Nestled in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville NC has a little something for everyone.
Nature lovers will appreciate the breathtaking mountain views, waterfalls and gorgeous landscapes. Adventurous travelers will have lots to do, like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. History and architecture enthusiasts will love exploring the Biltmore Estate. And art fans, beer connoisseurs, and shoppers will find a great getaway destination in downtown.
With so much to do, choosing a home base from which to experience the area can require a little research. I recently went to Asheville to explore it all. And now I’ve got your Asheville travel guide covered. I’m outlining where to stay and the best hotels in Asheville for a perfect visit to this happening, hip town.
Downtown Asheville
The heart of downtown Asheville is the best spot for many people traveling here. The city center is vibrant and walkable, with much to offer. The central location is the perfect place from which to explore.
Artisan shops sell things like clothing, home goods, spices and oils, hand-blown glass, and locally sourced food. In other words, no touristy t-shirt shops here. Rather, you’ll find things to buy that you’ll actually use when you get home.
Downtown Asheville is also the hub of a thriving art scene. Art galleries and museums feature local’s paintings and sculptures. Live music and theater venues offer entertainment as well.
Foodies won’t be disappointed here either. In fact, Asheville has been named Yelp’s #1 Food Destination in the U.S. several times over the last few years. And a lot of the best restaurants are located downtown, as are the many rooftop bars.
Asheville’s large selection of craft breweries are its other claim to fame. Often dubbed “Beer City,” Asheville had breweries well before other towns got in on the hops craze. Now the town has a huge selection of breweries downtown and elsewhere.
Still looking for things to do downtown? Check out the family-friendly science museum, Asheville Pinball Museum or the Basilica of Saint Lawrence.
Best Places to Stay in Downtown Asheville:
1. The Windsor Boutique Hotel
36 Broadway Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(844) 494-6376
TheWindsor Boutique Hotel was one of my favorite hotel stays because of the wonderful service and character of the property. Each of the 14 beautiful suites is unique. But they all have full kitchens and washers and dryers. The impeccable service at the hotel is hard to beat. It begins with the little things, like complimentary drinks in a small refrigerator in the lobby. And it continues with the bigger things, like help with planning your perfect day in Asheville. (Hint: it begins by visiting the small art museum/ winery that’s located next door.)
Why the Windsor Boutique Hotel makes a great Asheville stay:
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Free water, soft drinks, coffee and tea
- Concierge services
- Complimentary parking
- Washers and dryers in room
- Full kitchens
- All suite hotel
2. The Restoration Asheville
68 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 220-0368
The newest kid on the block in Asheville is Restoration Hardware’s second addition to its hotel collection. The property just recently opened on Patton Avenue. The 60-room hotel has a farm-to-table on-site restaurant and rooftop bar. It also has an underground speakeasy bar with a vintage bowling alley and performance stage. And a delightful breakfast basket can be delivered to your room. Yep – the new kid is that cool.
Why The Restoration makes a great Asheville stay:
- On-site restaurant
- Rooftop bar
- Unique features, like speakeasy and bowling alley
- Concierge services
- Happy hour
- In-room massages and facials available
- Complimentary breakfast basket
- Bathrobes provided
- Bicycles available
- Pet-friendly ($250 per stay, 20% of which is donated to the Asheville Humane Society)
- Valet parking ($28 per night)
- Electric charging station
3. The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton
51 S Market Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 552-8545
Exposed brick walls and an industrial chic vibe describe this gorgeous boutique hotel. It’s pet-friendly, offers connecting rooms, and has packages that include things like a picnic on the grounds. It gets great marks for service. And it has a cool history. Its name comes from the fact that the building was once the location where the steel was made for the construction of the Biltmore estate.
Why The Foundry makes a great Asheville stay:
- Connecting rooms
- On-site restaurant
- Fitness center
- Valet parking ($30 a day)
- Digital key
- Concierge service
- House car available
- Pet-friendly ($150 per stay per pet)
- Electric charging station
- Hilton Honors program
5. Kimpton Hotel Arras
7 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 255-0303
I love a good Kimpton hotel. The sometimes quirky brand (in the best way of course) rarely disappoints. And this Asheville location is no exception. Like many Kimptons, it’s a rehabbed downtown building, boasts a complimentary happy hour and is a pet-friendly hotel. The property also has a massage room, a fitness center and on-site restaurant.
Why the Kimpton makes a great Asheville stay:
- Fitness center (with Peloton bikes)
- On-site restaurant
- On-site cocktail bar
- On-property massage room
- Connecting rooms
- Valet parking ($32/ day)
- Pet-friendly (free)
- Concierge services
- IHG Rewards Program
6. Haywood Park Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
1 Battery Park Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 232-8217
This is one of the closest hotels on our list to the River Arts District. (Think hip neighborhood with transformed industrial buildings, restaurants, cafes and over 20 art galleries.) The hotel itself was once a department store. It still pays tribute to its roots with elevator signs that list the departments once found on each floor. Things like huge rooms and complimentary champagne at check-in create a true luxury hotel feel.
