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Susan B. Barnes, Contributor
Forbes Vetted
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 High-End Hotel In Asheville: The Inn On Biltmore Estate
Exterior of The Inn On Biltmore Estate.
Courtesy of The Inn On Biltmore Estate
The Inn On Biltmore Estate
Who Will Love It: Those for which only the crème de la crème will do
All-Star Amenities: Custom bathrobes, slippers and bath products; 24-hour concierge service; complimentary access to Biltmore gardens and grounds for the duration of your stay
What Not To Miss: The Spa, available exclusively to overnight guests at The Inn, Village Hotel, or Cottages on Biltmore Estate; fine dining at The Dining Room; casual drinks and nibbles in the Library Lounge; Biltmore Winery and tasting room
Location: Biltmore Estate
Address: 1 Antler Hill Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, United States
Though you can’t overnight in the palace-like Biltmore House itself, you can experience the same level of gracious hospitality and exquisite service that the Vanderbilts extended to their guests with a stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Inn opened in 2001 after years of visitors asking to stay and linger longer on the 8,000-acre historic estate, and it’s been an award-winning favorite ever since. Whether you choose a deluxe room or a luxurious suite, all guests enjoy spectacular views of the sprawling estate, not to mention the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Inn is the ideal spot to stay during seasonal events at the historic property, like seasonal Fall, Christmas and Spring at Biltmore, as well as special exhibits on display in Biltmore House. Once you’ve arrived, hop on the complimentary shuttle from The Inn to the House, Winery and Antler Hill Village for some shopping.
Best Boutique Hotel In Asheville: The Radical
Guest room at The Radical in Asheville, North Carolina.
Matt Kisiday
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 Hotel In Downtown Asheville: Haywood Park Hotel
Interiors of Haywood Park Hotel.
Courtesy of Haywood Park Hotel
Haywood Park Hotel
Who Will Love It: Urbanites seeking a walkable getaway
All-Star Amenities: Complimentary bubbles at check-in; Gilchrist & Soames soaps and toiletries; Jacuzzi tubs
What Not To Miss: Weekend brunch at Isa’s Bistro, the hotel’s internationally-inspired restaurant
Location: Downtown Asheville
Address: 1 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Housed in what was once Bon Marche, the city’s first department store, Haywood Park Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1985, and with some of the largest suites in downtown Asheville, it’s no wonder. The largest of them all is the Grand King Suite, coming in at 1,200 square feet, while the smallest is a Junior 2 Queen Suite at 380 square feet. The hotel welcomes four-legged friends into some of its guest rooms, too. After settling into your suite, all of downtown Asheville awaits right outside your door. Here you’ll be walking distance to the some of the city’s best offerings, from a wide variety of restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, theaters, live music venues and nightlife spots. Check with the concierge about events happening in the area.
Best Hotel In Asheville For Families: The Foundry Hotel
Suite at The Foundry.
Courtesy of The Foundry
The Foundry Hotel
Who Will Love It: Families with kids tagging along
All-Star Amenities: Elegant furnishings with a vintage feel; connecting rooms; complimentary Tesla car service within 10 miles of the hotel
What Not To Miss: Benne On Eagle, the hotel’s Appalachian-inspired signature restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch
Location: The Block
Address: 35 Eagle St, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Families traveling to Asheville will find plenty of comfortable space in which to relax and unwind at The Foundry Hotel, a blended collection of new and old buildings that once served as a steel foundry, from which the metal was forged to build structures like Biltmore House. Today, the hotel boasts a selection of comfortable rooms, some of which connect to each other, so families can spread out and relax. Depending on how many are in your group, families can opt for Double Queen rooms with exposed brick walls and stunning tiling, or, for even more room, snag The Foundry Lookout, the hotel’s 1,500-square-foot presidential suite complete with two bedrooms, a living room and a large balcony. Located in The Block, a historically Black neighborhood, The Foundry is a quick, five-minute walk to downtown Asheville and its arts, culture, dining and shopping scenes. A bit further, family adventurers can paddle the French Broad River together.
Best Hotel For Romance In Asheville: Inn On Montford
Exteriors of Inn On Montford.
Courtesy of Inn On Montford
Inn On Montford
Who Will Love It: Romantics who love an intimate bed-and-breakfast
All-Star Amenities: Luxurious bedding and robes; private fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs; spa treatments; pet-friendly rooms
What Not To Miss: Three-course breakfast
Location: Montford Area Historic District
Address: 296 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
The Arts and Crafts-style Inn On Montford was built by Richard Sharp Smith, supervising architect to Biltmore House, and is considered one of his most distinguished residential commissions. Inside, the eight-key bed-and-breakfast is elegantly furnished with English and American antiques dating from 1730 to 1910. With accommodations ranging from the 1,150-square-foot two-bedroom Zelda’s Retreat suite to the 285-square-foot Edith Wharton room, there’s a perfect space for everyone. Not to be overlooked are the rooms’ bathrooms, which have been designed to wow guests with features like a fiber-optic “starry” floor, soaking tubs, Roman baths and even a steam bath. If you must leave the Inn, gourmet restaurants and cafes are a short walk away. The innkeepers are happy to help guests make the most of their time in Asheville, and can provide suggestions and recommendations of things to see, do, eat and drink throughout the region.
