Where to Stay in Asheville, NC; My Top Hotels
I grew up in Asheville — which means I've had thirty-plus years to fall in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains, the downtown art scene, the craft beer, and the kind of farm-to-table food that made this city famous. I now live just down the mountain, but we're back at least once a month, and those visits have given me an excuse to work my way through some pretty incredible hotels. Whether you're coming for the hiking, the food, or just to wander — here's where I'd stay.
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In A Rush? Here Are My Top Hotels in Asheville, NC:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Omni Grove Park Inn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Zelda Dearest
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Embassy Suites
Where to Stay in Asheville, NC: My Experience
Some might say I’m a rare breed— finding a true local in Asheville, NC feels almost as unlikely as spotting a Coors Light at a bar in this “Beer City.” My family moved to Western North Carolina in 1990. I can’t claim to remember much from those early days—my main priorities at the time were learning to walk and mastering potty training. Over the last 30+ years, I have seen Asheville transform from a quirky, quiet mountain town to a nationally-recognized destination.
Whenever I mention that I actually grew up here, people are quick to remind me how lucky that makes me. And they’re right—Asheville is the kind of place people plan entire vacations around, whether it’s to hike our stunning mountain trails, explore the vibrant and storied art scene, or sample a few too many local craft beers. What locals sometimes forget is just how special it is to have all of that right outside our back door. The Blue Ridge Parkway, drum circles downtown, a farm-to-table meal followed by a night of live music—these aren’t rare experiences here, they’re woven into everyday life.
My husband and I have since moved a bit farther down the mountain, but Asheville will always be home in my heart. We make it a point to visit at least once of month to catch up with friends and visit some of our favorite spots. With our monthly visits, we get the opportunity to stay in some pretty incredible hotels.
The hotels below are a mix of places I've personally stayed during my monthly visits and properties I've toured, scoped out, or recommended to clients.
I’ve included direct booking links here for your convenience BUT, many of these properties offer perks exclusively to bookings made on your behalf by a travel advisor - think complimentary room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, resort credits, early check-in/late check-out.
Where to Stay in Asheville, NC
I’m outlining my favorite hotels based on they types of experiences visitors might be looking to have. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Asheville meets every need.
The Best Hotels in Asheville For Adventure
With the Blue Ridge Parkway winding it’s way through the town, easy access to Pisgah National Forest, and close proximity world class hiking, biking, kayaking and more, Asheville is the perfect home base for outdoor activities. These are my top hotel picks for those with a sense of adventure:
⭐️⭐️⭐️ AutoCamp Asheville
AutoCamp Asheville is located about a 15 minute drive north of downtown Asheville - between Woodfin & Weaverville. This glamping experience features airy Airstream campers and cabins each with their own bathroom, kitchenette, fire pit and outdoor dining area.
It’s like camping, but with modern amenities and almost none of the effort.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wrong Way River Cabins
Wrong Way River Cabins & Lodge bills itself as Asheville’s “only outdoor hotel.” It is conveniently located along the French Broad River just 1 mile from Asheville’s iconic River Arts District.
The property features 16 A-Frame tiny cabins each with their own full bath and kitchenette (think microwave, fridge and coffee station). The River Lodge is at the heart of the property and includes a canteen where guests can enjoy a curated selection of coffee drinks, snacks, beverages, outdoor gear, and souvenirs. With multiple event spaces of varying sizes, this property is also great for groups, corporate meetings, and events without the traditional, windowless hotel ballroom.
The Best Hotels in Asheville For Families
Asheville’s wide range of activities and attractions makes it the perfect destination for family vacations. These hotels offer larger spaces and other amenities that make them the best hotels for families visiting Asheville.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Embassy Suites
I love the Embassy Suites in downtown Asheville for families! Their multi-room, spacious suites & connecting rooms make it so easy to spread out - so mom & dad don’t have to go to bed with the babies. Additional amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center and complimentary breakfast. Plus, it’s pet friendly so even Fido won’t to be left out.
Its on-site restaurant, Soprana Rooftop Cucina, is a modern Italian restaurant, offering brick oven pizza paired with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Crowne Plaza Resort
The Crowne Plaza Resort is a pet-friendly resort situated on 125 acres just a short drive from Downtown. They offer standard rooms as well as suites featuring full living rooms and kitchenettes, all rooms feature a private balcony or patio.
The spacious rooms are great, but the amenities really make this resort so family-friendly. Guests will enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, fire pits, walking paths, bike trails and zip lines.
The Best Hotels in Asheville For Romance
Incredible dining, beautiful spas and dessert shops on every corner make for a perfect romantic getaway. If I were planning for romance, these would be my hotel picks.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
The Omni Grove Park Inn has been welcoming guests for over a century. Built in 1913, this iconic historic hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s mountain side setting is the perfect place for a romantic mountain escape.
Couples will enjoy its award-winning, subterranean, 43,000 sq ft spa with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition, the Omni Grove Park has multiple on-site restaurants with sunset views, a piano bar and golf course.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Blind Tiger
This part boutique hotel, part bed & breakfast is known for its personalized hospitality in the heart of Asheville. This 14-room property is inspired by Asheville’s culture, local artists, creatives and natural beauty. Each room has its own unique design that are a fun blend of cozy and quirk. All rooms have a private en suite while some feature their own fireplace.
