Discovering Luxury and Art at Asheville's Grand Bohemian Hotel: A Hotel Stay Review
This sponsored post is written in collaboration with Reservations.com. All opinions of the stay and my experience in the hotel are my own.
After spending a weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains, I was smitten with Western North Carolina and ready to spend more time away from the hustle and bustle of the financial district here in Charlotte and enjoy some peaceful, friendly living. Despite living in the South for several years and reading countless articles about one of the "friendliest cities in the US," Asheville was a place that somehow stayed under my radar. I'm so embarrassed that I've lived less than two hrs. away for nearly three years! So when Reservations.com invited me to post on the hotel of my choosing in the continental United States, I skipped Vegas and Miami and kept it local. (My friends did not understand!) So I set out to the Land of the Sky for the open air, artsy downtown, creative spirit, and a progressive neighborly love where "Y'all Means All." I was instantly drawn to the Grand Bohemian Asheville, which sounded exactly like the residential embodiment of everything Asheville holds dear. At first glance, the Bohemian reminded me of the tiny European village homes I grew accustomed to growing up in Germany. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Eastern European-styled, lush hunting lodge oozes a sophisticated, cozy warmth I've yet to find in a hotel. A designation is fitting for a "World's Best Hotel" by Travel + Leisure and a "Top 40 Hotel in the South" by Condé Nast.
The Tudor-inspired exterior is a stark contrast to the jewel-toned, eclectic hunting lodge lobby. The lobby buzzed with people all night long, many of the visitors of the Red Stag Grille and not actual hotel guests. So full that we were unable to get a dinner reservation before 9 pm. The atmosphere was welcoming but needed constant attendance at the check-in desk. However, once we found an employee, check-in was a breeze. (Note: A credit card is required for incidentals, and a deposit is needed for rooms over $300.)
The Room: Unfortunately, due to the number of reservations, we could not stay in the main lodge but instead in the Manor House annex. The annex isn't as grand as the main space and felt lackluster. Our king guest room boasted a soft, plush bed with a velvet tufted headboard underneath a rustic, horned lighting fixture. I scared J as I jumped on the bed, relaxed and giddy after our couples massage. "You'll put your eye out!" The room was outfitted with a king-sized bed, a working station, one small closet, a safe, and an entertainment area with a TV, desktop minibar, chair, and Bose Radio. We were blessed with a massive bathroom with a glass door shower, an enormous tub, and a separate toilet space (also glass). A half wall and a curtain from the bedroom separate the tub. Perfect for drinking wine and watching TV surrounded by bubbles! Which I did while sinking into the extensive basin. At 5'3, it was difficult not to be sucked under the suds.
Dining: The hotel has a beautiful red restaurant, Red Stag Grille– open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offered delicious protein-heavy (meat and fish) foods and a lovely atmosphere. I loved the romantic feel of the low light and sexy atmosphere.
Overall stay: I loved the hotel’s location and proximity to the art district. Being able to access everything very quickly was a major perk. The staff is decent enough and helpful with bags, but for the most part, they were pretty nonexistent. Additional Info:
Located about 2.5 hours from Charlotte-Douglas Airport; 20 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport
Parking is sparse unless you pay the $2o for valet. All street parking is unavailable after dusk until dawn. We parked at a nearby Arby's and weren't towed, but I'm unsure if it was luck or kindness. We wanted the freedom to come and go, and a large number of residents means the wait for your car is lengthy.
Hotel is within walking distance of many local shops, minutes from Downtown Asheville and across the street from the Biltmore Estate.
Tickets for admission to the Biltmore are included in several packages.
The room doesn't include a refrigerator. Food taken to go will spoil. I lost out on a $40 duck dish from an inability to chill it.
Coincidentally, we couldn't find the ice machine to keep the wine chilled. So don’t bring perishables and beverages.
The hotel has a laundry service
All of the surrounding buildings have a unified, Austrian wooden decor.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, Autograph Collection
http://www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/
11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803
$199-$439
