I’ve been visiting Asheville frequently these past few months thanks to a new business venture (which admittedly, is the reason for the hiatus on blogging). Asheville is a fun city with a great food, art, and so much history – it truly feels like a second home to me. I’ve stayed at a number of awesome downtown hotels over the last several months, but I’ve been anxiously counting down the days for the brand new Kimpton Arras to open.
“The changing of the leaves” season is a popular tourist time for downtown Asheville, The Biltmore Estate, and the surrounding scenic mountains. During the time of my visit, downtown hotel rates at my usual spots were skyrocket (we’re talking $949/night at the Foundry Hotel and $459 at Hyatt Place Asheville Downtown)! Luckily, the Kimpton Arras offered a $194 AAA rate ($123 military rate or 50,000 IHG points from the IHG Rewards Club Premier Card for comparison), so it was an opportune time to stay.
Located in the true heart of downtown Asheville on Patton Ave, the Kimpton Arras Hotel Downtown Asheville just opened weeks ago and features a total of 128 guest rooms and suites that feel like residential lofts. The modern decor tributes local artists, and there are plenty of unique touches specific to Asheville. All of the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping downtown and Blue Mountain views.
IHG Perks
Check-in was a breeze. Unfortunately there was no secret Kimpton password available during the time of my stay for extra goodies, but I did receive a call from the hotel the night before and was told that I was going to be upgraded to a suite for being an IHG Rewards Platinum member.
When I checked in, I was offered the option of a $10 “raid-the-mini-bar” credit or 500 IHG points. I opted for the $10 mini bar credit and treated myself to some gourmet Asheville popcorn. The hotel’s website also states that IHG rewards members also receive a $30 spa credit, but I didn’t take advantage of that perk.
One of my favorite things about staying in a Kimpton is the evening social hour featuring complimentary wine and snacks. The Kimpton Arras Hotel in Asheville offers a daily social hour in the lobby by the check-in desks from 5:00 to 6:00pm. As always, there’s also free bikes to borrow during your stay and complimentary tea and coffee served each morning.
The Room
I was assigned a suite on the fifth floor, and I was impressed with the room and the modern and stylish decor. Upon entry, there’s a mini bar to the right (featuring a bunch of local Asheville novelty snacks) and a bathroom straight ahead. The room has a divider separating the living room from the king bed, which was truly one of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept in.
The bathroom was wonderfully-appointed with a full size tub, shower (unfortunately with refillable amenities), and vanity area. The tub, however, had some neat C&Co products to take such as shower mist, bath oils, and bath salts.
Restaurants
There are two restaurants on the main floor of the hotel, District 42 and Bargello. District 42 offers casual fare and delicious craft cocktails (the “Endless Summer” is amazing if you love tropical rum drinks as much as I do, pictured below).
Bargello is a sit-down Mediterraean restaurant directly across from District 42 that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner offers made-to-order pizza, homemade pastas, and an array of other tasty dishes.
I had dinner with friends at Bargello and we all enjoyed the food and the reasonable prices. I ordered the beef tartare, the grilled Spanish octopus, and the bucatini cacio e pepe homemade pasta, and we finish by sharing the apple crostata for dessert.
Bottom Line
My stay at Kimpton Hotel Arras was impressive – even though the hotel has only been open for a short time, the service was genuine and there were absolutely no kinks or hiccups. The Kimpton brand genuinely makes me happy and I’m glad that Asheville now has a hip new place for me to stay while I’m in town.
Have you visited the Kimpton Arras yet? Feel free to share your thoughts!
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