My favorite amenity is the picnic blanket and baskets to borrow for your own adventure.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Inn at Biltmore Estate
The award-winning Inn at Biltmore Estate is the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway. There is so much to do across the Biltmore Estate beyond the house itself, while staying at the inn, you can enjoy all they have to offer (and there is something for every type of traveler).
The Inn’s guest rooms are recently renovated and feature a classic European style inspired by the house itself.
Your stay automatically includes access to Biltmore’s 8,000 acres of gardens & grounds, Antler Hill Village & Winery and the Estate’s wonderful restaurants. Additional amenities and activities include a spa, house tours, horseback and carriage rides, biking, hiking, falconry, guided bird walks and so much more.
The Inn at Biltmore has earned recognition to match its reputation: Forbes Travel Guide 4-Stars for 25 consecutive years, ranked #2 South's Best Resort by Southern Living, and #3 Best Resort in the South by Travel + Leisure. If you're going to splurge once in Asheville, this is the place.
Most Photogenic Hotels in Asheville, NC
There are instagrammble moments at every turn in Asheville and your hotel doesn’t have to be an exception. These spots are full of charm, unique style and will have you want to snap photos for the Gram from the lobby to your room.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Restoration Asheville
Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, the Restoration serves up Instagrammable moments before you even step through their door. This boutique hotel curates unique moments including an eclectic library, an atrium inspired rooftop bar, and a basement bar & bowling alley that serves a 1970’s vibe with a modern twist.
The guest rooms here are modern with a boho twist, inspired by free-spirited culture is known for. Their hospitality doesn’t require add-on’s and always includes a daily breakfast basket delivered to your room, complimentary Jeep rides and a personal concierge to help you curate the perfect stay.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Zelda Dearest
Inspired by one of Asheville’s most famous residents, Zelda Fitzgerald, Zelda Dearest embraces historic charm with a modern take on 1920’s art deco design.
This boutique hotel features 20 rooms across 3 buildings (each name after Zelda’s sisters). Each room has its own distinctive style, private patios and porches, and incredible bathrooms. This hotel is a feast for the eyes - or the lens, in a convenient Downtown Asheville location.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Radical
Located in Asheville’s beloved River Arts District, The Radical embraces the the RAD’s artistic edge with a “posh-punk” approach to hospitality. No two rooms are a like in this boutique hotel. Each room features it’s own distinct art and design - ranging from graffiti to animal print.
This vibrant hotel has 3 on-site restaurants/bars led by a James Beard Award nominated chef, live music, DJ nights.
FAQs About the Best Hotels in Asheville, NC
What is the best luxury hotel in Asheville, NC?
This is such a tough call since there are SO MANY great luxury options in Asheville. The Inn at Biltmore Estate is definitely up there - and it has the awards to back it up. It has been rated 4-Stars by Forbes Travel Guide for 25 consecutive years, ranked #2 “South’s Best Resort” by Southern Living Magazine, and ranked #3 “Best Resort in the South” by Travel + Leisure, just to name a few.
What is the best area to stay in Asheville, NC?
If this is your first trip to Asheville, I highly recommend basing yourself in or near downtown. There are tons of options with comfortable rooms, breathtaking mountain views all within walking distance of many of Asheville's top attractions.
Do you have any recommendations for places to stay on a budget?
For budget travelers, I would suggest exploring one of Asheville's hostel options:
Sweet Peas Hostel: centrally located in Downtown Asheville
Bon Paul & Sharky's Hostel: a walkable location in West Asheville
What Downtown Asheville Hotels Have Free Parking?
What is there to do in Asheville, NC?
Asheville, NC is an amazing home base for outdoor adventures, wellness activities, brewery hopping, shopping, browsing art galleries and embracing history. For more ideas, check out my 3-day Asheville itinerary (linked below).
Is Asheville, NC worth visiting?
I’m certainly a little biased since I grew up in Asheville, but it’s definitely worth a visit. The food scene is world-class and there is so much to see and do for all walks of life.
Getting to Asheville, NC
By Air:
The nearest airport is the Asheville Regional Airport, located about 15 miles from downtown Asheville. There are direct flights to New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, DC, Austin, Denver, Chicago, Las Vegas and more.
By Car:
Asheville is easily accessible via I-40 & I-26. See below for estimated travel times from other regional destinations.
Greenville, SC: 1 hour
Charlotte, NC: 2 hours
Knoxville, TN: 2 hours
Atlanta, GA: 4 hours
Raleigh, NC: 4 hours
Getting Around Asheville, NC
If you’re planning to spend your entire stay in Downtown Asheville or on-site at the Biltmore Estate, you can likely get by without a car. However, if you want to explore the outdoors or beyond downtown, having a car is essential. For those flying in, there are several rental car options available for pick up at the Asheville Regional Airport - most require a short shuttle ride.
While Asheville does offer public transportation, it isn’t well connected enough to rely on for efficient travel around the area. Since COVID there are far fewer Uber/Lyft drivers, so expect a bit of a wait if that is a piece of your transportation plan!
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
