Top 8 best hotels in Asheville, North Carolina: from grand estate and industrial boutique to luxury resort with golf course
There are many charming mountain towns in the United States, and Asheville is certainly among them. It is close to outdoor activities and all kinds of outdoor adventures in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. But beyond that, the city attracts travelers with a vibrant cultural scene: its downtown is filled with art galleries, and Yelp voted it the best culinary destination in America this year. Visitors to Asheville have no problem filling their schedules with interesting events, nor do they have trouble finding good hotels. From cozy boutiques and flashy bed-and-breakfasts to grand resorts and historic estates, there's something for every traveler. Or he can go straight to this top hotels in Asheville to save time.
The Inn on Biltmore Estate
At the center of the luxurious 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate sits a chic French Renaissance-style home surrounded by manicured picturesque gardens, especially beautiful during spring blooms. The 35-bedroom, 65-fireplace, 43-bathroom mansion was built in 1895. The mansion served as a haven for measured out-of-town vacations for members of the famous Vanderbilt family, and today is a popular destination for travelers and one of Asheville's finest hotels.
You can't stay in the original mansion, but there are several other lodging options on the grounds, including a luxury hotel decorated in a traditional style. Its guests can explore Biltmore House on guided tours, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and green lawns, or rent a bike, visit the Biltmore winery, and attend free wine tastings. In between activities, relax in the spa, take a dip in the heated pool, and soak in the hot tub. Dinner is served in the fine dining room of the 4-star restaurant The Dining Room, followed by cocktails in the elegant Library Lounge.
Notable amenities include an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness room, and free parking.
Room rate: $$$$.
The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton
The 2018 list of best hotels in Asheville includes a boutique hotel in the vibrant Block neighborhood within a couple of minutes' walk of some of the best local breweries in North Carolina. The Foundry Hotel is housed on the site of the former steel mill involved in the construction of the Biltmore Estate.
It still has some historic details that have become interior accents, such as the original pulley elevator, exposed beams, etc. Its 87 rooms are modern, and the combination of upholstered headboards, steel windows, and brick walls creates an industrial atmosphere. Rooms feature marble bathrooms, Nespresso coffee makers, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges, and for families and company travelers, there's the option to book connecting rooms. There is an on-site restaurant, Benne on Eagle, run by renowned chef John Fleer. Here, guests can enjoy Appalachian soul food that pays homage to the culinary traditions of the region. Grab a drink, sit with a book, and socialize with other guests in the Workshop Lounge, whose menu consists of a wide selection of wines, cocktails, and craft beers. But guests can also take a Tesla Model X to one of the fine restaurants in downtown Asheville or the nearby River Arts District.
Notable amenities include complimentary Tesla service, electric car charging stations, and an equipped fitness center.
Room rate: $$$$.
The Windsor Boutique Hotel
One of the elite premium hotels offering travelers a stay in Asheville in original and sophisticated accommodations near the best stores, restaurants, galleries, and breweries in the heart of downtown Asheville. The Windsor was built in 1907 and underwent a historic renovation in 2013. But modern conveniences have not compromised its true charm and character.
The hotel has only 14 luxury suites, each with one or two separate bedrooms with large beds and luxurious linens, a bathroom with Steffa bath towels, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. The rooms are spacious and vary in decor, ambiance, and some extras. The hotel has a spa that uses plant-based skincare cosmetics from the C&Co.® brand during its treatments. To continue the care at home, you can purchase these products at the brand's signature store in the lobby.
When staying at popular Asheville hotels, guests can start exploring the local art and wine scene without leaving the property. For example, the first floor of the Windsor features an art gallery dedicated to the work of renowned photographer and environmentalist Benjamin Walls. Guests can admire his work, which has won international awards and been exhibited in dozens of museums while enjoying an exceptional wine and chocolate truffle bar.
Notable amenities: in-room washer/dryer, complimentary drinks, and snacks, free parking, great for families.
Room rate: $$$$.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection
One of Asheville's most beautiful boutique hotels is located next to the historic Biltmore Estate in an enclave reminiscent of an English village that was created for the estate's employees. The hotel, with its Tudor-style exterior, blends in wonderfully with the architecture of Biltmore Village. The interior, on the other hand, evokes the flavor of a rustic hunting lodge with wild animal heads on the walls, deer antlers, and an open fireplace.
