Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites - Asheville-Biltmore Vlg Area

This modern Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites opened in July 2017, so everything here is contemporary and fresh. The design focuses on being functional and flexible, from the open-plan ground floor to rooms with movable desks. The lobby area has various seating areas with built-in charging ports, cozy gas fireplaces, and a business center. This space melds into the Bear Creek Tavern restaurant and bar, with booth, table, and high-top seating. Lots of guests opt for breakfast here, especially families since kids 18 and under eat and stay for free. Although neutral hues and generic restaurant seating feel chain-like, retro-inspired chairs, Asheville artwork, and stacked stone wall dividers add character. The atmosphere is busy in the mornings, but quiet during the day when the crowd of primarily tourists are out exploring the area. 

This hotel has an excellent location, particularly for travelers visiting the Biltmore Estate, as it's a quick six-minute drive away (or 22-minute walk). Biltmore Village, a collection of restaurants, shops, and fast-food outlets is a five-minute walk. Downtown Asheville can be reached in eight or so minutes by car, while the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center is a seven-minute drive. A big perk of this hotel is that is provides free shuttle service within a five-mile radius, so travelers can take it downtown for dinner or to nearby spots such as the city's many breweries. Asheville Regional Airport is about a 16-minute drive away.

The 117 rooms span five floors and are all done in a modern, pleasant style. Expect contemporary wood furniture with natural, gray, or houndstooth finishes, pale-yellow walls and curtains, comfy white linens, and orange-yellow chairs. Triangle-motif carpeting, chevron-patterned headboards, and multiple pieces of vibrant artwork add style. Rooms are well-equipped for business and leisure travelers, thanks to movable desks and rolling chairs, several USB ports and electric sockets, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers with free tea and coffee, and individually controlled AC and heating. Free Wi-Fi, closets with electronic safes, and dresser drawers are also provided. Some units have windows, while others offer furnished balconies -- though views are mediocre. Most bathrooms are on the small side, and they have either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, as well as free toiletries and hairdryers. Suites add sofa beds and living spaces.

This hotel has a decent array of features, starting with its indoor pool and adjacent hot tub. Both have chair lifts, and a wall of windows is lined with a few chairs. For loungers, guests will have to head out the doors to a small deck area surrounded by greenery. Next to the pool is a small 24-hour fitness center that has a handful of cardio machines, free weights, exercise balls, and yoga mats. Also on this floor are modern meeting spaces and an outdoor terrace with boxy contemporary wicker chairs and dining tables. For dining, Bear Creek Tavern serves buffet and a la carte breakfasts (for a fee). Kids 18 and under eat for free with a paying adult. The restaurant is closed for lunch, while dinner includes typical American fare. Many guests opt to take the free shuttle service (available within a five-mile radius of the hotel) downtown for meals. Wi-Fi is free, and there's a business center with printing services on-site. Outdoor and garage parking are available. Pets are not allowed.