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Not worth the money.. pictures don't show what you actually get.. which is 2 moldy "windows" with no air flow at all.. It was soo humid and hot we couldn't even tolerate being in it even after the sun went down and it pouring outside. We left our first night there. The pictures make it look nice but honestly it's not worth the money. I'd rather just go camping. They don't give you any information but how to get there, and to clean up after yourself. It barely looked clean, and no one cleaned up after anyone for awhile it seems.
Glamping Unplugged was definitely an experience in multiple ways! I'm going to break down our review to highlight the pros and cons of coming here. I will say we were originally going to camp in Fleetwood, but due to bad weather ruining the bridge, the host worked very well with us helping us relocate to the "Starry Night" in Deep Gap. They were very hospitable and prompt in their responses and even were able to allow us to have an early check in time of 12 PM.
Pros
This site is very secluded compared to the other two, it feels a lot more private.
This site did not have water access, but we spent time at the waterfalls and it was definitely wonderful.
This site also has a nice little patio area that is located nicely away from the other domes.
I did enjoy having a fire pit and grill option.
If you like camping, this is a step up from tent camping, but not as cozy as a cabin, but I do think it is worth the price for the experience you get.
Cons
This dome does not have enough ventilation, so it gets VERY hot and humid inside the dome. If you come with dogs, they can get over heated in the dome quickly! It was too hot to have ours in the dome during midday.
Also due to the humidity of the inside of the dome, condensation dripped on us as we slept.
When we arrived to our dome it smelled heavily of urine. It took us about two days to get the smell out and we removed the port-o toilet from the dome.
If you have a lot of supplies for a week long camp like we did, it is hard moving the supplies from the parking area to the dome, carts had flat tires and kept flipping, the house keeping was able to use an access road to get on to the property, it would be nice if we could use it too and park in the parking lot after unpacking.
If you care not paying attention, it is very hard to find the parking lot, signs would definitely help to locate the property.
Would we stay here again? Yes. Would we use this dome again? No, we liked the look of the Original dome. It is a nice property, but there is not much to do. We were slotted to stay there for Tues-Sat. We did not stay the entire time due to myself getting a tough sinus infection. This would be great for a weekend stay, but it quickly loses its shine after several days.
I read some of the reviews on here after booking and panicked, thinking we'd made a huge mistake. I couldn't have been more wrong. I was prepared for a smelly, moldy, dingy experience based on another review, but found our dome (Starry Nights) to be clean, fresh smelling, and inviting. The bed was surprisingly comfortable (apart from my husband hogging it), and we slept great! There were no leaks, but everything was a bit damp in the morning - which is to be expected when you're camping. It was a bit warm, but there were 3 portable fans (and we brought one of our own), so it all worked out!
My advice is to not let these negative reviews deter you - while it is a bit pricey, our time here was invaluable for disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with each other. Unfortunately didn't get any pictures, since we were so busy talking and soaking everything in. We're already talking about our next trip back!
Bottom line: I advise going car camping or renting a cabin; this place is not worth the cost.
The details: First, for point of view, I am a backpack camper and not high maintenance at all. In fact, I’m so low maintenance that I agreed to go to this dome for my 21st wedding anniversary. My husband and I rented Starry Nights for 1 night at a cost north of $200. For the price and based on the pictures I expected a cozy dome with nice views near a creek. Instead there was a moldy dome that smelled strangely. When we first arrived and parked our car, there was a wagon waiting for us to transport our belongings. However, the wagon was broken so we had to walk another dome in the vicinity to get a working wagon. Next, upon entering the dome we were hit with a strange smell and there was very little airflow even with the door open. The location isn’t great—it’s not near the water/ you can clearly hear traffic/ the view is not picturesque/ the “windows” were moldy—for the costs of the rental the external upkeep was subpar; the outside sitting area was not tidied after the previous guests. The portalet (sp?) in the dome might be a plus for some but was a no-go for us—we were not enamored with having a toilet within arms reach of where we slept/sat/snacked. The description of the dome indicated that towelettes were provided. Our dome did not have any. I am really glad we only stayed one night; we chose to hang out in Boone most of the time because there was really nothing to do on the property (no hiking trails). When we were leaving the property the next morning we ran into another couple who rented a different dome. The couple stopped us and asked “what did you think about this place” in a tone that indicated that they too were disappointed. We were all in agreement that the photographer deserves kudos for making the place look inviting. The cost of the rental does not match the value of the experience. We will not be back and we do not recommend renting these domes in deep gap, nc.
We embarked on a winter adventure at Glamping Unplugged in December, and what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be!
We stayed in the getaway dome at fleetwood.
In the midst of the cold weather, the spacious dome provided a warm and inviting haven. The owners went above and beyond, ensuring that our stay was not only comfortable but also thoughtfully prepared with all the essentials.
Cleanliness was impeccable, and the vast open space around us added to the overall charm of the experience. The check-in process was smooth, thanks to the owners' attentive hospitality.
It's crucial to set the right expectations; Glamping Unplugged isn't a 5-star hotel, and it's not trying to be. If you approach it with the mindset of embracing a genuine camping experience, you'll find it to be a delightful retreat. Some negative reviews seem to stem from misplaced expectations – think of your dome as a large tent with a bed, and you'll be well-prepared for the cozy camping charm that awaits.
Nestled close to Boone, our haven provides not only a tranquil escape but also opens the door to a myriad of exciting day trips. From exploring the charming streets of Boone to immersing yourself in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, every day becomes an opportunity for new adventures.
In summary, Glamping Unplugged surpassed our expectations, offering a unique blend of nature, comfort, and sincere hospitality. We highly recommend it to those seeking a distinctive winter retreat!
The wood stove in the dome keeps everything warm but does leave a smoky campfire smell. Everything in your dome will smell like a campfire when you leave. I love the smell and thought that was a plus, but it's good to know if you are not prepared.
Just do it...it will be fun!!!