Why the Haywood Park Hotel makes a great Asheville stay:
- Pet friendly ($50 deposit)
- Complimentary valet parking
- Self-parking ($18/ day)
- On-site restaurant
- Complimentary welcome drink
- Nightly turn-down service
- Choice hotels loyalty program
7. Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville
15 Page Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 348-4850
As one of only two 3-star hotels making our list, this option may come with a lower price tag. But, the unfussy hotel still has a lot to offer. Bright and modern rooms, a friendly staff, and a good location are great starters. Exposed brick walls in many guest rooms and Cuban rooftop dining add to the character. And a fitness center and hotel packages make it a convenient choice too.
Why the Cambria makes a great Asheville stay:
- Fitness center
- On-site restaurant/rooftop bar
- Valet parking ($17 a night)
- Choice Hotels loyalty program
8. Aloft Asheville Downtown
51 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 232-2838
Our second 3-star property on the list also makes up for having one less star with a lot of other plusses. The funky decor is the perfect backdrop for enjoying the area. The breakfast bar serves Starbucks and the cocktail bar features a pool table and games. Fun indoor and outdoor spaces including a pool are ideal for taking a break from exploring the area. The fitness center means you don’t have to skip your workout. Rooms come in the way of city view options, mountain view rooms, poolside cabana rooms, or suites. And there’s no charge to bring your pooch when staying here.
Why the Aloft makes a great Asheville stay:
- Fitness center
- Outdoor pool
- Balcony bar
- City view, mountain view, and poolside cabana rooms
- Pet-friendly (free)
- Self parking ($18 a day)
- Marriott Bonvoy program affiliated
Near the Biltmore:
One of the biggest draws to Asheville is the Biltmore Estate, the former home of George Washington Vanderbilt. The estate is the site of the largest private home in the United States. It’s located on the French Broad River, about 5 miles from downtown.
Exploring the Biltmore isn’t your average museum or house tour. Yes, you can tour the inside of the home and the grounds. (Adult house admission tickets range from $79 – $109 depending on the season.)
But, Biltmore tours can also include things like guided bike rides, bird-watching expeditions on a raft, winery tours, and more.
And there’s more to see beyond the grand home and grounds because the Biltmore area is divided into 2 sections.
The estate itself includes the 175,000 square foot home, the massive gardens, and surrounding land.
Historic Biltmore Village is about three miles east of the Biltmore Estate. The English-inspired village has shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Biltmore area hotels offer a great location within easy access of the Blue Ridge Parkway as well. The scenic drive has mountain meadows, picturesque outlooks, and old farmsteads.
Best Places to Stay Near the Biltmore
9. The Inn on Biltmore Estate
1 Antler Hill Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(800) 411-3812
The luxurious inn located on the grounds of the Biltmore has a ton of amenities for both couples and families. Six restaurants, a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and wellness activities, like yoga and meditation classes, top the list. The 8,000-acre property offers outdoor activities like hiking, archery, carriage rides, and horseback riding. Antler Hill Village, which has dining, shopping, exhibits, and an outdoor adventure center is within a 6-minute walk. The Biltmore Winery is a 7-minute walk.
Why the Inn on Biltmore Estate makes a great Asheville stay:
- 6 on-site restaurants/ lounges/ bars
- Outdoor pool and hot tub
- Fitness center
- Wellness activities
- Children’s activities
- Concierge services
- Complimentary parking
- Club level rooms
- Suites
- Balconies
- Connecting rooms
- Bathrobes
9. Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection
11 Boston Way
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 505-2949
This boutique Marriott property has a Tudor exterior and an art-filled, unique interior. Antlers, animal prints, and wood accents fill the rooms, decorated in blues and beiges. There’s an onsite restaurant, spa, fitness center, and gift shop. The hotel has just over 100 guest rooms and suites. It’s a great location next to the entrance of the Biltmore Estate and within walking distance of other restaurants and shops.
Why the Grand Bohemian makes a great Asheville stay:
- On-site restaurant and bar
- On-site spa
- Fitness center
- Turn down service
- Valet parking ($30/ day)
- Electric car charging station
- Pet-friendly ($150 per stay)
- Marriott Bonvoy program affiliated
10. Biltmore Village Inn
119 Dodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 274-8707
This Victorian bed and breakfast is the closest B&B to the Biltmore Estate. Its 3 guest rooms, 2 suites, and 3 cottages are perfect for a romantic getaway. Complimentary breakfast is often from locally sourced food or even fruits and vegetables grown on property. If you find a favorite new dish, don’t worry. You can recreate it at home thanks to the chef sharing some recipes on their website. Fair warning though. It may not taste quite the same without those beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views.
Why the Biltmore Village Inn makes a great Asheville stay:
- Adults only
- Free breakfast
- Complimentary parking
- Massage available
- Evening social hour
- Bathrobes
- Fireplaces in some rooms
- Suites available
- Whirlpool tubs
- Concierge services
- Fire pit
11. Sweet Biscuit Inn
77 Kenilworth Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 250-0170
Does a bed and breakfast’s name get any cuter than that? And the cutest doesn’t end there. It continues with the covered porch complete with rocking chairs, a fire pit out back, and cozy sitting areas. Of course, the 7 individualized guest rooms with things like fireplaces and claw-foot tubs don’t hurt the cause either. And if you’re bringing pets or children, you don’t have to miss out on it all. The cottage that sleeps five is pet- and family-friendly.
