With its rich history, elegant architecture, and industrial heritage, Asheville, North Carolina, is a fascinating place to explore. Famously, it’s home to the sprawling Biltmore Estate – the largest private residence in the United States. Set on the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s a great deal of nature to discover, too.
But it’s not all history and nature; its renovated industrial buildings now house contemporary breweries, music venues, and art galleries, giving a new lease of life to the Asheville of yesteryear. With the past to learn about and its present vibrancy to enjoy, Asheville is an inviting sort of city and comes packed with a selection of great hotels, listed below, at which to base yourself.
1. The Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville
Source: booking.comBuilt in 1913, this Arts and Crafts style hotel is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s an eye-catching lodge filled with classic furnishings — think solid oak pieces, soft carpets, and a relaxing atmosphere with views of nature from the windows.
Amenities at this top Asheville hotel include a spa and sports complex. There’s also a selection of dining options serving a variety of cuisines – from French fare to hearty Southern gastronomic delights.
Location: Situated just over two miles from Downtown Asheville, top sights nearby include the Botanical Gardens, Innsbruck Mall, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence.
2. Foundry Hotel Asheville
Source: booking.comThis is a beautifully renovated hotel. Once used as an industrial building, hotel guests will find touches of its past throughout, with exposed red bricks, large windows, and wood flooring. It has been tastefully decorated for a clean, modern feel.
It comes complete with a whole range of amenities. Free bike hire is a major perk, and there’s a fitness centre, bar, and restaurant for guests to use at their leisure.
Location: You’ll find The Foundry in the centre of Asheville, close to top sights. There are many breweries to sample in the vicinity, such as Wicked Weed Brewing, Green Man Brewing, and Hi-Wire Brewing — all within half a mile.
3. The Inn on Old Biltmore Estate
Source: booking.comYou don’t get much better than The Inn. Amazingly, it’s set within the sprawling grounds of the historic Biltmore Estate, which is more than enough of a reason to stay here. Replete with historic, romantic charm, staying at The Inn is a luxury experience.
Guests can take a dip in the heated outdoor pool, treat themselves to a spa session, or enjoy a meal at one of its restaurants. The hotel also provides a convenient shuttle service from the estate to Downtown Asheville.
Location: Set in Biltmore Estate, getting to see the main house here is easy, but you can also check out the Biltmore Estate Winery at a relaxed pace – and that’s without mentioning the surrounding beauty of the locale!
4. Kimpton – Old Arras
Source: booking.comA shiny, modern hotel, the Kimpton Old Arras is equipped with plenty of rooms boasting magnificent views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The decor throughout has been tastefully designed; here, it’s all about mid-century modern chic, with slick attention to detail.
There’s an elegant restaurant and outdoor terrace with a high-end bar to match, but there’s also room service on offer to get breakfast, lunch, or dinner delivered to your sparkling room.
Location: Right in the heart of Asheville, Green Man Brewery and Lexington Glassworks are mere steps from the hotel. Also nearby are a host of restaurants and bars.
5. 1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage
Source: booking.comStaying at this boutique cottage is like an escape from the real world. It’s warm and cosy, with open fireplaces, rocking chairs, and homey furnishings throughout. For that extra touch, each room has been uniquely decorated.
Each morning, guests are treated to a three-course gourmet breakfast in the antique style dining room. There are also beautifully manicured gardens to stroll around in, complete with Japanese maples, hundreds of perennials, roses, and even a greenhouse.
Location: Staying here means having drinking and dining options on the doorstep and being just a six-minute walk from central Asheville, while the incredible Biltmore Estate is two and a half miles away.
6. Haywood Park Hotel
Source: booking.comHaywood Park Hotel is a chic option for somewhere to stay in Asheville. Rooms are decked out in calming colours — blues and neutral tones — and come in a variety of sizes depending on your travel needs; some even have their own living areas.
Complete with a complimentary breakfast served up each morning, the Haywood Park Hotel also boasts a fitness centre to keep up with those work-outs. Dining options include a cafe and French bistro; one particularly nice touch is the free glass of champagne on arrival.
Location: Set in central Asheville, it’s easy to explore the city from here since the historic trolley stops just outside the hotel. Many sights are within walking distance, however, like the beautiful Basilica of Saint Lawrence (five minutes).
7. Crown Plaza Resort Asheville
Source: booking.comThis modern resort hotel is the place to stay for those of you who are keen on activities and games. That’s because the hotel features it’s very own 9-hole golf course, plus 20 tennis courts, a saltwater lap pool, and a heated outdoor pool.
Immaculately decorated, it feels warm and relaxing and is an excellent option for families. Children can be entertained by the on-site playground, and there are also childcare services on offer.
Location: Close to Downtown but set within acres of manicured grounds, attractions nearby include breweries (e.g. Wedge Brewery) and the Botanical Gardens of Asheville.
