Where to Stay in Asheville in 2023 (Best Areas & Places)

8 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Asheville

Asheville is situated in the French Broad River Valley with the Blue Ridge Mountains all around. Downtown Asheville is central, and the neighborhoods I’ll be covering spread out into the hills and down by the river. However, they’re still within a close distance to downtown and accessible to local recreation and attractions. 

Downtown Asheville

👉 Best Area For Local Shopping, Dining, and Attractions | ✨ Best Downtown Asheville Hotels: The Foundry Hotel Asheville • The Windsor Boutique Hotel • Kimpton – Hotel Arras 

If you’re a first-time visitor wondering where to stay in Asheville, look no further than downtown Asheville. This area has a variety of hotel options to choose from. No matter the occasion, you can find a hotel that suits your needs. Think of everything from modern hotels (with amenities like complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool), to boutique hotels that will make you feel at home. 

This is a great place to stay for visitors of all ages. Being in this central location makes it easy to access downtown attractions. These include The Grove Arcade, Asheville Art Museum, downtown parks and so much more. 

Downtown also has tons of great shopping and dining options, too, which are all within walking distance. You’ll always find someplace to eat and something to do downtown, so you really can’t go wrong. Plus, places like the Blue Ridge Mountains and Biltmore Estate are only a short drive away!

Pros of Staying in Downtown Asheville Neighborhood:

• Centrally located
• Easy to navigate
• Fantastic walkability 
• Great shopping and dining
• Lots of local museums and attractions
• Ideal for first time visitors 
• Lots of hotel options

Cons of Staying in Downtown Asheville Neighborhood:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Parking can be an issue
• Noisier and more crowded than other areas

Montford

👉 Best Area For History and Architecture | ✨ Best Montford Hotels: 1900 Inn on Montford • Black Walnut B&B Inn • The 1899 Wright Inn & Carriage House

Montford Area Historic District is located just north of downtown. This neighborhood is full of historic, turn of the century homes and architecture, and is extremely walkable. The quiet, secluded residential streets make it one of the best places to stay in Asheville as far as inns and local bed and breakfasts go. In fact, all of the inns mentioned above are in historic homes so you can experience Asheville’s rich architectural history firsthand!

Montford has its fair share of delicious restaurants and local shops to check out, as well as historic sites like Riverside Cemetery. More perks of staying in this area? Downtown Asheville can be reached by foot if you don’t mind a 20-30 minute walk, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is only a short drive away. If you’re traveling as a couple or want a peaceful Asheville retreat, I highly recommend staying in Montford.  

Pros of Staying in Montford Neighborhood:

• Charming and historic area
• Beautiful architecture
• More secluded, private accommodations 
• Walkable neighborhood
• Walking distance to downtown (20-30 min) and other attractions
• Complimentary breakfast at inns and bed and breakfasts

Cons of Staying in Montford Neighborhood:

• More limited availability at bed and breakfasts
• Private bed and breakfasts can be pricey

River Arts District

👉 Best Area For Local Art and Galleries | ✨ Best River Arts District Hotels: North Lodge on Oakland Bed and Breakfast • Country Inn & Suites Asheville River Arts District • DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown

Located along the French Broad River and just southwest of downtown Asheville, the River Arts District is an artsy enclave. Countless art galleries make up this part of Asheville, along with some of the best restaurants and coffee shops in Asheville. These convenient eateries are perfect for starting and ending each adventure-filled day. 

The River Arts District’s location makes it easy to reach downtown Asheville, West Asheville, and Biltmore Village. There aren’t as many hotels and bed and breakfasts here as there are in downtown, but vacation rentals are plentiful. 

For artists, this area provides a sense of community and tons of places to check out. For families, the River Arts District offers a little extra space and privacy while still being in a convenient location. All in all, it’s pretty fitting that this neighborhood’s nickname is “RAD!”