Why the Sweet Biscuit Inn makes a great Asheville stay:
- Free 3-course breakfast for guests of the main house
- Bathrobes
- Welcome drink
- Social hour
- Fireplaces in some guest rooms
- Suites and a cottage available
- Family-friendly (over age 12 permitted in main house/ any age in cottage)
- Pet-friendly (in cottage/ $50 fee)
- Concierge services
- Complimentary parking
- Fire pit, grill, and gardens
Outside of Downtown Asheville and the Biltmore Village:
In addition to having a fun downtown and a huge historical landmark, Asheville is also a mountain town. Escaping to those mountains for a getaway is a great way to enjoy the area.
Vacation rentals, B&Bs, and hotels beyond downtown and the Biltmore area are great for enjoying views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each has its own distinct take on Asheville.
Black Mountain is one of the most popular places to explore beyond downtown and the Biltmore. The mountain range provides a setting for hiking and biking. And it’s a backdrop for the quaint, small town of Black Mountain, where visitors can shop, dine, and sightsee.
West Asheville is another area that has a flare all its own. It’s one of the town’s most up-and-coming places. West Asheville has shops, restaurants, coffee places, nightlife, and neighborhood homes. It’s a bit away from the bustle, yet with its own bohemian vibe.
Best Places to Stay Outside of Downtown and the Biltmore Area:
12. The Omni Grove Park Inn
290 Macon Avenue
Asheville, NC 28804
(800) 438-5800
My family is a huge fan of the Omni brand because of their Say Goodnight to Hunger program, which donates meals to local food banks. It also doesn’t hurt that they offer fantastic stays, often in historic properties. Their beautiful resort-style location, north of downtown Asheville, has all that and more. Its history dates back to 1913 yet it has all the modern amenities you expect. They include a golf course, 43,000 square-foot spa, and sports complex with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, fitness classes, and more. There are also several options for on-site dining. But, it’s really the one-of-kind experiences, like the National Gingerbread Competition they host annually, that will create lasting memories.
Why the Omni Grove Park Inn makes a great Asheville stay:
- Golf course
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- On-site spa
- Bathrobes
- Suites and club level rooms available
- Connecting rooms available
- Tennis courts and fitness classes
- On-site restaurants/ lounge/ bars
- Valet parking ($35/ night)
- Self-parking ($25/ night)
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Playground on-site
- Pet-friendly ($250 per room/ per stay)
- Concierge services
13. Abbington Green Bed & Breakfast Inn and Spa
46 Cumberland Circle
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 251-2454
Located near the Montford Area Historic District, this lodging option is less than a mile from downtown. It’s also about a 10 minute drive from Biltmore Estates. The 8-room B&B has a cozy, on-site spa, luxury linens, and whirlpool tubs in every room. Walking around the English style gardens alone deserves a time slot on your itinerary. And they’ll even pack you a picnic lunch so the pampering doesn’t have to end when you leave for the day.
Why the Abbington Green Bed and Breakfast Inn makes a great Asheville stay:
- Free breakfast
- On-site spa
- Whirlpool tubs
- Fireplaces in every room
- Afternoon social hour
- Pet friendly with a fenced dog run ($30/ per stay)
- Suites available
- Children over 12 welcome in suites
- Complimentary parking
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Concierge services
14. 1900 Inn on Montford
296 Montford Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 254-9569
This B&B knows how to make a girl want to come back to Asheville. The innkeepers strive to make every visit personalized. Three-course breakfasts and cookies served all day are culinary delights. They can be enjoyed on the covered porch, which hosts live music on the weekends. The Arts and Crafts decor and 8 guest rooms with beautiful baths are so welcoming. They even offer in-room spa treatments and personal fireplaces. And 3 rooms are pet-friendly so you don’t have to leave your pooch at home.
Why the 1900 Inn on Montford makes a great Asheville stay:
- Free 3-course breakfast
- Pet-friendly in specific rooms ($35 fee if the pet sleeps in the bed)
- Children over age 12 welcome
- Fireplaces in room
- Personal refrigerators in room
- Massage services available
- Live music every Saturday
- Complimentary parking
15. Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park
43 Town Square Blvd.
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 209-2700
This lodging option is close to Asheville Regional Airport and the North Carolina Arboretum. It gets high marks for location if you don’t want to be downtown. Shopping and entertainment is right next door at the Biltmore Park Town Square. The indoor pool, hot tub, on-site spa, and made-to-order breakfast are great ways to unwind before or after touring the area. A free shuttle is available to and from the airport as well.
Why the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park makes a great Asheville stay:
- Indoor pool and hot tub
- On-site spa
- Fitness center
- On-site restaurant
- Digital key
- Pet-friendly rooms ($75 per stay)
- Connecting rooms
- Concierge services
- Complimentary self-parking
- Valet parking ($15/ day)
- Free airport shuttle
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