In Asheville, the Blue Ridge Mountains are calling—along with bluegrass music and live music, a food scene with some of the state’s most exciting restaurants, more craft beer than you’ll know what to do with, and a dynamic homegrown art scene. Despite its increasing popularity, the city has held onto its local flavor, making it the perfect place to experience the crossroads of Appalachia and the South. Asheville is a year-round destination, whether you’re chasing peak fall colors, escaping the summer heat on the river, or hitting the trails.
While the city and surrounding western North Carolina towns are still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, one of the best ways to support this resilient, energetic community is by planning a trip.
“It was painful to lose our peak fall season, but we’re seeing business in Asheville slowly pick back up,” says Shelton Steele, co-owner of the city’s Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, which reopened after the hurricane in November 2024. “This is the Asheville Revival, and we’re inviting folks to be part of our comeback.”
As part of our Hotels We Love series, we’ve hand-selected the best hotels that capture the city’s spirit, from historic stays and artsy coves. Here are 12 top places to check into on your next visit—each offering its own take on this mountain town’s unique personality.
Blind Tiger Asheville
The guest rooms at the Blind Tiger Asheville all feature unique designs.
Courtesy of the Blind Tiger
- Neighborhood: Chestnut Hill Historic District
- Why we love it: Individually designed rooms in a former residence dating to 1889
- From $179
- Book now
Located in a quiet neighborhood yet close to the city’s energy, Blind Tiger Asheville feels less like a hotel and more like the home of a stylish, well-traveled friend. Set in a restored 1889 residence, this self-check-in retreat blends vintage charm with modern comforts. The 14 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites—ranging from an airy artist’s loft to a cozy two-room cabin—are decorated with antique furnishings, curated curiosities, and inviting touches like fireplaces, jetted tubs, or kitchenettes.
Mornings start with a complimentary light breakfast, while an open pantry stocked with locally sourced snacks and espresso keeps guests fortified throughout the day. Picnic blankets and baskets are also on hand for impromptu Asheville adventures. For ideas on what to do in the city, ask the hotel’s plugged-in hosts to direct you to everything from buzzy restaurants to hidden art spots.
Chestnut Street Inn
The Chestnut Street Inn in Asheville
Courtesy of Chestnut Street Inn
- Location: Chestnut Hill Historic District
- Why we love it: A locally owned inn set in a historic residential area
- From $229
- Book now
Chestnut Street Inn has long been a beloved fixture in Asheville—a charming bed-and-breakfast within a 15-minute walk of downtown Asheville. But in September 2024, Hurricane Helene dealt a devastating blow, forcing the inn to close for months. After a challenging recovery, owner Emilie Kapp is set to reopen the inn in April 2025. “I am cautiously excited to reopen, and I also know that things will never be the same as they were before the storm,” she says. Yet her signature warmth and dedication to crafting a hyper-local experience remain unchanged.
“The biggest change at our inn will be that we no longer serve breakfast,” Kapp says, explaining that it’s impossible to keep rates competitive while operating the same way post-Helene. While guests may miss the inn’s delicious two-course breakfasts, there’s still plenty to enjoy, including local beer on tap, freshly baked cookies, and gift cards to one of four excellent breakfast spots just blocks away. Among the standout rooms are the Beaucatcher Suite (hello, fireplace), while the Zen Retreat has a six-foot steam shower that feels like a spa day in itself.
Elevation Lofts
Elevation Lofts in Asheville
David Dietrich/Elevation Lofts
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Why we love it: The feel of a residential loft with the amenities of a hotel
- From $370, three night minimum
- Book now
Often overlooked in favor of larger hotels and trendy Airbnbs, Elevation Lofts delivers the best of both worlds: the feel of a light-filled downtown loft residence with the perks of a boutique hotel stay. Fully renovated in 2021, this modern hideaway offers six apartments—some with up to four bedrooms—where tall windows, exposed brick walls with contemporary artwork from Asheville’s Momentum Gallery, beamed ceilings, and industrial-chic details set the scene. Word has it that Unit 302 is the most coveted room, with a large roll-in shower, a mezzanine level, and an expansive living area.
With fully equipped kitchens, guests can stock up on local provisions or take a short stroll to Mission Pizza Romana, housed in Terra Nova Beer Co, for slices and brews to enjoy a cozy night in. Best of all? The location puts visitors within easy reach of the city’s most noteworthy restaurants, breweries, and bars.
The Flat Iron Hotel
The Flat Iron Hotel was Asheville’s second skyscraper.
Photo by Andy Frame / Andy Frame Photography
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Why we love it: A historic building is now a charming boutique hotel
- From $169
- Book now
In May 2024, Asheville’s second high-rise—built in the 1920s and once home to everything from a barbershop to a dance studio—was reborn as the Flat Iron Hotel, courtesy of the Charleston-based Indigo Road Hospitality Group. The 71-room boutique hotel preserves its historic charm with original terrazzo floors, a grand marble staircase, and rooms named after 1920s icons. A bright red 1939 Steinway piano greets guests in the lobby, while the rooftop bar has three patios with sweeping Asheville views; one has firepits, making it a prime spot for a sunset cocktail. Below ground, Red Ribbon, a hidden cocktail lounge, nods to Asheville’s spirited anti-Prohibitionists, who wore red ribbons as a symbol of defiance.
