Okay, Grove Park Inn IS gorgeous and in a class by itself, so I’ll say that other than GPI, Hotel Arras (https://www.hotelarras.com/), is currently the most beautiful hotel in Asheville.
As soon as my friend Barrie and I stepped inside, we were struck by gorgeous elevated design and attention to every detail. Their commitment to exceptional, unusual local art displayed throughout was a thing to behold.
We entered from Biltmore Avenue, but if you’re staying at the hotel and arrive by car, you’ll enter a small lobby area from the roof of the one story parking garage off Patton Ave. Check-in is at one of the two free-standing kiosks (for want of a better word).
Back to the Biltmore Ave. entrance. Upon entering, your eye first rests on what appears to be a Bonsai-type tree growing on a rock, placed on a table with roots for legs. From there, your eye is drawn beyond that table to a short hallway, the entrance of which is flanked by a stunning pair of bold art panels. Elevators are to the right and left, and large, beautiful, sculpted-looking leaves are hanging from the ceiling. Note the dark panels above the elevator doors reflecting the hanging leaves. Beautiful.
There are so many nice touches throughout Hotel Arras, here are just a few:
- All walls feature textured surfaces. We had to touch many of them to double check what our eyes were telling us.
- Hold your room key up to the elevator touch pad and tap the floor you want to go to. Voila! Step in and you’re taken to that floor.
- Ice is sealed in individual plastic bags and available in a small self-serve freezer on each floor.
- Windows open just enough to let fresh air in to your room if you choose.
- There’s a large, well equipped fitness center and massage room available for booking.
- They are super Pet Friendly, offering pet beds, treats, and even a ball for dogs to play with!
One of my favorite Asheville Restaurateur/Chefs, Peter Pollay, and his wife Martha, under the Mandara Hospitality Group banner, are behind the two independent lobby restaurants, Bargello and District 42.
“Bargello features Mediterranean-inspired fare with international influences. Experience hand-turned pastas, hearth-fired pizzas and whole preparations for sharing from Executive Chef Jordan Arace.”
District 42 is “a welcome gathering place, District 42 brings together warm hospitality and spirited cocktails at the vibrant center of downtown Asheville. Executive Chef Jordan Arace’s menu includes shareable plates perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee, casual lunch or unwinding with friends. Globally inspired small plates are meant to be shared with family, friends or colleagues.”
We swung left, heading for District 42’s bar for a drink . . . or two. The patio outside runs the length of the building, sports a great view of center of town action, the newly expanded/renovated Asheville Art Museum, and is completely glorious. We decided on hanging out at the bar this time because it was a little chilly outside.
Both restaurants are beautifully designed. Each in their own way exude welcoming, luxurious comfort.
Our cocktails were expertly crafted by friendly, attentive bartender, Savvy. And the garnishes were the freshest I’ve seen at any bar. On a fun note, Savvy used a tool called a Flavour Blaster to make a rosemary smoke-filled bubble on top of my Mountain Air cocktail. It’s their take on a French 75. Pop the bubble and watch that rosemary smoke swirl and settle on your drink.
https://youtu.be/jv7A5d_1w5c
A few notes on District 42:
- Craft cocktails range from $11 to $16, with a few served up in a glass dispenser for 2-4 or 6-8 people. Not sure what well drinks run.
- If you want to impress, or have the budget, order the 2oz spirit that goes for $350 (not a typo).
- There are a number of super-cozy seating areas and a raised “VIP” area (anyone can sit there) that’s also used as a stage for live music.
- Bar design was thoughtful with under-lighting, a few purse hooks, outlets, and lovely stools. As Barrie pointed out, they can use more purse hooks because you can’t hang most purses from the seat arms or backs.
- They serve small plates, and are open all day, 7 days a week.
- Wi-Fi is available.
Is Hotel Arras the most beautiful hotel in Asheville? I vote “yes”, but you should go for dinner, a drink, both, or spend the night, and see what you think.
Reposting a comment by Barrie here:
It truly was stunning. It’s hard to see in pictures the incredible quality of the details. Like she said, you just have to wander around and look and touch things. Every time we looked a slightly different direction, we saw more attention to exquisite detail. Even the details in the rooms. Artwork on shelving (not just mass produced “paintings” on the walls), wrapped yoga mat and umbrella in the closet along with the usual robes and slippers), a kicked up mini bar, rainfall showers plus a gorgeous rectangular deep tub with quality bath amenities (in the room we toured which was deemed “med-level”). The smaller meeting rooms had frosted sliding doors which kept the rooms private yet an open feel and again, with artwork. The tables had large comfy office chairs and there was a beautiful view out of the window. The fitness center was huge and had lots of exercise equipment and amenities you would never see at a typical hotel “gym”. Everything was a feast for the eyes!