FORBES (Sep 3, 2024) – Travelers have made their way to Asheville, North Carolina for more than a century, and for myriad reasons. Some come for the fresh mountain air, others for the city’s vibrant arts scene and celebrated restaurants and breweries. As the destination continues to grow, it remains true to its small-town roots. The best hotels in Asheville follow suit.
After the arrival of the railroad in 1880, George Vanderbilt brought in skilled artisans and craftspeople to build the legendary Biltmore Estate. That same innovation and attention to detail can be found at many of Asheville’s best accommodations, like the Inn On Biltmore Estate, The Foundry Hotel and The Omni Grove Park Inn. Below, the best hotels in Asheville in 2024.
- Best High-End Hotel In Asheville: The Inn On Biltmore Estate
- Best Boutique Hotel In Asheville: The Radical
- Best Hotel In Downtown Asheville: Haywood Park Hotel
- Best Hotel In Asheville For Families: The Foundry Hotel
- Best Hotel For Romance In Asheville: Inn On Montford
- Best Hotel In Asheville For Mountain Views: The Omni Grove Park Inn
- Best Design Hotel In Asheville: Zelda Dearest
- Best Hotel With A Rooftop Bar In Asheville: The Flat Iron Hotel
- Best Pet-Friendly Hotel In Asheville: The Restoration Asheville
Best Boutique Hotel In Asheville: The Radical
- Who Will Love It: Boutique hotel fans looking to explore the city’s artistic side
- All-Star Amenities: Original artwork; Grown Alchemist bath products; rooftop bar
- What Not To Miss: Dinner at the wood-fired Golden Hour restaurant; coffee-forward cocktails at after/glow
- Location: River Arts District
- Address: 95 Roberts St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Housed in a 1920s warehouse that was once a cereal factory, this 70-room boutique hotel in Asheville’s River Arts District is a love letter to the city’s creative spirit. Since debuting in October 2023, the property has become a destination for art-loving locals and travelers alike. Much of the historic brick building’s graffitied walls have been preserved, and are now complemented by an expertly curated collection of 200 works of contemporary art. The gallery-like feel extends to the guest rooms adorned with murals and sumptuous custom-designed furnishings. After a day of exploring, mix up a cocktail in your room or head to after/glow, a coffee bar that turns into a cocktail lounge in the evening (don’t miss the live DJ on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). The rooftop bar is the place to be in the summer, while the wood-fired Golden Hour restaurant by Asheville restaurateur Jacob Sessoms is the perfect spot to ring in the cozy season.
Best Design Hotel In Asheville: Zelda Dearest
Zelda Dearest
- Who Will Love It: Art Deco fans who appreciate intentional interiors
- All-Star Amenities: Daily snacks; excellent complimentary breakfast; soaking tubs and private libraries in select rooms
- What Not To Miss: A drink at the parlor bar Wine & Roses
- Location: South Slope
- Address: 150 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
An ode to Zelda Fitzgerald, this 20-room boutique hotel personifies the wild, carefree spirit of Asheville’s favorite flapper. Zelda Dearest, which opened in October 2023 in downtown’s South Slope neighborhood, is a great choice for design loving travelers looking to be close to the center of the action. The hotel spans three historical buildings with preserved original features and bold Art Deco-inspired interiors. Nods to the love letters between Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald are cleverly integrated into the colorful wallpaper and textiles. Every detail here, from the embroidered robes and towels to the delicious breakfast, has been carefully curated to ensure guests have the most comfortable stay. Grab a drink in the stylish parlor bar before trying one of the many fantastic restaurants just a five-minute walk from the hotel.
Read the full Forbes article here.