Downstairs, Luminosa blends modern Appalachia with Italian classics. Executive chef Graham House (known for his beef fat tater tots) and chef de cuisine Sean McMullen source hyperlocal ingredients to craft wood-fired dishes that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage. The dimly lit dining room—with dark wood, leather banquettes, and brass fixtures—feels as inviting as the food, with the ever-present scent of firewood adding to the ambience.
The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton
Housed in a former steel foundry, the Foundry Hotel Asheville is a piece of living history.
Courtesy of the Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Why we love it: A well-located modern hotel in Asheville’s history-rich “Block” neighborhood
- Loyalty program: Hilton Honors
- From $209
- Book now
For nearly a century, a neighborhood called the Block, composed of Eagle and South Market streets, was the heart of a vibrant Black cultural and commercial district, anchored by the YMI Cultural Center—one of the nation’s oldest Black cultural centers. Although much of the Block was destroyed by urban renewal in the mid-20th century, the area has been revitalized as a hub for commerce, culture, and nightlife.
In 2018, the 87-room Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton opened in this historic neighborhood inside a former steel foundry, which forged the steel used to build the Biltmore Estate. The boutique hotel consists of three old steel mill buildings and two new structures and maintains several original features, including a pulley elevator, exposed beams, steel-star fastenings, exposed brick, and industrial-style windows. While all rooms are inviting, the spacious King Corner Studio Suite, with its high ceilings and large industrial windows, is especially popular.
Workshop Lounge offers a solid selection of Old-Fashioned cocktails (try the banana bread Old-Fashioned) and casual bites. Bonus: The hotel is a short walk from Blue Spiral 1, a popular art gallery that showcases contemporary works by Asheville contemporary artist Reuben Negrón.
Grand Bohemian
Kick back like a Vanderbilt at the Old World–style Grand Bohemian.
Courtesy of Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
- Neighborhood: Biltmore Village
- Why we love it: A 19th-century hunting lodge in Biltmore Village near Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate
- Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy
- From $285
- Book now
The Grand Bohemian evokes the charm of an Old World Bavarian hunting lodge, complete with antler chandeliers, opulent velvet and brocade accents, and a taxidermied wild boar named Zsa Zsa in the lobby. But while the public spaces lean moody and dramatic, the 104 rooms and suites offer a lighter, more inviting contrast with white bedding, tufted headboards, and spa-like tubs with shutters that open to the sleeping area. Art lovers will find rare original works throughout, along with a dedicated gallery showcasing local and international artists.
Despite its storybook Tudor-style facade, the hotel is a modern addition to Biltmore Village, built in 2009 and refreshed in 2017. Located steps from Biltmore Village and across from George W. Vanderbilt’s Gilded Age estate, it’s an easy base for exploring Asheville and the Great Smokies. After sustaining significant flood damage from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, the hotel is set to reopen in May 2025 following a full renovation, including a redesign of the lobby, guest rooms, and its renowned restaurant, Red Stag Grill, which has a private dining room.
The Inn and the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate
For a casual stay on the grand Biltmore Estate, book a room at the Village Hotel.
Courtesy of Biltmore Estate
- Neighborhood: Biltmore Estate Grounds
- Why we love it: A French château–like stay with 8,000 acres of grounds and a winery
- The Inn from $339; the Village Hotel from $193
- Book now
George Vanderbilt arrived in Asheville in 1895 with a dream of creating a self-sustaining estate, and today, his 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate remains an eco-friendly marvel—nine acres of solar panels offset 20 percent of the estate’s energy use. While overnight stays in the original mansion aren’t allowed, booking a room on the estate is an experience on its own, with exclusive access to the grounds long after day visitors have left.
The most luxurious choice is the Inn on Biltmore Estate, where dark wood furnishings, rich textiles, and plush beds channel Old World elegance. The Inn is undergoing a multi-phase renovation while remaining open—the first wave of newly designed rooms debuted in early 2024, and the second set will be completed later in 2025. Guests can unwind at the spa, sip wine from the estate’s vineyard, or take in views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the heated outdoor pool before indulging in farm-to-table Southern classics in the white-linen dining room.
For a more relaxed (and budget friendly) stay, the Village Hotel offers a relaxed, farmhouse-meets-cottage vibe, pet-friendly rooms, and access to the estate’s garden, winery, and trails.—Devorah Lev-Tov
Kimpton Hotel Arras
The Kimpton Hotel Arras is pure Asheville, with works by local artists decorating every inch of the hotel.
Courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Arras
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Why we love it: Art deco meets modern design in Asheville’s tallest building
- Loyalty program: IHG One Rewards
- From $191
- Book now
Kimpton Hotel Arras, the tallest building in Asheville, anchors downtown with its sleek, art deco meets modern design. Housed in a former 1960s bank, the boutique hotel blends local art, stylish furnishings, and impeccable service with a central Pack Square location. Expect morning coffee and tea service, in-room yoga mats, and loaner bikes that make exploring easy, while Urban Exhale Massage Spa can help you unwind afterward.