8. Aloft – Asheville Downtown
Source: booking.comThis contemporary hotel is all about bright guest rooms, colour pops, and funky, modern design. That youthful vibe extends to the outdoor pool and terrace, where guests can socialise around the fire pit.
A pet-friendly option, rooms at this vibrant hotel here are spacious and clean, with views of the Asheville cityscape and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. With its pool table, gym and social spaces, it’s a great place to hang out.
Location: In its central setting, from here, it’s super easy to walk to a range of bars and restaurants. It’s also near popular music venue Orange Peel, while top sights like the Basilica of Saint Lawrence are a short stroll away.
9. Cambria Hotel Downtown
Source: booking.comContemporary and cool, the minimalist design of white-washed walls, exposed brick, and sleek, angular furnishings make Cambria Hotel Downtown a great option for design-lovers. Rooms are spacious and super clean.
But it’s not all style; there’s a lot of substance here, too. You’ll find an elegant terrace complete with a fire pit and incredible city views. There’s also a vibrant on-site restaurant and bar and a great atmosphere on top of it all.
Location: True to its name, the hotel has an excellent Downtown setting. From here, practically everything is within walking distance, making it easy to get to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
10. Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
Source: booking.comThe Grand Bohemian Hotel certainly lives up to its name. With open fireplaces, chandeliers, leather furnishings, wood-panelled walls, and other rustic details, there’s a cosy, eclectic atmosphere going on here.
Original artwork adorns common spaces and corridors in this top Asheville hotel. Guest rooms are more of a contemporary affair, featuring modern takes on classic design for an updated yet timeless feeling.
Location: Though three miles from Downtown Asheville, this hotel is just outside the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, which is a two-minute walk away, also putting the Biltmore Winery on your doorstep.
11. The Windsor Asheville
Source: booking.comA home away from home, rooms at The Windsor are designed with comfort and convenience in mind. They’re practically self-contained apartments, complete with full kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and amenities such as laundry facilities.
That doesn’t take away from the elegance of the design, however, which guests will find by the bucketload. Tastefully designed, this boutique-style hotel suits groups of friends or families who want to explore Asheville. The concierge service is particularly helpful.
Location: Reach a wide selection of pubs and restaurants with only a 5-minute walk! You can choose a different place to go every night during your stay. The Orange Peel music venue is also very close.
12. Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate
Source: booking.comVillage Hotel on Biltmore Estate is a large, casual, and comfortable high-end accommodation option. Friendly staff create an amiable atmosphere, making this the perfect place to enjoy a vacation in Asheville.
There are a selection of amenities to keep you entertained – from the heated outdoor pool and fitness centre to casual dining options and walking paths around the grounds. There’s also a shuttle to the Downtown area.
Location: Set in the shopping district that is Antler Hill, the Biltmore Estate and its winery is a stone’s throw from this hotel, while the shuttle service puts you in easy reach of Asheville proper.
13. Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown
Source: booking.comWith tasteful — sometimes eye-catching — design, each of the individually decorated guest rooms is spacious and clean for a comfortable stay. The common areas of the hotel share the same attention to detail when it comes to aesthetics.
Guests won’t be short on fond memories when checking out of this wonderful Asheville hotel, from watching the sunset with a cocktail over the Blue Ridge Mountains at the rooftop bar and restaurant to keeping active and going for a swim at the indoor pool.
Location: Within walking distance of Downtown, this hotel is conveniently located just off the interstate. Road-trippers can arrive without much hassle, and day trips to hike in the mountains are a straightforward task.
14. Princess Anne Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
Source: booking.comIf you’re looking for understated elegance, then a stay at Princess Anne Boutique Hotel & Restaurant may be just right for you. Set in a historic 1920s property, there are modern design details throughout to keep everything looking fresh and contemporary.
Away from its individually decorated rooms, on winter evenings, guests can cosy up around the original stone fireplace. In summer, the outdoor terrace — with views of the garden and its water fountain — is the place to be.
Location: The Blue Ridge Parkway, great for hiking and other outdoor activities, is a ten-minute drive from here, while the Biltmore Winery is six miles from this quiet Asheville location.
15. GLō Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road
Source: booking.comClean, comfortable and convenient, this hotel is a great place to stay in Asheville if you’re arriving by car. There’s plenty of free parking at this roadside locale, which makes life much easier for road trippers who want to explore.
Its rooms have a wow-factor; their geometric patterned wallpaper and natural colours mingle with accents of blue and yellow. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast in a cool setting, and there’s a pool and gym to help you stay active.
Location: This is a great setting for exploring the surrounding neighbourhoods by car. From here, central Asheville, Black Mountain, and Montreat are in easy reach. A selection of breweries are just a couple of miles away.