Best Hotel In Asheville For Mountain Views: The Omni Grove Park Inn
Exteriors of Omni Grove Park Inn Resort And Spa.
Courtesy of Omni Grove Park Inn Resort And Spa
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Who Will Love It: Golfers; spa goers; historians
All-Star Amenities: Serta mattresses; period Arts and Crafts style furnishings from Stickley and Roycroft in the Main Inn; 10 dining options; pet-friendly rooms
What Not To Miss: 43,000-square-foot spa; 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course; six tennis courts; wellness programs; history tours
Location: Grove Park
Address: 290 Macon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804, United States
Opened in July 1913, The Omni Grove Park Inn was built from granite boulders mined from Sunset Mountain and expanded upon over the past century. Today, the hotel boasts 513 guest rooms in the Main Inn and the Vanderbilt and Sammons wings; the rooms in the Main Inn still feature Arts and Crafts style furnishings. Whichever room you choose, throw back the curtains and soak in the mountain views; the property sits right at the top of Sunset Mountain and is surrounded on all sides by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Afterward, step out onto the aptly-named Sunset Terrace to toast the end of the day in style, much like F. Scott Fitzgerald did when he summered at this resort.
Best Design Hotel In Asheville: Zelda Dearest
Mystic Light Junior Suite at Zelda Dearest in Asheville, North Carolina.
Courtesy of 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.
Best Hotel With A Rooftop Bar In Asheville: The Flat Iron Hotel
Exterior of The Flat Iron Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina.
Andy Frame
The Flat Iron Hotel
Who Will Love It: Travelers looking to imbibe after outdoor adventures; architecture lovers
All-Star Amenities: Bellino linens and towels; organic Hemp Code bath products; on-site restaurant, cafe and speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar; co-working space for guests and locals; regular live music with local bluegrass bands
What Not To Miss: Sunset cocktails at the rooftop bar; the pizza at Luminosa
Location: Downtown Asheville
Address: 20 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Flat Iron Building was one of Asheville’s first skyscrapers when it was built in the 1920s. Now home to a stylish boutique hotel, the landmark is enticing a new generation of architecture lovers. Opened in May 2024, The Flat Iron Hotel pays homage to the Jazz Age with its preserved features and range of rip-roaring food and beverage concepts—including one of the city’s best rooftop bars with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 77-key property offers a range of accommodations, from rooms with bunk beds for groups to large suites with sweeping views of downtown and the surrounding peaks. Don’t miss the property’s Italian-meets-Appalachian restaurant, Luminosa, a hot spot for pizzas and craft cocktails. After dinner, slip down to the Red Ribbon Society speakeasy bar inside the former boiling room for a taste of Prohibition-era revelry.
Best Pet-Friendly Hotel In Asheville: The Restoration Asheville
Guest room at The Restoration Asheville.
Courtesy of The Restoration Asheville
The Restoration Asheville
Who Will Love It: Dog lovers and their four-legged friends
All-Star Amenities: Gilchrist & Soames toiletries; complimentary in-room beverages; plush bathrobes and slippers; 20% of pet fees are donated to The Asheville Humane Society
What Not To Miss: The bowling alley in The Draftsman
Location: Downtown Asheville
Address: 68 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, United States
When you and your four-legged friend are ready to check in for the night, make a beeline for The Restoration Asheville, which opened its doors in April 2023. This dog-friendly hotel welcomes its guests to relax and stay awhile in its spacious suites ranging in size from 375 to 425 square feet that can accommodate up to four guests, with plenty of room for a dog bed, too. The hotel boasts four onsite spaces for dining or grabbing drinks with your furry friend, including a coffee bar and a garden rooftop bar with views of downtown and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Stretch your legs with a walk along the Urban Trail, which you can pick up right outside the hotel’s doors. Your pup will enjoy sniffing all the scents while you follow the 30 sculptural trail stations to learn about the people connected with the city’s history, including George Vanderbilt, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe.
- The travel section is overseen by Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a 7-year industry veteran who’s visited over 35 countries.
- The writer of each of our hotel roundups is handpicked based on their area of expertise, whether they are area locals or avid travelers who have visited the destination frequently—and all have bylines in other reputable travel publications. The original author of this story, Susan B. Barnes, has visited Asheville close to a dozen times and stayed at many of the properties on this list.
- This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. It was last updated in September 2024 by Forbes Vetted contributor Julia Eskins, who assessed superlatives and added in three properties she highly recommends: The Radical, The Flat Iron Hotel and Zelda Dearest.
About Susan B. Barnes, Your Asheville Guide
I’m a Florida-based freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has visited Asheville about a dozen times, most recently this spring. From its incredible cuisine, thriving art scene, outdoor adventures and overall inclusive vibe, I firmly believe there’s something for everyone in The Land Of the Sky, and it has quickly become one of my favorite destinations. When I’m not enjoying Asheville’s mountain views, I’m just as comfortable bicycling through Italian olive groves and SCUBA diving the wall of sharks in French Polynesia as I am sipping bubbles in a Champagne house and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. As a journalist, I enjoy diving into topics, interviewing expert sources and sharing stories in interesting and engaging ways for publications like Forbes Vetted, AARP, AFAR, Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, Garden & Gun, Global Traveler, Southern Living and Wine Enthusiast.
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