Arras helped redefine Asheville’s hotel scene and still stands out with its balance of history, design, and hospitality. Bargello serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes like house-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas, while District 42 is the spot for craft cocktails and shareable plates. Whether booking a guest room or suite, go for a mountain-view room to soak in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains from above.
The Moxy Asheville
Wildwood Still offers meals with views at the Moxy Asheville.
Courtesy of Moxy Asheville
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Why we love it: An affordable, whimsical hotel in peak location downtown
- Loyalty program: Marriott Bonvoy
- From $136
- Book now
Moxy Asheville debuted in September 2024, only weeks before Hurricane Helene hit. “Asheville’s seasonal peak in tourism was right around the corner, and we were excited to introduce this new brand to our Asheville travelers going into our fall foliage season,” says Dexter Haze, the hotel’s general manager. “We continue to introduce this brand to the steadily growing tourism demand and are excited about the outlook for the rest of 2025.” Situated on Biltmore Avenue, the six-floor, 115-room property brings a fresh, social energy to downtown, offering a more affordable stay without skimping on style.
True to Moxy’s playful spirit, check-in doubles as a bar—because why not start your stay with a cocktail, mocktail, or coffee at Bar Moxy? The design-forward hotel features sleek communal spaces, a massive video wall, and a grab-and-go market for quick bites. But the real scene-stealer is Wildwood Still, the rooftop bar and restaurant, where more than 150 whiskeys, craft cocktails, and Asian-inspired small plates pair perfectly with unobstructed Blue Ridge views.
The Radical
The Radical’s interiors feature graffiti art, pattered curtains, and exposed brick walls.
Courtesy of the Radical
- Neighborhood: River Arts District
- Why we love it: Showy, maximalist interiors celebrating urban creativity
- From $152
- Book now
The Radical embraces its past as a former warehouse in Asheville’s River Arts District, transforming industrial bones into a design-forward stay. The 70-room hotel is an adaptive reuse project by Suomi Design Works, with interiors crafted in collaboration with set designer Kris Moran (who worked on set for Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums and Moonrise Kingdom films). Local Asheville artist Ian Wilkinson curated the hotel’s collection of more than 200 original works, bringing in muralists from near and far to create large-scale, immersive pieces throughout the hotel—including every guest room. It’s like sleeping inside an art exhibit, in the best possible way.
The Radical is a full-on social hub, home to Afterglow, an all-day café with some of the tastiest house-made pastries around; Golden Hour, a wood-fired restaurant; and the Roof, an open-air bar with panoramic views and a lively crowd. The hotel also puts visitors within easy reach of the local businesses of the River Arts District, home to more than 700 artists, collectives, and galleries. In less than five minutes, you can walk to Clayspace Co-Op, a collective of 13 local ceramics artists, or enjoy a perfect cocktail at Anoche, Asheville’s all-mezcal and tequila bar. This River Arts District guide is a helpful tool to see what’s currently open.
The Restoration Asheville
Guests can browse the library at the Restoration Asheville.
Courtesy of the Restoration Asheville
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Why we love it: Mountain views, cocktail bars, and a bowling alley
- From $300
- Book now
In 2023, one of Charleston’s favorite hip hotels opened its second location in downtown Asheville. The all-suite Restoration Asheville has 60 guest rooms ranging from 375 to 600 square feet, with perks including locally roasted coffee, late-night cookies, and an in-room Nosh Box with locally made snacks. The design, which celebrates Asheville’s history and eclectic architecture, include hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, richly patterned textiles, and leather headboards.
Guests can enjoy coffee drinks and breakfast sandwiches at Rise, savor Lowcountry flavors at the Watch, and chill out at the library for a quiet escape—but guests rave about Draftsman, its underground bar/lounge with vintage games, cocktails, live music, and its own bowling alley.—Devorah Lev-Tov
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins features A-frames.
Courtesy of Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins
- Neighborhood: West Asheville
- Why we love it: Urban glamping with plenty of creature comforts
- From $217
- Book now
Opened in 2022 by Shelton Steele and Joe Balcken, Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is Asheville’s only outdoor-centered hotel—and there’s nothing else like it in the city. A cluster of 16 cozy A-frame cabins line the banks of the French Broad River, blending creature comforts with an easygoing, adventure-ready vibe. Inside, you’ll find a mini-fridge, microwave, sound machine, and a record player stocked with eclectic vinyl—plus a portable hammock for lounging wherever the mood strikes.
There’s just enough nature here to feel like an escape, but it’s still walkable to the River Arts District and the greenway path along the river. Mornings are best spent sipping to-go drip coffee on the deck at sunrise or watching the mist roll off the water. It’s the perfect mix of unplugged relaxation and Asheville’s creative energy.
This article includes additional reporting by Devorah Lev-Tov.
