Hotels in Asheville, NC

Best time to visit Asheville

For beautiful views of fresh spring blooms or colorful fall foliage against the scenic mountain backdrop, visit Asheville between March – May or September – November. Average temperatures range from 60 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit which is ideal for all types of outdoor activities. Summer months from June – August experience increased humidity, but this is still the most popular season for travelers from nearby towns looking for mountain-side getaways to escape the heat. Winter temperatures range from 20 – 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the surrounding mountains are snowcapped, but Asheville doesn’t experience much snowfall. Since there aren’t many outdoor activities during this time, there is less tourist traffic, and hotel rates tend to be significantly lower than at other times of the year.

Getting around Asheville

Downtown Asheville is a compact area which you can explore on foot. Asheville Redefines Transit (ART)-operated buses travel within the downtown area, and a few miles outside. Fares are flat at $1.00 USD per ride. Another scenic way to explore the town is via the hop-on hop-off trolleys operated by Gray Line Historic Trolley Tours. The tour features 10 stops, departs every 30 minutes, and costs $29.00 USD per adult for a 2-day ticket. Taxis run by reputable private operators and ride-share companies such as Uber, are easily available throughout the town. For more flexibility, and to enjoy some of the best activities that are based a few miles outside of downtown, consider hiring a vehicle. You will find ample metered parking as well as parking garages in town. It is worth checking out deals on rental cars with momondo.

Best places to stay in Asheville

Often called one of the trendiest small cities in the world, Ashville features homegrown microbreweries, chic eateries and a vibrant arts scene. Essentially a small mountain town, you will find buskers fiddling tunes on Biltmore Avenue, hikers heading to Mount Pisgah, cars swishing past Blue Ridge Parkway, and a visible contingent of artists as well as hardcore hippies. Where to stay in Asheville depends on whether you wish to wake up to stunning mountain views or be steps away from the bustling town center.

Downtown Asheville

Downtown is a vibrant area that offers streets packed with independent shops, farm-fresh eateries, plenty of entertainment, and a distinct mountain vibe. Enjoy the contemporary rooms and suites in Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown, a modern hotel with a redbrick and glass exterior that boasts splendid views of Blue Ridge Mountains. Close to the shops, restaurants, art galleries, and famed Biltmore Estate, stay in Four Points by Sheraton Asheville Downtown hotel. Check out chic, stylish accommodation in The Windsor Boutique Hotel, a luxurious all-suite property, set in a 1907-dated building. The hotel features an on-site art gallery, and all its suites and interiors are decorated with interesting pieces of art.

Chestnut Hill District

Just blocks away from the downtown area, you have Chestnut Hill District that features boutique inns and B&Bs which are an interesting alternative to the somewhat cookie-cutter hotels in the downtown core. Check out The Princess Anne Hotel, a historic inn that offers charming rooms, full breakfast, and complimentary afternoon wine and snacks. Stay in the Bunn House Hotel, offering boutique-style accommodation with country-chic rooms set in a 1905-dated redbrick home. Enjoy the tranquil ambience just 2 blocks away from the lively downtown area.

Biltmore Village

Biltmore Village was originally conceived by millionaire George W. Vanderbilt and designed by world-renowned architects. It used to be home to the humble estate workers of Biltmore Estate. This area now caters to history buffs, art aficionados and foodies. It also features a good mix of large retail chains and independent specialty stores. Check out the stylish rooms decorated with velvet tufted headboards and antler accents in the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, An Autograph Collection. This stately Tudor-style hotel is close to the historic Biltmore Estate, and features a vintage-look vine lounge, and an on-site restaurant that serves farm-to-table fare. Just one block from the entrance of Biltmore Estate, enjoy the comfortable accommodation and modern conveniences offered by DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore.

Cheap hotels in Asheville

Asheville offers plenty of accommodation options and caters to a wide range of budgets. You can choose from high-end luxury hotels, charming downtown hostels and B&Bs, as well as cabins, tiny homes, or yurts nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just a mile away from the Asheville Urban Trail, check out The Beaucatcher, a boutique motel that features bright, warmly decorated rooms. Consider the modern, comfortable accommodation in Days Inn Asheville / Mall in the downtown area, or Days Inn Asheville / Tunnel Road & I-40, near Biltmore Estate. Enjoy simple, classic accommodation at the Baymont Inn & Suites Asheville / Biltmore hotel, conveniently located near Downtown Asheville.

Tucked into the palm of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts epic vistas, charming historical sights, and a constantly evolving culinary scene. This chic small town is a favorite amongst adventurers and foodies alike. While most travelers make a day stop in this town, it is worth spending a short holiday to truly experience everything that Asheville offers.

• Learn about Asheville’s quirky and magical past when you head on a 2-hour self-guided walking tour along the Asheville Urban Trail that features 30 sculptural trail stations.
• Tour the Biltmore Estate which includes the French Renaissance-style 1889-dated house of millionaire George W. Vanderbilt. Considered the largest private home in the U.S., the estate features 250-rooms and 8,000-acres of designer gardens.
• Plan a multi-day hike along some of the Appalachian Trail’s highest peaks, or enjoy a day-long trip and hike through the Pisgah National Park. The 500,000-acres of park land, approximately 40 miles from Downtown Asheville, offers numerous trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes.
• Rent a car and drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway that offers numerous look-out points, quaint mountain towns, and hiking and biking trails. The parkway is divided by milepost markers, and use of the parkway as well as entry to most attractions along the way is free. Make stops at Milepost 355.4 to see Mount Mitchell, the tallest point east of the Mississippi River, Milepost 364.4 to visit Craggy Gardens, and Milepost 382 to see the Folk Art Center that displays traditional and contemporary crafts, and is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Those with a green thumb may want to stop at Milepost 393 to visit the North Carolina Arboretum.
• Shop for cool indie wares, wearable art, and vintage apparel at one of many chic boutiques or specialty stores. Don’t miss some of Asheville’s independent bookstores, such as Malaprop’s Bookstore / Café, The Captain’s Bookshelf, or Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar.
• Browse through interesting pieces of art and handmade craft at the downtown art galleries as well as in the open-air markets at Grove Arcade. Also visit Biltmore Village for shopping, arts and crafts, and restaurants.
• Head to one of the rooftop bars, such as SkyBar Asheville Rooftop Bar, or the Thirsty Monk outlet in Downtown Asheville, to enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and downtown, while sipping on a wide range of local brews.
• Get a true foodie experience in Asheville. Sign up for a food tour to sample delicious local fare, visit local farms to buy the fresh meat and produce, visit multiple creameries along the WNC Cheese Trail, or opt for a guided foraging expedition through the mountainside. Don’t miss a free wine tasting at the Biltmore Estate winery.
• Enjoy a local stage production at the Asheville Community Theatre or The Magnetic Theatre.
• Soak up Asheville’s free-spirited atmosphere as you wander through the River Arts District where you can meet over 200 local artists who are experts in various mediums like textiles, ceramics, and paintings, as well as photography and jewelry.
• Plan your visit to coincide with one of the many events and festivals that Asheville hosts through the year. Downtown After 5, the LEAF festival, Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, and Brewgrass Festival are among the most popular ones.