We’ve been to Asheville plenty of times, but this trip felt different. We stayed at The Restoration Hotel, a boutique hotel right in downtown Asheville, NC, and honestly, it felt like part of the adventure instead of just the place we slept.
The Restoration Hotel: Boutique Hotel Downtown in Asheville
The hotel is downtown Asheville. You step outside and you’re already where you want to be.
The building used to be The Bank of Asheville, which gives it this old soul feeling, but inside it’s modern, comfortable, and just the right amount of fancy without being stuffy.
We loved that mix.
A Hotel With Personality
How do some hotels feel like they could be anywhere? This wasn’t that. The Restoration has its own thing going on.
The staff didn’t just hand us a key and move on. Our first greeting was from one of the kindest gentlemen, William. He was authentically welcoming and truly seemed as though he was ecstatic to welcome Rue and Bea (our pups).
Listen, anytime you call our gals, “lovelies” in a charming British accent, you have won us over!
Let’s be real, the dogs usually are the stars—little details like that stick with us.
Eating and Drinking Without Leaving the Hotel
We didn’t wander far for food or drinks because everything we wanted was right there.
The Observatory on the rooftop is a must. Drinks taste better when you’ve got mountain views, and we lingered there longer than planned.
The Watch is the main restaurant on the ground floor. It gave us an authentic taste of Asheville without leaving the building. They won us over with the truffle fries and burrata! OMG!
Downstairs, The Draftsman felt like the hangout spot. Bar food, local beers, games like pinball, skee ball, and even a small bowling lane.
Gerry ended up playing longer than he said he would, no surprise there.
One of the best parts of the day was the social hour from 5 to 6 pm in the lobby/library area. This place is the coziest in the hotel. So lovely!
Snacks, drinks, conversation, and, since the hotel is dog-friendly, the pups were right there with us. That hour set the tone for the night, and it felt relaxed instead of rushed.
Breakfast was the curveball, most charmingly.
We opened the door from our room in the morning to find a basket waiting for us: yogurt, fruit, pastries, and coffee.
Rue tried to stick her nose in before we brought it inside. We ended up eating in bed, which was the perfect slow start. We then proceeded to the terrace overlooking the nearby park and with a Blue Ridge Mountain view.
Why We’ll Choose The Restoration Hotel Again
Big hotels have their place, but a boutique stay like this feels personal. The Restoration got the little things right. The breakfast basket, the social hour, and the way the staff actually remembered our dogs’ names.
It all added up. It didn’t feel like a transaction. It felt like staying with people who wanted you to enjoy yourself.
Exploring Asheville From The Restoration
Being downtown made everything easy. There are so many things to do in Asheville.
We walked around exploring with Rue and Bea, wandered over to the River Arts District, took a pic with Dolly Parton and RuPaul (seriously), enjoyed a Ghost Tour, all without having to go far.
Asheville feels better when you feel like a local, and The Restoration made that possible.
The Restoration Left a Mark on Us
Our stay was filled with small but meaningful moments.
Rooftop sunsets, breakfast in a basket, games at The Draftsman, and plenty of cozy time with Rue and Bea.
That’s what we’ll remember when we think back on this trip. If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in downtown Asheville, NC, The Restoration should be on your list.
How to Book Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip to Asheville and want to experience The Restoration for yourself, booking is simple.
You can check current rates, availability, and special offers directly through The Restoration Hotel’s booking page.
We recommend reserving early, especially if you’re eyeing a weekend stay, since downtown Asheville fills up quickly.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they offer valet parking for a fee with unlimited in/out privileges.
Service animals are always welcome. Non-service animals are welcome with a fee per night. The best part? 20% of that fee is donated to the Asheville Humane Society to support local animals.
Hands down, The Observatory is the best place! If the weather permits, make sure you enjoy the open-air rooftop. If not, the indoor area has a botanical feel that still has the fantastic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
