room?
Many guests bring an alarm clock, as there is not one in the room.
Lost and Found
Our housekeeping staff is very good about turning in items to our lost and found. We have many items left behind, but we only have the space to store them for one month. Unclaimed items are donated to Goodwill and cell phones are donated to women’s shelters. If you realize you have left something behind, please contact Guest Services and we will be happy to mail the items to you via the USPS.
What activities are there to do at Lutheridge and Lutherock?
Lutheridge sits on 160 acres of land outside of Asheville, NC. Lutherock is over 700 acres in Newland, NC. Both sites have a wide variety of activities. Please click here to learn more of the on-site activities at Lutheridge. And here for Lutherock.
What time are meals?
If your group has signed up for meals at Lutheridge, the dining hall opens the buffet at 8:30AM for breakfast, 12:30PM for lunch, and 6PM for dinner August through May. Guests are asked to be on time for meals as this will ensure the food stays tasty and hot!
At Lutherock, most groups prepare their own meals. However, if meals have been requested, the same meal times apply.
We have a few special dietary needs in our group. Should they bring their own food?
At Lutheridge and Lutherock, we can accommodate for most special diets (diabetics, vegetarians, allergies, and vegans). Just make guest services aware of the dietary requests at least two weeks prior to your arrival.
May I bring my pet to Lutheridge?
Out of respect for others staying on site and because of guidelines from the health department and American Camping Association, pets are not allowed in any Lutheridge or Lutherock facility. We will be happy to provide you with a list of local kennels used by our staff.
What is the alcohol policy at Lutheridge?
LLMI does not provide or serve alcohol. You are permitted to bring your own. We ask that you drink in moderation and keep yourselves isolated from other groups on the property during and after consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcohol may not be consumed in the presence of youth under the age of 21 (the legal drinking age in North Carolina).
What nearby activities are convenient to Lutheridge?
Our guest services staff has prepared a list of area attractions that is available upon request. For a brief overview, please click here.
Do I need to bring bed and bath linens?
Linens are always provided in Thornburg, Kohnjoy, and Bacot (one bath towel per person) at Lutheridge and the Crow's Nest at Lutherock. Bed linens and bath towels for some of our other housing facilities are available at a small additional charge. Please check with guest services to see if this is available for your group. Guests should bring their own personal toiletries and additional towels if they like to use more than one towel.
Is my housing facility heated?
Housing and meeting facilities opened seasonally (Pioneer Cabins, Lakeside Lodge, etc.) are not heated. All other housing and indoor meeting spaces are heated.
What should I do about set up for my meeting room?
We will be happy to set up your meeting space. Set up and AV requests must be received by Guest Services at lease two weeks before your arrival. We cannot guarantee all items or staff will be available for last minute requests.
Is there a phone or TV in my room?
Lutheridge and Lutherock is a place apart. To maintain this atmosphere, we do not have TVs or phones in any of our rooms or cabins. We do have TVs and VCRs available in our meeting rooms for groups to use. There is a pay phone located near the dining hall, and a guest phone at the counter in the Efird Office at Lutheridge for calls that are local or if using a calling card.
Will my cell phone work?
This will depend on your cell phone company. Generally, guests do not have a problem getting a signal at Lutheridge. Lutherock is a more remote location, so cell service may not be available.
Is there access to the Internet?
Lutheridge and Lutherock takes pride in being a place apart. However, we do understand the need to keep in touch with the office and others. We do have a computer set up with Internet access and limited wireless available in Efird Hall at Lutheridge. Because of its location, we are unable to provide Internet access or wireless at Lutherock.
Please feel free to contact Guest Services if you have any other questions.