The Best Hotels in Asheville, North Carolina

Engulfed by a garden sprawling with lush vegetation, the old Beaufort House Inn with its delightful toy-house look offers a peaceful escape. Situated near the Botanical Gardens, half a mile from downtown Asheville, it’s ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The rooms have gas-log fireplaces, four-poster beds and windows overlooking gardens or mountains where the sun sets. Some rooms come with a hot tub, while others feature a porch with swings, rocking chairs and hammocks. Parking and wifi are free and the innkeeper is happy to give travel tips.

Set on 8,000 acres (3,237ha) of wisteria and flower gardens and surrounded by forests, this hotel in the heart of Antler Village is for fresh-air fiends, and there’s also a winery nearby. Kitted out with carpets adding elegance, the castle-like, farmhouse-inspired hotel has king- and double rooms that sleep up to four, while the 19th-century Biedermeier suites overlook green mountains as far as the eye can see. You can find both adventure and relaxation here; there’s an equestrian center, rejuvenating spa, gym, heated pool and restaurant/bar.

Cuddled up in the heart of Asheville’s mountains, steps away from several breweries, the Renaissance takes sustainability to the next level. The owners have installed bee boxes, which you’ll find on the roof of this condo-style, nature-themed hotel encircled by large fir trees. You can choose between spacious rooms and elegant suites, all offering superb mountain views. Whether your day ahead involves swimming laps in the Olympic pool or a stint on the gym’s stepper, the Renaissance makes burning calories a breeze.

Spread over several blocks of accommodation, this DoubleTree by Hilton perfectly combines youthful exuberance with purposeful maturity. The hotel is a pick-up point for rooftop bar tours in downtown Asheville, which is a short drive away, and the business center and meeting rooms cater for professionals. The concierge and the carpeted deluxe rooms fit into the Hilton brand – as do the facilities, which include a heated indoor pool and whirlpool with a retractable roof. There’s also a gym – and a bar, for that post-workout refreshment.

This hotel in Asheville’s mountain oasis is for leisure travelers. As the name suggests, Cambria Downtown sits right in the middle of the action, with restaurants, bars, shopping malls, music venues and breweries close by. You’ll find a small community garden around the corner and people mingling at the hotel’s rooftop bar. The vast landscape views from your room will blow your socks off, while the distressed brick walls, parquet floors, doorless showers and copper leather chairs look very cool, as does the building’s stepped facade.

Do your kids love claw cranes? What about racing games or waterslides? Tucked away in Hendersonville and surrounded by orchards, this 100 percent smoke-free resort is a family paradise, complete with 12,000sqft (1,115sqm) of water play, indoor waterfall gardens, and a bar and restaurant. You can choose between carpeted rooms with couches and elegant suites, and enjoy a dip in the heated indoor pool or hot tub. Getting rid of some pesky calories is possible at the on-site gym, while the lobby invites you to linger on leather sofas near the fireplace.

Snuggled into a garden near Asheville’s Biltmore House, hugged by flourishing trees, this light-pink hotel comes straight out of a fairytale. Inspired by the historic Queen Victorian “pink lady” 1891 Mansion, the dreamy look continues inside with 19th-century furniture and wood galore. There’s a carpeted, U-shaped wooden staircase, and the cracking sounds as you walk up only adds to the charm of the two-story mansion. Couples will love this romantic getaway, but whoever you’re traveling with, you can enjoy an enticing breakfast on the Victorian porch.

Some 4mi (6km) from the Botanical Gardens, this historic hotel is one of the few brick houses in the west of North Carolina that have lived to tell the tale. History buffs will love the carpeted LILA rooms fitted with crystal chandeliers, wooden cabinets and a gas fireplace. Others come with a claw-foot tub or canopy bed; and whether you’re planning to visit the waterfalls, the mountains or both, you can fuel up with a three-course breakfast, sip on a cup of joe on the front porch, or reward yourself with hot chocolate on return.

Set amid greenery in Hendersonville, Echo Mountain was built in 1896 as a summer home. Possibly inspired by Italian tavernas, the quarry-stone building comes with cute little balconies. From Rustic to Royal and Quilt Haven to Magnolia, each of the 25 Victorian-style rooms has a name that describes its character. With fireplaces, a library and sitting areas galore – there’s the grass, the pool or a porch with rocking chairs – the vibe is homely; perfect for those who like their stays to be chilled-out. The sound of guests playing in the evening adds to the laid-back vibe.