Pros of Staying in River Arts District Neighborhood:

• Lots of great art galleries and local spots
• Thriving arts and creative scene
• Accessibility to French Broad River
• Good for vacation rentals
• Bikeable 

Cons of Staying in River Arts District Neighborhood:

• You will need a rental car to get around
• More limited hotel options
• Industrial warehouse vibe (can be a pro or con, depending)

Biltmore Village

👉 Best Area For Visiting the Biltmore Estate | ✨ Best Biltmore Village Hotels: The Inn on Biltmore Estate • Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate • Grand Bohemian Hotel

If the Biltmore Estate is at the top of your wishlist, then Biltmore Village is the place to stay in Asheville. Best for families and couples, this area provides all the nearby amenities you need for a pleasant stay. It’s also conveniently located near the Biltmore Estate. This can save time, money, and energy—especially if you can only visit for a shorter amount of time. Historic Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and all the surrounding grounds are just a stone’s throw away. 

Another reason to consider Biltmore Village when deciding where to stay in Asheville is its central location. In a short drive, you can just as easily reach downtown as you can the Blue Ridge Parkway. Simply put, this is the perfect spot to stay if you want to focus on the Biltmore Estate while also enjoying the downtown scene and getting in a few of the best hikes near Asheville. 

Pros of Staying in Biltmore Village Neighborhood:

• Short drive to downtown Asheville
• Easy access to the Biltmore Estate 
• Central location
• Quaint, cottage feel 
• Great restaurants and eateries

Cons of Staying in Biltmore Village Neighborhood:

• Shopping, dining, and accommodations can be pricey
• Traffic can be congested around this area
• You will need a rental car to get to other parts of Asheville

North Asheville & Grove Park

👉 Best Area For Peace and Tranquility | ✨ Best North Asheville & Grove Park Hotels: Omni Grove Park Inn • Albemarle Inn • The Reynolds Mansion

North Asheville is a residential area known for its varying architecture and privacy from downtown’s hustle and bustle. This part of Asheville is particularly famous because it is home to the Omni Grove Park Inn (which has been regarded as one of the best hotels to stay in Asheville!). 

This historic inn has hosted many famous guests over the years. Its scenic setting and welcoming atmosphere continue to make it a timeless place to stay. It’s a great place for families as well as couples, because it offers amenities for all ages. 

Outside of the Grove Park Inn, North Asheville offers visitors a peaceful stay. You’ll need a car to get around, but the location makes it easy to reach the Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and outdoor recreation. If you’re contemplating where to stay in Asheville and don’t mind trading distance for a little extra privacy, this area is ideal.

Pros of Staying in North Asheville & Grove Park Neighborhood:

• Secluded and peaceful 
• Access to Beaver Lake
• Lots of amenities at Grove Park Inn 
• Walking to downtown Asheville is possible (40-50 min – depending)

Cons of Staying in North Asheville & Grove Park Neighborhood:

• You will need a rental car to get around
• Further from downtown Asheville
• Grove Park Inn can be pricey 

West Asheville

👉 Best Area For Funky, Local Vibes | ✨ Best West Asheville Hotels: Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel • Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville • Country Inn & Suites Asheville River Arts District

West Asheville is unofficially known as Asheville’s “cool” neighborhood, and it’s easy to see why. This area has boomed in the last decade or so, and its funky, artsy vibe is hard to beat. 

As its name suggests, it is located on the west side of Asheville. Because it has a strong local community, it tends to be more budget friendly and low-key than other parts of the city. You won’t find as many hotels here, but it is a good place to find vacation rentals. Not to mention, the neighborhood is really walkable. 

The foodie and beer scene here is also thriving, so if that’s the vibe you’re going for, go ahead and book your stay in West Asheville. You’ll find no shortage of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and even donut shops! This is also a great location for hitting up day trips and nearby national parks. 

Pros of Staying in West Asheville Neighborhood:

• Cool, funky atmosphere
• Local feel 
• Lots of great restaurants and bars
• Tons of local art to see
• Good for vacation rentals
• Walkable neighborhood 
• More budget-friendly 
• Good spot for taking day trips

Cons of Staying in West Asheville Neighborhood:

• You will need a rental car to get to other parts of Asheville
• More limited hotel options

South Asheville

👉 Best Area For Shopping, Amenities, and Distance to Airport | ✨ Best South Asheville Hotels: Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park • Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Airport • Wingate by Wyndham Fletcher at Asheville Airport

Biltmore Village is directly south of downtown Asheville, and South Asheville is just a few miles further in that direction. This area is closest to the Asheville airport and is filled with places for shopping, dining, and access to amenities. 