Grand Bohemian rooms and suites are spacious and beautifully appointed, with chic upholstered headboards, large beds with orthopedic mattresses and exquisite linens and comforters custom-made for the hotel, and large marble bathrooms with separate tub and shower. Part of chic hotels in Asheville is a must-have restaurant, and at the Grand Bohemian, the Red Stag Grill has taken on this task, featuring European delicacies, Appalachian specialties, and original cocktails. At the center of the hotel is the Poseidon Spa, offering a range of signature treatments and special packages for romantic getaways.
Notable amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, champagne at check-in, a gift store, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Room rate: $$.
Kimpton Hotel Arras
One of Asheville's newest hotels, added to North Carolina's hotel scene in 2019, is located on Pack Square in the city's tallest building, where it spans 10 stories. It was formerly home to a bank, so it's no surprise that there are plenty of stores, cafes, galleries, and breweries nearby. It takes its name from part of the region of France famous for its fabrics, and the transformation from a bank to one of Asheville's finest hotels involved updating the interior with metal, stone, and art deco elements.
The decor conveys the city's creative vibe, which it complements with casual luxury at every turn. After a day of hiking to waterfalls and strolling through galleries, guests can recover in one of the 128 rooms and suites, which combine comfort with soothing mountain and city views. Rooms are more like residential lofts and are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, from large beds and soft robes to panoramic windows and yoga mats. The Bargello restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine is worth stopping by for lunch, and the District 42 Lounge is a great place to enjoy energetic cocktails and mountain views from the patio.
Notable amenities include complimentary bicycles, an in-room yoga mat, a top-notch spa, and evenings with local brews and wine.
Room rate: $$.
Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate
Also located on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, this hotel offers a quiet retreat in a casual setting and a more affordable way to stay than other famous hotels near Biltmore House. This part of the estate has fun activities for every guest, including hiking and biking trails, a playground, a farmyard, and an Outdoor Adventure Center, and Antler Hill Village restaurants, stores and a winery are just minutes away.
Rooms are decorated in a contemporary rustic style, with wooden bed headboards, iron sconces, thick curtains, and plenty of other wood accents. Meals are available from breakfast to dinner at the Village Social restaurant, which uses fresh ingredients grown on the estate for its menu. This popular restaurant and bar offers a variety of traditional Southern-style dishes and a unique selection of signature cocktails. The Kitchen Café is also open daily, offering coffee and tea, salads, sandwiches, and seasonal baked goods. The Village Hotel has a year-round outdoor heated pool with loungers and umbrellas around the perimeter, and guests also get access to the spa at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. End the evening by relaxing around the patio fire pit.
Notable amenities: outdoor pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, free parking.
Room rate: $$.
The Applewood Manor
This is one of Asheville's oldest bed and breakfasts and has never stopped operating. However, you wouldn't be able to guess that after the multi-million dollar renovation it underwent in 2021. The hotel is located a couple minutes away from downtown Asheville in the historic Montford neighborhood.
It features six meticulously designed guest rooms with private bathrooms and luxurious amenities: large beds with premium mattresses, Duxiana and Sferra linens and comforters, soft robes and towels, and L'Occitane bath products. Half of the rooms also have fireplaces and private balconies. Start your day at this hotel with a complimentary farm-to-table breakfast of local seasonal produce. The gastronomic experience doesn't end there: there are cooking classes with guest chefs, including Michelin-starred chefs, beer and wine tastings, and other themed culinary events. Cycling enthusiasts will love the hotel's program with assistance in planning bike routes and group rides led by a professional cyclist. Don't miss the opportunity to stay at one of Asheville's renowned hotels, as the owners plan to turn it back into a private residence.
Notable amenities include Duxiana mattresses, and world-class 3T Exploro bike rentals.
Room rate: $$$$.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
The historic resort is located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Blue Ridge Boulevard. For more than a century, it has welcomed travelers who come here for relaxation in the clean mountain air. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The Omni Grove Park Inn is one of the best hotels in Asheville for family vacations with a myriad of amenities and services for different ages and preferences. There is an 18-hole golf course that was designed by Donald Ross, three outdoor and three indoor tennis courts, a sports complex, and outdoor and indoor pools. Yoga and aerobics classes, historical tours and hiking trails, children's activities, and camps are offered on the grounds.
The hotel's 43,000-square-foot spa has been voted one of the best in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler and boasts a variety of water amenities such as therapeutic waterfalls, eucalyptus steam baths, and a huge hot tub with breathtaking mountain views. The hotel has 513 rooms (28 of which are on a separate adults-only floor) and 10 restaurants and bars.
Notable amenities include a golf course, tennis courts, an underground spa, and children's programs.
Room rate: $$$.