Best Hotels in Asheville—A Local’s Perspective
It's our Ashevillean tradition to gather together under the moon of the Autumn Solstice and await with eager ears the engine-sounds of tourists, as they stream in from parts unknown to witness fall in the mountains.
But winter speeds towards us like a raging snow-leopard, and soon, all the leaves will be gone. If you're quick, you may still catch the leaves in color, but a visit to Asheville demands some premeditation.
Gone are the days you may simply drift into town on your dappled stallion and find temporary residence at the local saloon. Now you need things like “reservations,” and “valet service,” and as an additional complication, there's a heck of a lot of hotels to choose from.
Luckily, local lore can go a long way. I invite you to read on, and discover some of the best hotels in Asheville.
As I’m sure you’ve heard many times: location is King. But how did location become King? When was the coronation? Can we vote for the King? Should we be in revolt, demanding a charter of rights? And if location is King, who's is it's Queen?
Sadly, we may never know. But nonetheless, Hotel Indigo definitely deserves a crown for its location. Standing on the northern edge of downtown, this hotel lies in walking distance to the Asheville Pinball Museum, shopping and dining at the Grove Arcade, the monumental Basilica of St. Lawrence, and Harrah's Cherokee Center, host of all manner of concerts and live shows throughout the year.
On top of all that, they're just a short drive away from the River Arts District and west Asheville, both great places to get a taste of local culture.
With a location like that, you can see why I consider Hotel Indigo one of the best hotels in Asheville.
Cost: Around $200 per night, plus $25 for valet parking.
Speaking of the River Arts District, Asheville's long been a forerunner in converting defunct spaces into realms of leisure. Warehouses into galleries, mechanic shops into restaurants, and so on. It's one of the defining characteristics of local architecture, and if you want to get up close and personal to this Ashevillean tradition, there's no better place than downtown's Foundry Hotel.
As you might guess: it was a foundry once. In fact, it forged steel for the Biltmore Estate. Talk about walking through history.
But long gone are the days of titanic crucibles and carbon fumes, all replaced with homey furnishings, cozy fire pits, and a tranquil courtyard.
It's definitely one of the most distinct hotels you can stay at in Asheville, made all the more memorable by their ground floor restaurant, Benne on Eagle, one of the best places in Asheville to find authentic Appalachian fare.
Whereas Hotel Indigo sits on the north side of downtown, the Foundry sits on the south, putting it in close proximity to Pack Square, the Asheville Art Museum, and the famous South Slope brewing district.
Cost: Around 350$ per night, plus $32 for valet parking.
For years I confused the Grand Bohemian with 2014's Grand Budapest from director Wes Anderson. It's an honest mistake.
Both hotels are steeped in splendid opulence, but the Grand Bohemian takes it a step further with a "hunting lodge" aesthetic, sure to put you square in the right mood for a Blue Ridge hike. The theme even runs through their attached Red Stag Grill, serving elk, roasted duck, and trout snatched straight from Appalachian waters.
But keep in mind this place is a far fling from a mere cabin in the woods. Amenities include an art gallery, the Poseidon Spa, and a Bosendorfer piano. Which I'm told is a very fancy thing to posses indeed.
Located in Biltmore Village, just south of downtown, this hotel lies in walking-distance to many fine boutiques and cafes. And if you want to check out the Biltmore Estate, it's practically just down the road.
Cost: Around 400$ per night, plus $30 for valet parking.
No list of the best hotels in Asheville would be complete without the Grove Park Inn. In short: it's an icon.
Hidden away from the city’s main arteries, on an expanse of manicured forests and lawns, the Grove Park Inn is practically a world unto itself.
With a host of restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a golf course, and an entire wing given over to a semi-subterranean spa, you can see why my own personal apocalypse survival plan involves holing up in the Grove Park Inn.
But until the collapse of civilization, the Inn's going to keep on offering an awesome selection of seasonal events including, their Thanksgiving buffet, poolside music throughout the summer, and the annual gingerbread-house competition.
And if you ever want to take a gander beyond the Inn's grounds, you'll find all the wonders of north Asheville just a short drive away. Catch a show at Asheville Pizza and Brewing, try local ice-cream at the Hop, or simply stroll away the afternoon at our botanical gardens.
Cost: Around $550 per night, plus $28 for parking.
Despite the advantages of all the aforementioned places to stay in Asheville, NC, my own world-travels have led me to speculate that a traditional hotel may not always be the best option.
Why put up with the cacophony of inconsiderate upstairs neighbors? Why share a fireplace with strangers, when you could share it with friends and family? The same goes for hot tubs, and then some. Plus, what if I want to cook something? It takes a lot more than a sink and a coffee maker to craft culinary masterpieces.
Fact is, you can find all these amenities and more right here at Asheville Cottages. And by “more,” I mean heated bathroom floors, a gas grille, Bluetooth speakers, and proximity to the North Carolina Arboretum, an unparalleled destination for immersion in the Blue Ridge's abundant flora.
It may seem ironic that one of the best hotels in Asheville is in fact, technically, a luxury cabin. But you just can't beat the privacy.
Cost: Around $350 for a one-bedroom rental, $500 for a two-bedroom rental, and $550 for a three-bedroom rental. Plus, no parking fees.
Businesses Mentioned
Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown
(828) 239-0239
151 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
The Foundry Hotel
(828) 552-8545
51 S Market St, Asheville, NC 28801
Grand Bohemian Hotel
(828) 505-2949
11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803
The Omni Grove Park Inn
(828) 252-2711
290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
Asheville Cottages
(828) 712-1789
29 Asheville Cottage Ln, Asheville, NC 28806
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