A popular spot to stay within South Asheville is Biltmore Park, which is a walkable area that is super family-friendly. The Hilton, a top-rated hotel, can be found here.

South Asheville is a longer distance to downtown Asheville, but it is only a short drive away from a couple entrances to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Popular attractions like the North Carolina Arboretum and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. are also nearby. 

Since South Asheville is connected to more major highways and roads, I recommend staying here if day trips are a priority for you. Brevard and Hendersonville are especially close!

Pros of Staying in South Asheville Neighborhood:

• Lots of amenities
• Lots of shopping and dining options
• Quick drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Short distance to Asheville Regional Airport

Cons of Staying in South Asheville Neighborhood:

• You will need a rental car to get around
• Further from downtown Asheville
• Lacks “downtown” feel

Black Mountain

👉 Best Area For A Mountain Getaway | ✨ Best Black Mountain Hotels: Hampton Inn Black Mountain • The Monte Vista Hotel • Black Mountain Inn

When deciding where to stay in Asheville, here’s your reminder that you don’t actually have to stay in Asheville to enjoy all that the area has to offer! If you’re picturing more of a cabin or secluded mountain retreat over a hotel in the city, Black Mountain could be your answer. 

Only a 20 minute drive away, this small mountain town is one of Asheville’s closest and all-time favorite towns. Though small, Black Mountain offers plenty of options for food and drinks, as well as local shops for arts and crafts. 

There are a few hotels in the area, but if you’re already considering staying outside the city, vacation rentals are probably the way to go. Plus, it’s a great option for families, couples, and larger groups. Overall, if you’re looking for a true mountain escape while still being close to Asheville, Black Mountain is perfect! 

Pros of Staying in Black Mountain:

• Local, small town feel
• More secluded and private
• Lots of great restaurants and local shops
• Walkable downtown
• Access to nature
• Less crowds
• Can be more budget-friendly
• Good for vacation rentals

Cons of Staying in Black Mountain:

• You will need a rental car to get around
• Further from Asheville’s city center and attractions
• More limited hotel options

Tips for Staying in Asheville

Prioritize the activities you’re interested in 

When choosing where to stay in Asheville, prioritize the activities you’re interested in. For example, if you prefer outdoor recreation over the downtown scene, consider spots outside the city like Black Mountain. 

Think about the seasons and plan ahead

Summer and fall are the most popular times to visit Asheville. Because of this, accommodations can book up fast and be more expensive. If you plan on visiting during these times of year, I recommend deciding where to stay in Asheville and booking in advance. 

Travel during the off-season

Winter (after the holidays) is Asheville’s off-season. During this time, you can expect lower prices and fewer crowds. And since winters are generally mild, you can still enjoy some hiking and outdoor recreation. Your options of where to stay in Asheville could open up as well. 

You will need a rental car

The bottom line is this, you’re going to need a car to explore Asheville. Even if you plan on staying downtown where things are pretty centralized, you will need a car to reach most places in North Carolina. 

Plus, exploring one of Asheville’s top attractions—the Blue Ridge Parkway—requires one! Lastly, public transportation isn’t too widespread in Asheville, so it’s better to be prepared with your own car. 

Pack in layers

When packing for a trip to Asheville, layers are super important. The area experiences all four seasons, but the elevation and mountain climate can cause fluctuations in weather. Check the forecast beforehand and pack accordingly, but throw in some extra layers so you have options—just in case!

Follow safety rules and precautions when exploring the outdoors

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains may seem like a safer area for outdoor recreation compared to say, the Colorado Rockies, but don’t underestimate them. When it comes to the outdoors, stay on marked trails, respect signage, and always use common sense and caution.  

Understanding local business hours 

Asheville is largely made up of small, independently owned businesses. So, don’t be too surprised if places seem like they open late or close early. In fact, many businesses close around 5 pm. 

FAQs About Where to Stay in Asheville

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Hopefully, you now feel better prepared to choose where to stay in Asheville! Each neighborhood offers something unique. Wherever you choose to stay, Asheville’s charm and scenic beauty are sure to make for a memorable trip.  

(Featured Image Credit: Irina Moss / Shutterstock)