Biltmore Estate

I downloaded the app for my stay over the Memorial Day holiday. The app was very informative to include maps, and a daily activity list of all the events, hours of operation for all the places and also included a brief explanation for all the things. It beats carrying around a paper map or having to ask someone for help or directions. The app was perfect in that regard. Where it lacked was the inability to store my key or passes. However, I don’t think that is the intended purpose of the app. So in that respect, the app does exactly what it’s supposed to do in that it provided all the necessary information and maps to make my stay as stress-free as possible. Definitely download if you’re on the grounds for more than a day.

The app is a great idea to have all the information a visitor would need in one place. The content appears to be the same as the website so no real benefit. The best part was the interactive map. The map could be improved by giving you amount of time from one destination to another in real time not just a list. I hoped to gleam more about the Biltmore Estate history and family but there is very little on the app. Biltmore please bring the app up to your level of service.

Pro's. Beautiful picture of the house on the loading screen. Con's. After 30-60 seconds of trying to load, it kicks be back out to my home screen. I was on wifi, so that wasn't the issue. I'm sure they will issue an update soon to fix this, but until then it is useless. Update: They have fixed the original issues with connecting and added some content. They have more of the restaurants menus loaded, with pricing, which is nice. If you haven't taken the time to admire the aerial view of the gardens, on the site map, you should go do that now. The map is easy to use, if you aren't familiar with the estate. Having said all that, it still isn't a 5 star app. Overall, it feels like it's main purpose is to make it easier to spend money on the estate. (Understandable from their end, but not why I keep apps on my phone) An example of this is there are lots of pictures of different activities you can pay to do on the estate, but only 5 pictures in the archives section. This would become a much better app for me, as a season pass holder, if there were lots of historical pictures and tidbits that we may not already know. The more I learn about the house, the more interesting it is for me to keep going back. It also improves the experience of guest I take with me. I'm not saying it should take the place of the audio tour, but little nuggets about each room would be awesome. I would also like to be able to see the entire month on the calendar, instead of having to pick a day. Living in town, I try to go on days that aren't overly crowded. Being able to scan the whole month would make that easier. I feel an app should be more than a shortcut to a website, and I haven't found anything on the app that isn't readily available on their website. Without additional behind the scenes type content, I don't think this app will add anything to my experience. I might end up keeping it, just for the menus. It would be worth the download if you are a new, or very infrequent, visitor. If they continue to update and add to the content, then it would definitely become a keeper for everyone.