Old-School Opulence @ The Best Boutique Hotels in Asheville, NC

Located in the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the most opulent retreat area in the beautiful Southeast region of the USA: Asheville, North Carolina. A popular resort town since the Vanderbilt family built their magnificent Biltmore Estate here in 1859, Asheville is a luxury destination that’s in a class all of its own.

From Asheville’s classiest boutique hotels, you can easily explore America’s largest privately owned home as well as wander the town’s lovely River Arts District or pay a visit to one or more of the over 50 craft breweries dotted around the town.  And if you love the mountains, unlimited hiking trails lead to amazing waterfalls, while endless mountain biking opportunities lead through stunning forest scenery.

So if you’re looking for a luxury holiday that has romantic hotels and unlimited points of interest, Asheville has what you need for your next escape. Use our list of the best boutique hotels in Asheville, NC, as your guide to finding the perfect retreat in this classy city.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Asheville, NC

Princess Anne Hotel

Located in a quiet neighborhood, the Princess Anne Hotel is only a mile from historic downtown Asheville. Built in 1924, this romantic 3-star hotel has beautiful wood floors and high ceilings with all the modern conveniences, including a kitchen space in each guest room.

During your luxury holiday, you will enjoy a complimentary full breakfast served in the elegant formal dining room, and in the afternoon you can partake in the wine and hors-d’oeuvres provided as you mingle with other guests. Alternatively, you can enjoy your wine out on the porch or in one of the beautifully decorated sitting areas dotted around the property.

All rooms have Simmons Beauty Rest mattresses, a microwave, and a cooktop with everything you will need to prepare a private meal. There are 14 spacious suites and two large guest rooms to choose from, and the location is an easy drive to visit the Biltmore Estate and other Asheville points of interest.

LuxuryUnitedStates Recommends: For the latest details, including rates and to make reservations, visit Princess Anne Hotel

The Windsor Boutique Hotel

Start your luxury holiday in Asheville with your own private Parisian-style apartment centrally located in the heart of downtown. All told, the Windsor Boutique Hotel offers 14 uniquely decorated suites, each containing artwork from local artists along with hand-selected items from Paris. Each room has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, high-quality beds and bedding, and multiple flat-screen TVs. In-room massages are offered.

This 1907 renovated building highlights the hardwood floors and exposed brick with a touch of European elegance and contemporary flourishes. The hotel is pet-friendly and has a snack bar, concierge services, and tickets are available for local attractions such as The Biltmore Estate or The Orange Peel music venue.

Feeling peckish? Walk across the way and try The Gourmet Chip Company or stop in at the Mellow Mushroom for a great pizza.

LuxuryUnitedStates Recommends: For the latest details, including rates and to make reservations, visit: The Windsor Boutique Hotel

The Asheville Foundry Inn, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Asheville Foundry Inn, part of the high-end Curio Collection by Hilton, is another relatively new hotel in Asheville worth looking into. Encompassing several buildings, including the restoration of the steel foundry buildings that forged the steel used to build the Biltmore Estate, accommodations range from standard hotel rooms to the exquisite Presidential Suite.

The guestrooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a safe, wet bar, and a mini refrigerator, along with rainfall showers in the spacious marble bathrooms. The hotel has a concierge desk, a 24-hour pavilion pantry market, a grand lounge, as well as a beautiful courtyard and butterfly garden. This luxury destination has also preserved the historic original elevator pulley system, hardwood floors, and exposed brick, which adds to the ambience of this elegant boutique hotel.

The Foundry is located in downtown Asheville within an easy walk to historic points of interest across the city, as well as some of the town’s best restaurants. The hotel’s own restaurant, Benne on Eagle, draws inspiration from the local region for its farm-to-table cuisine, while the Workshop Lounge offers artisanal craft cocktails featuring organic, locally distilled spirits and southern flavors, with ample comfortable seating.

LuxuryUnitedStates Recommends: For the latest details of what is undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in North Carolina, including rates and to make reservations, visit The Asheville Foundry Inn, Curio Collection by Hilton

Beaufort House Inn  

Beaufort House Inn is a quaint Victorian home built in 1895 that offers a choice of eight guestrooms and three cottages. Film buffs love this spot for its connection to actor Charlton Heston who lived here with his and his wife Lydia for six months in the 1940s (they stayed in what is now called the Rose Room). This delightful building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens.

The wide wrap-around porch is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the gardens and sunsets, and there’s even a hammock for that summer afternoon nap. The inn is owned and operated by Jim and Christina Muth, the latter of whom is a master gardener and gourmet cook who’s responsible for the excellent two-course breakfast served by candlelight to start your day. You can finish your day at the wine social, including complimentary local microbrews each evening.

Other nice perks included in your stay are the fresh flowers, sparkling beverages, and more. Each room includes two-person Jacuzzis, gas fireplaces, and a DVD library. The inn is located in a historic and quiet neighborhood close to Asheville’s top attractions.

LuxuryUnitedStates Recommends: For the latest details, including rates and to make reservations, visit Beaufort House Inn

Blind Tiger Asheville

Housed in a beautiful old home built in 1889, the recently opened Blind Tiger Asheville is full of character with lush gardens and a pond, which makes it one of the best boutique hotels in Asheville. Each of the opulent rooms are unique and brightly decorated, with additional accommodations are located in the carriage house as well as in a bungalow and separate guest cottage. Some rooms are even dog-friendly, so be sure to make your request known when booking.

Included with your stay is a three-course breakfast served in the elegant formal dining room, and evening refreshments are served in the Solarium or on the patio near the fire pit. The main house features a solarium, living room, and parlor where you can relax. It’s also located close to downtown Asheville, and is only a 15-minute walk to the historic Grove Arcade and a short drive to the Biltmore Estate.

You can also indulge in on-site massage and spa packages in the privacy and comfort of your own room or suite including massages, facials, and foot and body treatments. (Luxury Tip: If you are adventuring out for the day, you may want to order a picnic basket to take with you.)

LuxuryUnitedStates Recommends: For the latest details, including rates and to make reservations, visit Blind Tiger Asheville

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Contributor Cynthia Graham is a freelance travel writer and digital nomad traveling the world. She owns www.BlueBagNomads.com where she shares her travel tips and passion. Also find her on Facebook and Twitter.