The Best Hotels in the Blue Ridge Mountains for Every Traveler

If you favor local flavor over corporate chains, you’re guaranteed to get an authentic taste of Asheville at the Princess Anne Hotel & Breakfast. This century-old property welcomes you into town like an old friend with made-to-order breakfasts and a lively wine and hors d’oeuvre hour. Comfortable, casual rooms will make you feel right at home, and the staff will point you toward local haunts such as the Orange Peel concert venue and the River Arts District, where you’ll eat, dance, drink and shop like North Carolina natives.

Documenting your every moment on Instagram? The Foundry Hotel will help envy go viral among your followers. Pinned in the heart of downtown, you can race around the city snapping posts of buzzy brunch spot Biscuit Head, the mural-lined Good Vibes silo and the city’s many rooftop bars. As for your stories, a tour of the exposed-brick lounge, modern suites and bright terrace of the industrially elegant Foundry Hotel will have your notifications pumping. It goes without saying that a picture-perfect plate of Appalachian soul food at the hotel’s Benne on Eagle must be swiped into your schedule.

Those with an eye for architecture will enjoy exploring the Historic District of Montford from the Black Walnut. This turn-of-the-century bed and breakfast inn was designed by the supervising architect for the Biltmore Estate. A pebbledash exterior, original diamond-paned windows and a half-timbered English style are just a few of the characterful hallmarks of the inn. Consider an evening stroll to take in the detail of the Queen Anne, colonial revival, and Arts and Crafts homes throughout the neighborhood.

Art lovers will savor the curated collection throughout the lobby, hallways and suites of the Windsor Boutique Hotel. Along with the many pieces purchased from local artists and imported from Paris, the hotel has the Benjamin Walls Gallery. You can admire the acclaimed photographer’s environmentally conscious work while decompressing with wine and chocolate truffles from the adjoining hotel bar. To appreciate more of the creativity on show in Asheville, trot over to the Momentum Gallery and Lisa Lane Art right across the road.

Craft beer aficionados need not worry about a designated driver at the Grand Bohemian. Catawba Brewing Company’s IPAs, Hillmen Beer’s robust porters, and French Road Brewery’s classic kölsch are all within a few paces of your suite. Mix things up with the exclusive wines at the Red Stag Grill adjacent to the lobby, or ask the concierge to book you a cab to the Colorado transplant New Belgium Brewing Company that’s now embraced as a local by the beer lovers of Asheville.

If opulence and magnificence are necessities, we dare you to do better than the Blue Ridge Village on the wondrous Biltmore Estate. From the Winery to the Antler Hill Village and everywhere in between, the 8,000-acre (3,237ha) grounds are yours to explore. As you step softly through the gardens or around the farmyard, you’ll relish the comfortable and casual atmosphere despite walking across such a breathtaking backdrop.

Blowing Rock Inn was built for the no-frills outdoor enthusiast. Though their clean and comfortable rooms will have you sleeping like a rock, it’s their location close to the trailheads that’s key. Within a few minutes, you can walk or drive to the Glen Burney Falls Trail, cast a line at Bass Lake Trail or explore the woods of Mayview Park on horseback. When you’re ready to loosen your laces, the best place to enjoy Blowing Rock Brewing Company’s Fresh Trail Golden Lager is right on their terrace.

Your health and happiness are always first priority at the Art of Living Retreat Center. This Boone getaway helps you break away from the negative energies of everyday life with meditation, yoga and detoxification. Finely curated programs are designed for your specific needs, whether they be mental, physical or spiritual. The Happiness Retreat will leave your chakras smiling, while the Silence Retreat offers the rare opportunity to let go and get lost in yourself – and the mountains.

La Quinta Inn & Suites knows that the picturesque views along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway are all too alluring. Though the staff are ready to show you all of Boone’s beauty, this pet-friendly hotel also caters to drivers who can’t wait to cruise through the mountains. Fuel up on a delicious breakfast then soak your tired feet in the pool. If you want to keep your keys in your pocket for the afternoon, trade the miles for the mines and go gem hunting.

Those who appreciate the finer things in life know there’s a difference between five-star service and Southern hospitality. The Omni Grove Park Inn specializes in the latter, delivering world-class warmth with signature North Carolina courtesy. Allow the concierge to book a tee time at the Donald Ross 18-hole course, or schedule a few hours of delicate pampering in the subterranean spa. When you return, reservations at the Sunset Terrace will be waiting alongside award-winning wines and hand-cut steaks.